The Windjammer Gam (and how to be a part of it!)
What the heck is a Gam, you ask? The term comes from the old whaling days—a social meeting between vessels at sea. Today, the annual Maine Windjammer Gam is exactly that and more: a spectacular raft-up of the entire fleet, taking place every year on the second Monday in June. The location stays secret until the day itself, determined by weather conditions and lively radio discussions between captains. But wherever the fleet gathers, the traditions remain the same. All the windjammers tie up side by side so guests can walk from boat to boat, exploring each historic vessel. Live music drifts across the water, and the captains lead everyone in the traditional grog toast to a successful sailing season. It’s the perfect way to kick off summer on the Maine coast.
Part of the appeal of the event is being on board and watching all the Windjammers sail into the same harbor, canvas filling the skies as in days of yore. Equally as impressive is watching the captains maneuver the ships together and watching the crews work as teams to help tie the boats together.
As evening sets in, the music starts. Professional musicians from across the fleet take center stage—bands like Reese Fulmer and the Carriage House Band or the Acadian Aces fill the harbor with sea shanties, folk songs, and traditional tunes that echo across the water. Guests mingle between boats, sharing stories and making new friends, while the setting sun paints the masts in golden light. It’s a celebration that brings together crews, captains, and passengers in a way that only happens once a year, when the entire windjammer community gathers as one.
2026 Windjammer Gam cruises
| Schooner American Eagle | June 7–12 (5 nights); $1377 | Windjammer Gam with Reese Fulmer & the Carriage House Band |
| Windjammer Angelique | June 7–13 (6 nights); $1649 | Windjammer Gam |
| Schooner Grace Bailey | June 7-13 (6 nights); $2265 | Windjammer Gam with live music |
| Schooner Heritage | June 6-10 (4 nights); $1300 | Windjammer Gam |
| Schooner J. & E. Riggin | June 4–9 (5 nights); $1480 | Windjammer Gam with Johnny & Brigid Reedy |
| Schooner Ladona | June 6-10 FULL | Windjammer Gam |
| Schooner Lewis R. French | June 6–11 (5 nights); $1325 | Windjammer Gam and photo cruise |
| Schooner Mary Day | June 7-11 (4 nights); $1498 | Windjammer Gam |
| Schooner Stephen Taber | June 6-10 (4 nights); $1248 | Windjammer Gam with live music |
Categories: Sailing Events, Specialty cruises
