sailboats in maine

Click to view current models

Yacht Service

Click to view our yards

Pre-Owned Hinckley Yacht Brokerage

Click here to view our pre-owned sail and powerboat listings

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Boating State * Outside US / Canada Alabama Alaska Alberta Arizona Arkansas California - North California - South Colorado Connecticut Delaware District Of Columbia Florida - East Coast Florida - West Coast Gulf Coast Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Manitoba Maryland Massachusetts - North of Boston Massachusetts - Boston and South Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Brunswick New Hampshire New Jersey - North of Sandy Hook New Jersey - South of Sandy Hook New Mexico New York - Great Lakes New York - Coastal North Carolina North Dakota Nova Scotia Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania - East Pennsylvania - West Puerto Rico Rhode Island Saskatchewan South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virgin Islands Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Sign up for an account

Already have an account? Log in

Login to continue

Don't have an account yet? Sign Up

Forgot your password?

Log in | Sign Up

Sailboats for sale in Maine

• Sailboat Listings
• United States
• Catalina (33)
• Pearson (24)
• Hunter (24)
• Beneteau (18)
• O'Day (14)
• Custom (12)
• C&C (11)
• Morgan (11)
• Capital Yachts (10)
• Macgregor (10)
• Island Packet (8)
• Jeanneau (7)
• Hobie Cat (6)
• J Boats (6)
• American (6)
• Pacific Seacraft (5)
• Cape Dory (5)
• Bavaria (5)
• Bristol (5)
• Islander (4)
• Ericson (4)
• Watkins (4)
• Cheoy Lee (4)
• Precision (4)
• Hans Christian (4)
• Performance Cruising (3)
• Westerly (3)
• Vagabond (3)
• Formosa (3)
• Young Sun (3)
• West Wight Potter (3)
• General Boats (3)
• Van de Stadt (3)
• Westsail (2)
• Sparkman & Stephens (2)
• Passport (2)
• Endeavour (2)
• Canadian Sailcraft (2)
• Leopard (2)
• Challenger (2)
• Bayfield (2)
• Freedom (2)
• Colin Archer (2)
• Coronado (2)
• Camper Nicholsons (1)
• Sea Eagle (1)
• Force 5 (1)
• Flying Scot (1)
• Taswell (1)
• Sovereign (1)
• Intrepid (1)
• Dragonfly (1)
• Sailboat Trailer (1)
• Ontario (1)
• Windrider (1)
• Columbia (1)
• Nautor Swan (1)
• Endurance (1)
• Wellington (1)
• Valiant (1)
• Hallberg Rassy (1)
• Caliber (1)
• Stevens (1)
• Wauquiez (1)
• Ron Holland Gibbs Marine (1)
• Farrier (1)
• Contest (1)
• Seidelmann (1)
• Gulfstar (1)
• Cascade (1)
• Palmer Johnson (1)
• Admiral (1)
• Nauticat (1)
• Durbeck (1)
• Seafarer (1)
• Corsair (1)
• Soverel (1)
• Ta Shing (1)
• Bruce Roberts (1)
• Southern Cross (1)
• Lord Nelson (1)
• Ocean Cruising (1)
• Downeaster (1)
• United States (342)
• Canada (16)
• Caribbean (16)
• Mexico (14)
• French Polynesia (4)
• Guatemala (3)
• Colombia (2)
• Belgium (1)
• Croatia (1)
• Germany (1)
• Portugal (1)

17 listings found

• Featured First
• Price: Low to High
• Price: High to Low
• Year: Oldest to Newest
• Year: Newest to Oldest
• Length: Short to Long
• Length: Long to Short
• Date Added: Newest
• Date Added: Oldest
• Recently Sold

1978 S2 30 | Trinity heart Boothbay Harbor, Maine, United States

1987 Island Packet 38 | Lost Horizon Stockton Springs, Maine, United States

1974 Ocean Cruising 31 | Pirhana Rockport, Maine, United States

1980 Custom 36 | Alisande Brooksville, Maine, United States

1979 Union 36 | Sea Sisters Eliot, Maine, United States

1984 O'Day 29 South Portland, Maine, United States

1966 Pearson 28 Durham , Maine, United States

1989 Hylas 44 | Alliance Rockland, Maine, United States

1978 S2 30 | Trinity heart Portland, Maine, United States

1981 Capital Yachts 31 | Summertime South Portland, Maine, United States

Looking to sell your sailboat.

Post your sailboat for free and find a buyer.

1972 Irwin 32 | Solstice Stockton Springs, Maine, United States

1974 Sparkman & Stephens 38 | Natalia South Berwick, Maine, United States

1981 Pearson 42 | WINDESSA Eliot, Maine, United States

1973 Camper Nicholsons 35 | SKYE Harpswell, Maine, United States

1970 Tartan 34 Westport, Maine, United States

1970 Pearson 26 | NautiDog Deer Isle, Maine, United States

1982 Pearson 32.3 | Aotea Topsham, Maine, United States

Your Guide to the BEST Maine Sailing Tours | Windjammers, Sailboats, & Schooner Tours

Everyone knows that Maine has a stunning coastline and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean from pristine beaches to rugged cliff walks. But, have you ever considered seeing Maine from the water? Set sail on an exciting adventure on one of the best Maine sailing tours onboard a windjammer, sailboat, or schooner.

We think it’s the best way to view the Maine coast , and what could be more exhilarating than setting sail out of a Maine harbor aboard a tall-masted schooner? Down the coastline from the Downeast & Acadia region to the Southern Maine Coast , there are so many sailing excursions to choose from.

The best part? You can sit back and relax while someone else does the sailing and navigating. Or, you may lend a hand and hoist a sail if you prefer. There’s no better way to experience the beauty of Maine than on a historic sailing trip, so check out these options for your next visit to Maine.

Downeast & Acadia Sailing Tours

Downeast windjammer cruise lines.

If you’re looking for a variety of options for sailing, Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines in Bar Harbor has you covered. Offering a Sunset Sail, a Morning Sail, and an Afternoon Sail, there’s a wonderful experience no matter the time of day. Each sail has its own vibe.

The Sunset Sail is the most popular cruise that Downeast offers. It includes live folk music, beer, and wine for sale. Or, enjoy sailing in Frenchman Bay during the Morning Sail, which is more relaxed but still offers breathtaking views of Acadia National Park .

The Afternoon Sail is perfect for those looking for a narration during the sail. The captain will point out points of interest, regale you with the local history, and discuss wildlife.

No matter the sail, you can bring a picnic of snacks along, and most sails are pet-friendly.

Downeast Sailing Adventures

Southwest Harbor

Step aboard the Real Maine for an unforgettable experience sailing around the Cranberry Islands, Acadia, and Somes Sound. This tour will take you by lighthouses, past gorgeous homes on the shore, and by working fishing boats.

Book a private charter or a group day sailing adventure for up to six passengers. Downeast Sailing Adventures has daily sails on its 33-foot boat Surprise and its 38-foot boat Swan .

Sail Acadia

Northeast Harbor & Southwest Harbor

Sail Acadia offers trips out of two harbors, Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor . Sailing trips can be either shared or privately chartered. Private charters can be catered to your preferences with sailing instructions or a stop at an island for a picnic included.

Book a morning sail for calm waters with gentle sea breezes and good opportunities to view local wildlife. The morning sail is suggested for first-timers and children.

Or, book an afternoon sail for stronger winds that will make the sailboat cruise faster. This sail typically sees seals along the route, and the captain will often give a narration of the wildlife and history of the area.

Another option is a sunset sail for a romantic experience. This sail will have you seeing gorgeous sunset views on calm waters.

Schooner Tours in MidCoast Maine

Schooner stephen taber.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive overnight experience, book a sail aboard the 150-year-old Stephen Taber . Each sail includes accommodations in one of 12 cabins, meals, wine (on evening sails), a lobster bake and barbecue on the beach, and evening entertainment.

Guests can choose from a themed trip or a private charter from Rockland Maine . Themed trips are a lot of fun and span from three to six nights, depending on your preference.

Enjoy trips such as Culinary Explorations; ‘Wine, Dine, and Chocolate;’ Yacht Racing Regatta; Penobscot Bay’s Hidden Gems; and more. These trips are sure to be memorable experiences, and by the end of the trips, you’ll feel like family with the other guests on board.

Here are more MidCoast Maine boat tours that are part of the Maine Windjammer Association like the Schooner Stephen Taber : Schooner American Eagle | Captain Tyler King | Rockland, ME Windjammer Angelique | Captain Dennis Gallant & Candace Kuchinski | Camden ME Schooner Grace Bailey | Captain Sam Sikkema | Rockland, ME Schooner Heritage | Captains Sean Grims & Ben Welzenbach | Rockland, ME Schooner Ladona | Captain J.R. Braugh  | Rockland, ME Schooner Lewis R. French | Captain Becky Wright and Nathan Sigouin | Camden, ME Schooner Mary Day | Captain Barry King and Jen Martin | Camden, ME

A Morning in Maine

If you’re strapped for time and want a shorter sail, A Morning in Maine’s sailing trips are a wonderful experience. The two-hour sailing adventures take place aboard a 55-foot ketch that passes lighthouses and other schooners.

The morning trip is perfect for those looking for calm sailing. The mid-afternoon sail has windier conditions for a faster sail. Evening and sunset sails feature beautiful sunset views and a relaxing ride. Guests are often given the chance to try to steer the boat as well.

Schooner Surprise

The Schooner Surprise has been sailing for over 105 years, with 30 of those years setting sail out of Camden Maine . Guests can book a two-hour sail with views of the lighthouse, summer houses and views of Penobscot Bay .

These family-friendly sails let guests, including children, take the wheel while out at sea. Special sails include a Full Moon Sail that features live music during sunset and a trip lasting two hours into the night. Or, book a fireworks view sail or a Birding and Marine Life Tour with an ornithologist.

Portland & Casco Bay Sailing Tours

Portland schooner co..

Portland Schooner Co. sets sail from Portland Maine and cruises through Casco Bay for a delightful trip along the coastline and past lighthouses and ocean life, like seals. On the two-hour sail, bring your own picnic and even alcoholic beverages for a relaxing, scenic time on the water.

These sails are perfect for all ages. Sails take place throughout the day on one of the five historic wooden schooners. The sails are relaxing and do not include narration, but the crew is available to answer any questions that guests may have.

Maine Sailing Adventures

Maine Sailing Adventures offers traditional two-hour and themed sails through Casco Bay . What sets it apart from other sailing companies is its unique themed sails. Try an acoustic sail that features live music. Or, try a wine sail that includes a wine tasting for adults.

Have you ever heard of a yoga sail? This ship can accommodate up to 12 guests for a yoga class that you won’t experience anywhere else. Enjoy amazing views of the water while working on your poses.

Sail Portland Maine

If you’re looking for an intimate sailing adventure, Sail Portland Maine has you covered. Guests can choose a private charter or a public trip. The public trips’ capacity is 12 people, so you know that your sail won’t be too crowded.

Day and sunset trips are two hours in length and pass by all of the famous Casco Bay features — like historic forts, lighthouses, and if you’re lucky to spot them, seals. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, while bottled water is complimentary on board.

Schooner Tours on the Southern Maine Coast

The pineapple ketch.

Kennebunkport

There’s no better way to see the Kennebunk River than sailing on it. The Pineapple Ketch departs from Nonantum Resort for a dazzling trip along the river and the Kennebunkport coastline.

You’ll see gorgeous seasonal cottages, including the famous cottage of President George H.W. Bush. Enjoy views of the Goat Island Lighthouse, local harbors, seabirds, and seals.

Each sail includes complimentary bottled water and sodas, but guests are also welcome to bring their own food and beverages.

Silverlining Sailing

Silverlining Sailing offers one of the most intimate sails in Ogunquit Maine . Each boat has the capacity for up to six passengers, making for a small group sail. Sails typically last two hours, departing from the quaint Perkins Cove village.

There are five trips daily (weather permitting) from early morning through to a sunset sail in the evening. Enjoy stunning ocean views, gorgeous waterfront homes, views of local beaches, and harbors.

Since this is a smaller group sail, guests get the opportunity to try their hand at taking the wheel and steering the schooner.

Broad Reach Adventures

Broad Reach Adventures has two-hour sails, half-day and full-day sails, and chartered sails from Saco Maine , so there’s a sail to accommodate your busy schedule.

Each one allows guests to see beautiful views of the Saco River, Saco Bay, Biddeford Pool, Old Orchard Beach , and lighthouses along the way. Longer sails provide guests with the opportunity to disembark and explore uninhabited islands.

A unique feature that Broad Reach Adventures offers is the opportunity to add a massage or professional photographer. These experiences are available on certain dates and times, so book ahead if you’re interested in these add-ons.

Sailing Lessons & Boat Rentals

If you want to learn to sail, sailing instruction is often available as part of your charter package.  Private charters  of sailboats on the Maine coast allow experienced sailors to explore the coastline on their own.

Private sailors will find  hotel marinas  for lodging in Maine’s best harbors. If you time your sailing cruise right, you might witness seals, porpoises, whales, or other tall ships.

Watching the sunrise from the deck of a schooner is one of life’s simplest, most satisfying pleasures. Of course, the spectacular Maine scenery is always included on your sail.

Set Sail on Sailboat & Schooner Tours From Maine This Season

Now that you know about all of the sailing trip options, it’s time to set sail into the open waters of Maine. From two-hour trips of the bays and harbors to overnight excursions, there’s an experience awaiting you on your next getaway.

Each Maine sailing company offers its own unique trips aboard safe, well-maintained schooners. Relax, unwind, and feel the ocean breeze in your hair as you cruise through the lapping waves of Maine’s Atlantic shoreline.

The VisitMaine.Net team is the small team of authors and editors that research and write our in-depth guides throughout the site and update past articles to make sure they're still super valuable to you. We have one goal: to help you fall more in love with the state of Maine!

Similar Posts

Sunday River Ski Resort | The Fun Uncle of Maine Skiing

If all the Maine ski resorts and mountains were a big family, then Sunday River would be the fun uncle. The resort brings skiing…

Maine’s Scenic Plane Rides, Glider Rides, And Biplanes

Imagine seeing Maine’s coast with a bird’s eye view. Maine is home to several air tour companies that offer just that – scenic flights…

13 BEST Places to Visit in Maine During Summer

Looking for a spot to spend the summer in Maine? Add one or more of these best places to visit in Maine during summer…

The ULTIMATE Guide to Wells Maine | 40+ Best Things to Do, See, & Experience

Tucked in between Kennebunkport and Ogunquit on Maine’s southern coast, Wells Maine is the third oldest town in Maine and is a paradise for…

BEST Christmas Events in Maine This Year

In the heart of Maine’s frost-kissed wonderland, the holiday spirit descends like a gentle snowfall, casting a magical glow over the pine-laden landscapes and…

Real Estate in Maine

Maine’s license plate says “Vacationland”. This is the oldest license plate motto, celebrating over 75 years in circulation. The north easternmost state is known…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

VisitMaine.Net – The unofficial guide to exploring the great state of Maine. Not affiliated with any official tourism entities.

Copyright VisitMaine.Net 2023 Images Courtesy Greg and Heather Burke unless otherwise noted.

Explore, Discover The Ocean

NorthPoint Yacht Charters arranges sailing and power boat cruising charters in Maine and Northern New England.

• Charter Gallery

Enjoy The Ocean With Your Family

NorthPoint Yacht Charters offers a wide variety of boats owned and managed by individual owners including both power and sailboats from 28-80 feet.

• How To Charter

Charter with NorthPoint Yacht Charters

Both bareboat and crewed charters are available. We also offer transportation, concierge services, bed and breakfasts, custom itineraries, provisioning, catering as well as special events. We are proud of our boats and take the extra time to make sure that your cruise will be pleasurable and trouble free.

About NorthPoint Yacht Charters

Welcome to the 2024 Charter Season

NorthPoint Yacht Charters arranges sailing and power boat cruising charters in Maine, Northern New England and the Canadian Maritimes. We offer a wide variety of boats owned and managed by individual owners including both power and sailboats from 28-80 feet.

Both bareboat and crewed charters are available. We also offer transportation, concierge services, bed and breakfasts, custom itineraries, provisioning, catering as well as special events.  We are proud of our boats and take the extra time to make sure that your cruise will be pleasurable and trouble free. 

Announcements

Luxury yachts.

Select from wide variety of boats including both power and sailboats 20-80 feet:

View Gallery

Capricia (Crewed) Alden 54 with Captain 54‘

TBD/ Includes Captain

TIMELESS Offshore Motor Yacht 62 62' 62‘

from $28,500 /wk

Sweetness Cape Dory 36 36‘

Defiant Morgan 43 43‘

Tailwind Sabre 36 36‘

Andromeda Sabre 30 30‘

Presence J/35 35‘

Thira Catalina 30 30‘

View Full Charter Gallery

What Customers are Saying...

KOAN performed beautifully. …. The engine runs great . MC

Our charter of Blue Goose two was excellent. She is the only boat I have ever charter or used including my own that there was nothing to fix. She was very clean, well outfitted with towels, linens and basic condiments.

We had a great cruise on Alliance. We visited Pulpit, Castine, NE Harbor, Seal Harbor (Vinalhaven), Islesboro and Tenants. RE

Get In Touch With Us

NorthPoint Yacht Charters arranges sailing and power boat cruising charters, we offer a wide variety of boats owned and managed by individual owners including both power and sailboats from 28-80 feet.

• Crewed Charters
• Experience Resume
• Charter Resouces
• Charter FAQs

• Click to Link to Our New Website

Stuart Marine Corp.

• Specifications
• 2016 Packages
• Boatbuilding Pictures
• Option Index
• Rhodes Sailboats
• Deck Level Options
• Rigging Options
• Covers & Cushions
• Painted Trailers
• Galvanized Trailers
• Convenience Packs
• Tohatsu Motors
• Nissan Motors
• Yard Services
• Gel Coat Colors
• Parts List .pdf
• Documents & Awards
• Mid-boom Sheeting
• Jib Sheeting
• Mast Rig (1959-81)
• Mast Rig (1982- )
• Rudder - Keel Model
• Rudder - C/B Model
• Centerboard
• Wood (1959-81)
• Wood (1982- )
• O'day Rhodes 19 Keel 1959-1981 PARTS ORDER FORM
• O'day Rhodes 19 C/B 1959-1981 PARTS ORDER FORM
• Stuart Rhodes 19 Keel 1982-Pres PARTS ORDER FORM
• Stuart Rhodes 19 C/B 1982-Present PARTS ORDER FORM
• Replacement Parts
• Repair Pictures
• Transportation
• Timbers & Frames
• Keel & C/B
• Bottom Painting
• Deck Options
• Mast & Rigging
• Bright Woodwork
• Gelcoat & Paint
• Rudder & Tiller
• Sail Repairs
• Outboard Motors
• • Keel Model
• • C/B Model
• Mariner Sailboats
• Mariner List .pdf
• Spars & Rigging (1962 - 1968)
• Spars & Rigging (1969 - 1971)
• Spars & Rigging (1972 - 1980)
• Spars & Rigging (1980 - 1981)
• Spars & Rigging (1982 - Present)
• Wood Parts (1962 - 1968)
• Wood Parts (1969 – 1971)
• Wood Parts (1972 – Present)
• FRP Hatch Covers
• Covers & Cushions (1962-1968)
• Covers & Cushions (1969-1971)
• Covers & Cushions (1972 - Present)
• Galvanized Tailers
• O'day Mariner 1962-1968 PARTS ORDER FORM
• O'day Mariner 1969-1971 PARTS ORDER FORM
• O'day Mariner 1972-1980 PARTS ORDER FORM
• Stuart Mariner 1982-Present PARTS ORDER FORM
• Repair Pricing
• Trailers & Dollys
• JC 9 & Stuart 9 List .pdf
• Special Offer
• Used Boat Sales History
• Used Part Sales History
• • Website Admin
• Boatshop & Beyond Pics
• NE Boat Show Pix
• US Sailboat Show Pix
• • SMC Brochure .pdf
• Parts Information
• Boat Repairs

New Rhodes 19 Sailboat

Stuart Marine Corp. is located on Penobscot Bay in coastal Rockland, Maine.

We opened the business in 1982 to manufacture the classic O'day Rhodes 19 and Mariner one-design sailboats; and have grown during three decades into a premier builder of power and sail boats under twenty-five feet in length.

We handcraft each boat from start to finish in our clean and efficient boat building facility.

All our Stuart boats are constructed with traditional hand laminated fiberglass composites, unsinkable foam flotation, double-hull construction, and proven name brand material suppliers.

These high standards work together to guarantee the exceptional quality, value, durability, and reliable demand for Stuart Marine Corp. boats and services.

Rhodes 19 Sailboat Sailing on Penobscot Bay, Maine

Mariner Sailboat Sailing on Puget Sound, Washington

JC 9 Dinghy Harbor Sailing on Nantucket Sound, Massachusetts

Stuart 19 Powerboat Docked on the Hudson River, New York

Dump out your bucket list.

This is the adventure you’ve been looking for..

Windjamming is, quite literally, like nothing else on Earth. By turns exhilarating, relaxing, surprising, and nurturing, it’s like no other vacation you’ve ever experienced.

Wake up to the quiet solitude of Maine’s coast, find renewal in the wind and sun, and surprise yourself as you help steer the ship. Aboard our vessels, with itineraries tossed to the wind, our guests find both a spark of adventure and time to reflect.

Is there a sailor in your soul?

Welcome to the Maine Windjammer Association – the largest fleet of traditional tall ships in the Americas. Our iconic windjammers offer multi-day, all-inclusive, sailing adventure cruises in one of the most acclaimed cruising grounds in the world.

When you sail aboard a Maine Windjammer Association vessel, you can be sure that your hosts hold themselves to the highest standards of safety and quality. As your captain and guide they will treat you to honest, heartfelt Maine hospitality and personalized attention.  Explore our fleet and offerings to find your perfect cruise.

The Windjamming Experience

Simply put, windjamming is about reconnecting with our essential enjoyment of life. It’s about gorgeous scenery, human connection, soul-nourishing meals, and taking time for both adventure and reflection. Our playground is the sparkling sea and the spruce-clad granite islands that rise from it.

Whether you join us for a three-night cruise or a week, we promise you a total escape from the ordinary. Be prepared to get closer than you ever have before to breathtaking wildlife like eagles, seals and porpoises, to visit some of North America’s most spectacular coastal scenery, charming villages and unspoiled islands, and to savor the freshest, fire-cooked Downeast fare. With only 16-31 guests on our ships, you’ll experience the kind of honest, heartfelt hospitality that keeps our guests coming back year after year.

Welcome to the only place in the world where schooners play in abundance. Where steady breezes, glittering bays, and literally thousands of islands make Penobscot Bay one of the most revered cruising grounds on earth.

On our small ship cruises, we have complete liberty to explore secret anchorages, remote fishing villages, and charming gallery towns. Schooners have been an intrinsic part of the Maine Coast for centuries, and there is something very special about rounding the point and arriving at anchorage under sail. Come touch this culturally distinct, pristine and physically breathtaking part of America.

Explore by Schedule

Use our cruise finder below to explore sailing options that fit your schedule. If your dates are flexible, or you just want to learn more, visit our fleet page and each vessel’s website. Reservations can be made directly with the Windjammer of your choice. Have fun exploring! Whichever vessel you choose, you are sure to have the sailing adventure of a lifetime.

Find My Trip

Best ever bucket list item! Absolutely wonderful Captain & Crew which made the whole experience a 5 star bucket list event for me. Sailing on an antique vessel was thrilling and boy could the crew make her preform!

Stay in the Know

With our monthly newsletter, you’ll receive tips and hints from folks who have sailed as well as information about the best dining and attractions the area has to offer, special packages, windjammer history, events, and more!

You can request a mailed or digital packet of brochures, or you can find individual ships’ brochures under each listing on the fleet page.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. We recommend Google Chrome.

• Marina Services
• Power Charters

Sailing Charters

• Charter Resume
• Testimonials
• Charter Cruise Plan
• Day Boat Rentals

All of Buck’s Harbor Marina’s charter boats are fully equipped for Maine cruising, and all of them reside right in our very own Buck’s Harbor in Hancock County, Maine.

Availability and charter rates will vary depending on the time of year:

High Season

Fri. June 1st to Mon. September 4th  (Labor Day)

Low Seasons Mon. September 4th (Labor Day) to Sunday October 15th(Close)

Listed rates are for a standard week of 7 nights, briefings/departure 2 pm to 10 am on the return date.

Your sailboat charter will include a helpful pre-charter briefing, all necessary toiletries, custom itineraries, and lots of fun!

• Boat Type 23' Pearson Ensign
• Rate $200/day, $1,200 Week

ANTARES is a classic 23-foot Ensign class sailboat. She’s fast, stable and easy to handle. Great for a day of casual small-boat sailing with friends. Rent this sailing charter out for the week while you vacation in Maine. You can even hire a captain and go for an exciting day sail!

Rent the best Maine sailboats

• Sailboat Rentals
• Maine Sailboat Rentals

Our top sailboat rentals

Rockland, ME

Scenic Sailing Experience in Penobscot Bay!

How to rent a sailboat in maine, find the perfect boat.

Enter your desired location and date to explore our fleet of sailboats.

Select a captain

Choose to drive yourself or select a USCG licensed captain.

Book with ease

Connect with your boat owner and complete your booking online.

Enjoy your day on the water with friends and family!

Why Boatsetter?

As the global leader in peer-to-peer boat rentals, Boatsetter offers an easy, safe and accessible way to experience on-the-water adventure. With boat rentals in 600+ locations, finding a boat is easy and with the option to tap into the largest network of USCG licensed captains, boating experience is not required.

Get out on the water worry-free, knowing our insurance covers every boating trip

Choosing the right boat rental platform is essential to your peace of mind while on the water. That's why we've gone the extra mile to focus on safety through our exclusive partnership with GEICO Marine and BoatUS. As the first and only boat rental marketplace to offer insurance on every peer-to-peer rental, you are protected during all rentals with insurance coverage and on-water assistance through TowBoatUS.

Got questions?

Frequently asked questions

What makes Boatsetter different from other boat rental platforms?

What makes Boatsetter different is peace of mind. Boatsetter is the first and only boat rental marketplace to offer insurance on every peer-to-peer boat rental. We know choosing the right boat rental platform is essential to your experience while on the water. That's why we've gone the extra mile to focus on safety through our exclusive partnership with GEICO Marine and BoatUS. As the first and only boat rental marketplace to offer insurance on every peer-to-peer rental, you are protected during all rentals with insurance coverage and on-water assistance through TowBoatUS.

How to rent a boat on Boatsetter?

At Boatsetter, our mission is to make getting out on the water as easy as possible. With our intuitive booking system, you can rent a boat as soon as today. -First, you must determine your budget and the type of boat you want to rent. -Next, decide where you would like to boat and the kind of boat you would like to spend the day on. -Finally, determine if you will be needing a boat captain and reach out to the boat owner. That’s it! You’re officially on your way to a fantastic day out on the water.

How much does it cost to rent a boat?

The cost to rent a boat depends on whether you are renting for a half-day or a full day, the boat features and the boat size can impact your boat rental price. Rental prices can range from $200 to $1,000 plus depending on the boat rental itself and the length of time of the rental.

How many people can fit on the boat rental?

The number of people who can fit on boat rental largely depends on the boat’s size and how many life jackets are on board. Currently the coast guard allows a maximum of 10-12 people on a Boatsetter boat rental.

How much does it cost to rent a yacht?

The cost of renting a yacht depends on the boat’s size and the amount of time you’ll use the yacht. The onboard amenities and luxurious accommodations also dictate the price. You can contact our yacht specialists for a custom quote by visiting https://www.boatsetter.com/luxury-yacht-charters .

How old do you have to be to rent a boat?

You must be 18 years old to rent a captained boat and 25 years old if you would like to rent a bareboat charter.

Do I need a boating license to rent a boat?

Boating license requirements vary from state to state. As a renter, you are responsible for understanding local state requirements.

Can you rent a yacht for the day?

Boatsetter allows you to rent a yacht for the day. Single-day yacht rentals are available for a select number of yachts. To chat with a yacht specialist please visit https://www.boatsetter.com/luxury-yacht-charters .

Can you rent a yacht for the week?

Boatsetter allows its customers to rent a yacht for the week. Renting a yacht for a week gives you more access to the wide range of yachts available on our platform. You can either book a rental directly through the site or connect with one of our charter specialists to plan your trip here: https://www.boatsetter.com/luxury-yacht-charters .

Can you rent a yacht for the month?

Booking a month-long yacht rental is a detailed and hands-off process when working with our team of yacht charter specialists. We tailor each yacht charter to our client's specific wants and needs. Our luxury yacht charter specialists can be reached at (954) 715-4114 or by visiting https://www.boatsetter.com/luxury-yacht-charters .

How to rent a private yacht?

Renting a private yacht is a very detailed experience that caters to your exact needs while onboard one of our luxury yachts. To plan your private yacht rentals experience please visit https://www.boatsetter.com/luxury-yacht-charters .

How much does it cost to rent a pontoon boat?

The cost of renting a pontoon boat depends on the size, location, and rental time of the boat. Prices can range anywhere from $200 for a half-day rental or just under a $1,000 for longer rentals.

How much does it cost to charter a yacht?

The cost to charter a yacht varies depending on the boat size and the length of the charter. Prices typically range from less than $1,000 to $5,000 plus if you’re wanting to charter the yacht overnight.

How much does it cost to rent a boat for the day?

The cost of renting a boat for the day on average ranges from $200 to $1200. The cost to rent a boat varies depending on the size of the boat and the length of time that you will be using the boat.

How does the boat insurance work?

Boat insurance typically covers loss caused by things such as fire, sinking, storms, and collisions. The extent of the coverage varies depending on the policy.

Do I need my own insurance to rent a boat?

You do not need boat insurance when renting with Boatsetter. Coverage is provided under the Peer-to-Peer Boat Rental Policy, which is underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. The policy was written from the ground up as a stand-alone recreational boat rental insurance policy covering the period of time that the boat is being rented and is available for all non-commercially insured boats.

Does Boatsetter screen renters?

Yes. We use a system called Cognito to ensure that payment information matches the renter's identity. We also require renters taking out a captained boat to be at least 18 years old and on a bareboat to be at least 25 years old.

Is listing my boat on Boatsetter free?

Yes! Listing a boat is completely free. We only take a commission when your boat is rented. We only make money when you do!

What if I'm not comfortable having a renter drive my boat?

If you are not comfortable having a renter drive your boat, we have an expansive network of licensed and experienced captains. Once your boat is listed, you can filter through our network of captains and favorite captains in your area that you would like to operate your boat.

Top destinations for sailboat rentals

Top sailboat rentals reviews in Maine

Scenic Sailing...

Darren and Amanda are first class across the board: everything about our 4-day charter was spectacular. Lovely,...

Sailboat Rentals in Maine

Browse by make.

Browse by experience

Own a sailboat?

Boatsetter lets you make money renting out your sailboat. Peace of mind and insurance is included in every rental, and you choose who rents your sailboat.

Ready to set sail?

Search and find the perfect boat.

Need assistance?

Get in touch with one of our success experts.

Sailing daily from Fore Points Marina beginning in May 2024!

Relax and enjoy the best views of Portland aboard Nautilus

Grab your favorite bottle of wine and step aboard for an experience you'll always remember. Sail past lighthouses, the historic Fort Gorges, and learn about the rich history of Portland Harbor from our seasoned and passionate crew.

Sail Casco Bay with Us

Book a sailing adventure for a day trip, sunset cruise or your own private charter in Portland, Maine!

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Morning Sail

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Afternoon Sail

$80 per Person | $450 Private Charter

Public sails depart daily to explore Maine’s diverse and scenic Portland Harbor.

Choose our first trip for a calm morning outing, or join us in the afternoon when the wind picks up. Get on the water with Nautilus Sailing Company for a uniquely memorable Portland, Maine excursion.

SUNSET SAILS

6:00 - 8:00 PM | Sunset Sail

Fall Hours May Vary

$95 per Person | $550 Private Charter

Public sunset sails depart each evening to enjoy golden hour views of Maine’s diverse and scenic Portland Harbor.

Bring your camera and favorite cocktail and get on the water with Nautilus Sailing Company to enjoy the best sunset views of Portland, Maine.

CUSTOM CHARTERS

Starting at $450 |  Call for a Quote

From intimate wedding ceremonies, to memorable anniversary celebrations, to unique bachelor and bachelorette parties, to corporate outings, our private charters are fully customizable to meet your needs.

Call to plan your ideal Portland Harbor sail charter and make your next special event epic!

BOOKING CALENDAR

Have a date in mind? View our Booking Calendar below:

Designed and built to look and feel like the sailing vessels of days gone by, our 37' ketch Nautilus perfectly combines traditional form and modern function.

With a large cockpit and wide cabin tops, you'll find plenty of comfortable seating options for all. The spacious cabin offers ample space for lounging, eating, or a brief respite from the elements. The galley has all the amenities of home, including an ice box and stove, and there is also a large head with push button facilities-- everything you need to create your ideal Portland excursion. Join us! We're certain you'll be glad you did.

Step aboard the sailboat Nautilus and experience the real magic of Casco Bay.

Relax and unwind as we silence the motor and let the wind take us sailing past lighthouses, between the islands, past historic forts, and even alongside playful porpoise and seals. With Captain Nick or Captain Sam  as your seasoned guide, sit back and enjoy the view while you learn about our treasured Maine coast.

Find Your Next Boat

Our boats are built on a maritime heritage other places only read about. A sense of pride, integrity and craftsmanship that runs from Kittery to Eastport.

A Maine-built boat doesn’t just come from the state of Maine. It comes from a state of mind that’s all but disappeared.

Sail, power. Wood, composite. Custom, production. Find your Maine-built boat.

Explore the world or your small oasis within it. From trailerable center consoles to bluewater trawlers, view Maine-built powerboats. SEE MAINE-BUILT POWERBOATS.

It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. Find a custom-built cruiser or a local fleet racer built here on Maine’s coast. SEE MAINE-BUILT SAILBOATS.

Fishing Boats

Mainers know fishing boats better than anyone else — whether it’s a traditional lobster hull or an offshore tuna-fishing machine. SEE MAINE-BUILT FISHING BOATS.

Current Builds & Refits

Calvin beal 42.

Farrin’s Boat Shop is currently working on a Calvin Beal 42, which is fitted out as a patrol boat for the Maine Department of Marine Resources.

Custom 41-Foot Dayboat

Front Street Shipyard of Belfast is building a custom 41-foot powerboat that will be completed and launched in 2022.

SACHEM by Buxton Boats

A Maine-built boat that’s spent her life ferrying families back and forth from Maine’s islands, SACHEM is undergoing a refit with Buxton Boats of Stonington.

Launch a dream.

Where do dreams come from? From out of the fog and the deep waters off a rocky coastline. From the inspiration of four centuries of tradition. And from working in partnership with artisans who know that if something’s not exactly right, it’s hopelessly wrong. Don’t cheat on your dream.

Service & Refit Yards

Make your boat new again. Meet the Maine craftspeople who not only build boats, but re-build, re-power, and upgrade boats.

View Refit & Repair Yards

Suppliers & Supporters

We can’t do it alone. We rely on a network of suppliers and specialists who ensure we have the equipment, parts, and technology to build the world’s best boats.

View Suppliers & Services

See them in Action

You’ve got to see it to believe it. Watch videos of boats under construction and performing on the water.

Free Directory of Builders

Browse through Maine’s builders and yards. Download a PDF of our annual directory, including articles about boat-buying, propeller selection, and 3D boatbuilding.

refresh the page.

For Sale "sailboats" in Maine

• Alberg 30 $2,000 Surry
• Rhodes Reliant 41 Yawl $49,000 Milton
• Pearson Ensign Sailboat $12,500 Blue Hill
• J24 $3,500 Denmark
• 1975 Bristol 35 with Financing! $32,500 Maine
• O Day 20 sailboat $9,000 BRIDGEWATER
• 2020 Rhodes 19 by Stuart Marine With Trailer, Like New $39,500 Northampton Massachusetts
• 24 foot Bristol $3,000 Saco
• Caledonia Yawl $14,000
• 1979 22' O'Day daysailer $100 Standish
• 2015 Ian Oughtred Grey Seal Sailboat $19,500
• 41 ft Formosa $6,000 Portland
• NEW! For Sailboats, 2023 4-Stroke Yamaha Outboard-Long Shaft $3,100 Quincy, MA
• Award winning Catboat $6,000 Woolwich Maine
• Doug Peterson 34 (1977) $5,000 South Bristol
• Cal 33 Sloop $23,000 Stonington, ME
• 47ft cutter designed by Eldredge-McInnis $90,000 Belfast
• Tenderly Dinghy $6,500 Brooklin
• Sabre 30-II, 1983 $25,000 Portland
• 1979 J-30 Cruiser/Racer $17,000 Sedgwick
• J24 $5,500 Denmark
• Bristol Corinthian Sailboat Partnership $750 Bowdoinham, Maine
• 1984 Catalina 30 $9,999 Falmouth
• 1988 Quickstep 24 Sailboat $8,500 Freeport
• Marshall Sandpiper Catboat $17,000 Beverly
• Pearson 35 Centerboard Sloop Hull# 117 $19,950 South Freeport
• 1971 Rhodes 18 Centerboard Day-Sailer $3,000 Portsmouth
• FJ Sail Boats $2,995 Greene
• Day Sailor 2 $4,500 Boothbay
• 2004 Precision 18 Sailboat $9,500 Portland
• Calibre 28 1984 $9,750 Bath
• 41 ft Morgan Out Islander sailboat $31,500 Falmouth, ME
• Oday javelin sailboat $600 Glenburn
• 2024 Lowe UC180 Pontoon Boat $34,199 Winslow
• Swampscot Dory $5,000 Newcastle
• Sailboat Trailer for Cape Dory Typhoon or similar $1,234 Lewiston
• 29er Racing Skiff $9,200 Falmouth
• 26 ft Ericson sloop $8,800 Peaks Island
• Saber 34 Mrk1 (1982) $36,000 Cumberland Foreside
• 1985 Catalina 25' pocket-cruiser, w/pop-top/swing-keel $5,995 Portsmouth (RI)
• 1974 Pearson 30 $7,000 Rye, NH
• roberts steel spray ketch sailboat $13,000 buxton
• 1983 Hunter H-33.5 $42,000 Yarmouth
• Sailing companion $33,333 Maine/New England
• 1980 Cape Dory 25 $7,000 S. Bristol
• Cape Cod Bullseye $6,500 Rockland
• TOHATSU 5HP OTBOARD MOTOR $1,750 KINGSTON
• TOHATSU 5HP OTBOARD MOTOR $1,515 KINGSTON
• Classic Friendship Sloop $15,000 Union, Maine
• 1977 Valiant 40 (functional/ cruisable project) $25,000 Midcoast
• Sailboat $2,000 Bath
• Sparkman & Stephens Sloop $15,000 Georgetown, ME
• Cape Dory 31 Cutter Sailboat 1985 $39,000 Georgetown, ME
• Quartz? and metal sailboat art sculpture $35 Chelsea
• Fiberglass/metal self-steering rudder + windvane for sale. $250
• Man cave stuff here look no further back up slow down caution yiu may $2,500 Brewer
• Custom Pearson 10M Cutter - 1974/1997 $34,500 Southport
• 18 NORTH ATLANTIC INFLATABLES 10 FT DINGY, 6 HP SUZUKI 4STROKRPADDLES $1,899 Sebago
• Evinrude 3.3 hp 2 cycle outboard $450 Rye, NH
• 1928 fifty dollar bill and rare horn sailboat brewer me asking 375 for $375 Brewer
• Toy Sailboat $20 Rockport
• Lots of Sailboat Winches $1 Rockport
• Honda BF2.3D $700 Portand
• SAILBOAT 36' 7"- Custom built steel hull. Never Used. MUST SELL $20,000 Bath, Maine
• Precision 16 Sailboat Wanted $0 Orient
• ODay 12’ $400 Kennebunkport
• Mainsail Quantum $1,000 Yarmouth
• Looking to rent a mooring in Saco bay $1,500 Saco/Casco bay
• Boat Stands $0 Harpswell
• 30 ft. Gaff Cutter Rachel Saunders $34,500 Rockland Maine
• Honda 2.3 hp outboard, 2013 model $650 Blue Hill, Maine
• For Sale: 1984 O'Day 29' Sloop Sailboat - $14,000 (Portland) $14,000 Portland
• Pewter Plate Sailboat $20 Belgrade
• Restored 1967 Pearson Triton $10,500 Durham
• Sailboat Trailer for Cape Dory Typhoon or similar $1,234 Camden
• Hunter 30 1983 $6,500 Newtington, NH
• Universal Blue Jacket Motor $500 Vermont
• America's Cup sailboat model. $350 Bath

Watch CBS News

Maps and video show site of Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore

By Paula Cohen , Kerry Breen

Updated on: March 27, 2024 / 6:14 PM EDT / CBS News

A major search and rescue operation has now transitioned to a recovery mission at the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore after it was struck by a cargo ship and collapsed early Tuesday , sending vehicles and people plunging into the water below. The U.S. Coast Guard said the ship had reported losing propulsion and control as it was leaving Baltimore harbor, before the collision occurred at around 1:30 a.m. ET. 

Two survivors were pulled from the water soon after the collapse, officials said — one unhurt and one with serious injuries, who was treated at a hospital and later released, CBS Baltimore reported . 

Six were missing and presumed dead. Officials said the bodies of two victims were recovered Wednesday.

Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said all six were construction workers who were filling potholes on the bridge at the time.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency, with city, state and federal teams converging at the scene. 

Map of the Key Bridge in Baltimore

The Key Bridge crosses the Patapsco River, a key waterway that along with the Port of Baltimore serves as a hub for East Coast shipping. CBS News Baltimore reports that the four-lane, 1.6-mile span was used by some 31,000 people a day.

The Maryland Transportation Authority  said  all lanes were closed in both directions on I-695, which crosses the Key Bridge. The agency said traffic was being detoured to I-95 and I-895. 

The portion of the bridge that collapsed was on a stretch connecting Hawkins Point, on the south side of the waterway, and Dundalk, on the north. 

Video of the Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore

Video captured the moment the heavily loaded container ship struck a bridge support, sending sections of the overpass tumbling into the river below.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by CBS News (@cbsnews)

Officials said in a news conference that the ship had reported losing power and a mayday had been issued before the collision, which allowed officials to stop traffic onto the bridge. Officials did not clarify how many vehicles were on the bridge at the time of the collapse. 

Moore said he "can confirm that the crew notified authorities of a power issue," and he said that the decision to stop traffic onto the bridge "saved lives last night." 

Earlier Tuesday morning, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott called the collapse "an unthinkable tragedy."

"We have to first and foremost pray for all of those who are impacted, those families, pray for our first responders and thank them," he said. "We have to be thinking about the families and people impacted. We have to try to find them safe."

What was the ship's route?

The Singapore-flagged Dali, operated by charter vessel company Synergy Group, was chartered by and carrying cargo for Maersk. It had left the Port of Baltimore, just north and west of the bridge, before turning to head south and east along the Patapsco River. 

The ship had been in the port for two days, according to ship tracking website  VesselFinder , and was expected to spend nearly a month at sea before it reached Colombo, Sri Lanka.

CBS News analyzed the path of every cargo ship taking this route over the past month and found Dali had veered more than 100 yards off the usual route when it struck the bridge support.

Timeline of the disaster

Click the arrow below to see an interactive timeline of how the collision occurred.

Before-and-after photos of the Francis Scott Key Bridge 

Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge opened to traffic on March 23, 1977, and was a crucial thoroughfare for the region, carrying some 11.3 million vehicles per year. 

The photos below show how it looked following the collapse Tuesday morning, and how it looked intact just a few days earlier.

A witness who lives near the bridge  told CBS Baltimore  the collapse felt like an earthquake and sounded like "a big bash of thunder."

"The whole house vibrated, like my house was falling down," he said. "I've been in this neighborhood 57 years, I remembered when they built this bridge. Can't believe it's gone."

Another resident reflected on being on the bridge just yesterday. "To see the bridge gone knowing I was on that bridge not even 10 hours ago — it's devastating."

• Francis Scott Key Bridge
• Bridge Collapse
• Patapsco River

Paula Cohen is the senior managing editor of CBSNews.com, where she oversees coverage of breaking news and stories on a wide range of topics from across the U.S. and around the world.

More from CBS News

What caused ship to slam into Baltimore's Key Bridge? What we know

A timeline of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

Can bridges be protected from ships hitting them? An expert weighs in.

How cruises are impacted by Baltimore bridge collapse

'I'm not going to hang around:' Some Maine lobstermen decide to quit over new regulations

P ORTLAND (WGME) -- Maine lobstermen say they're frustrated by a new round of rules and regulations in place up and down the coast.

Some are even deciding to quit.

• Also read:  Lobster catch dips to lowest level since 2009 amid climate change, whale rules

Rules that took effect January 1, 2023 require lobstermen to make monthly reports detailing when, where and the number of lobsters caught each day, along with the number of traps in the water.

Some lobstermen have decided the paperwork, and more harsh future regulations, aren't worth it.

Bill Coppersmith's lobster boat is named the “Billy and Andy.”

He stopped lobstering the day new reporting requirements started.

"Forty-three years of doing it, I took the last of my gear out of the water on New Year's Day. And I said, 'That's probably it,'" Coppersmith said. "It's come to be too restrictive to go. It creates more work. And I can't create any more revenue because of the restrictions they're putting on here."

• Also read:  Maine fishing gear ruled factor in right whale's death on Martha's Vineyard

Next year, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission will require lobstermen to throw one-pounders back, based on the decline of last year's catch.

"They think there may be a population problem with lobsters. That's not true at all," Coppersmith said. "You got to realize, OK, we caught less lobsters last year. Less poundage. More work to go catch them. Increase in the price of bait. It costs so much to go."

"We maintain that the population is still healthy," Jeff Nichols of the Department of Marine Resources said.

Maine's Department of Marine Resources hired extra staff to help lobstermen meet the new requirements.

"We appreciate the constant change that industry is facing," Nichols said. "Our commitment is to work with fishermen to help them comply with these requirements, and to keep fishing. Really, that's kind of the important thing."

Lobstermen are also now required to keep a tracking device on board so the Atlantic States Commission can track their movements in the Gulf of Maine.

• Also read:  Lawsuit over California group's do-not-eat listing for New England lobster dismissed

Coppersmith says that's an invasion of privacy.

"That was an old trick guys used to do,” Coppersmith said. “They see you once you came in. They hid around the corner. They looked. If you caught a lot of lobsters, next thing you know, they're setting gear all over you. I don't need that."

"The intention there is to provide more data on where and when fishing activity happens," Nichols said. "Without that good data, that good fine-scale data, regulators and managers have to make assumptions."

Coppersmith says assumptions regulators already made are what got us here in the first place.

"So I'm not going to hang around for that," Coppersmith said.

Regulators used to require a random 10 percent of lobstermen to report their catch.

• Also read:  Maine lobstermen sue to stop new electronic tracking

Now, lobstermen must file a monthly report, which must also include the days they don't fish.

If they don't keep up with these reports, they will lose their legal access to the water.

Six presumed dead after cargo ship crash levels Baltimore bridge

BALTIMORE — A major Baltimore bridge collapsed like a house of cards early Tuesday after it was struck by a container ship, sending six people to their deaths in the dark waters below, and closing one of the country’s busiest ports.

By nightfall, the desperate search for six people who were working on the bridge and vanished when it fell apart had become a grim search for bodies.

“We do not believe that we’re going to find any of these individuals still alive,” Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon N. Gilreath said.

Jeffrey Pritzker, executive vice president of Brawner Builders, said earlier that one of his workers had survived. He did not release their names.

Up until then, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore had held out hope that the missing people might be found even as law enforcement warned that the frigid water and the fact that there had been no sign of them since 1:30 a.m. when the ship struck Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Moore expressed heartbreak after officials suspended the search for survivors.

"Our heart goes out to the families," he said. "I can’t imagine how painful today has been for these families, how painful these hours have been have been for these families."

It was a crushing blow to the loved ones of the missing men, who had waited for hours at a Royal Farms convenience store near the entrance of the bridge for word of their fate. 

Follow live updates on the Baltimore bridge collapse

The tragic chain of events began early Tuesday when the cargo ship Dali notified authorities that it had lost power and issued a mayday moments before the 984-foot vessel slammed into a bridge support at a speed of 8 knots, which is about 9 mph.

Moore declared a state of emergency while rescue crews using sonar detected at least five vehicles in the frigid 50-foot-deep water: three passenger cars, a cement truck and another vehicle of some kind. Authorities do not believe anyone was inside the vehicles.

Investigators quickly concluded that it was an accident and not an act of terrorism.

Ship was involved in another collision

Earlier, two people were rescued from the water, Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace said. One was in good condition and refused treatment, he said. The other was seriously injured and was being treated in a trauma center.

Moore said other drivers might have been in the water had it not been for those who, upon hearing the mayday, blocked off the bridge and kept other vehicles from crossing.

“These people are heroes,” Moore said. “They saved lives.”

Nearly eight years ago, the Dali was involved in an accident. In July 2016, it struck a quay at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium, damaging the quay.

The nautical commission investigated the accident, but the details of the inquiry were not immediately clear Tuesday.

The Dali is operated and managed by Synergy Group. In a statement, the company said that two port pilots were at the helm during Tuesday's crash and that all 22 crew members onboard were accounted for.

The Dali was chartered by the Danish shipping giant Maersk, which said it would have no choice but to send its ships to other nearby ports with the Port of Baltimore closed.

The bridge, which is about a mile and a half long and carries Interstate 695 over the Patapsco River southeast of Baltimore, was "fully up to code," Moore said.

National Transportation Safety Board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said that her agency will lead the investigation and that a data recorder on the ship could provide more information.

"But right now we're focusing on the people, on the families," she said. "The rest can wait."

President Joe Biden vowed to rebuild the bridge and send federal funds.

"This is going to take some time," the president warned. "The people of Baltimore can count on us though to stick with them, at every step of the way, till the port is reopened and the bridge is rebuilt."

Speaking in Baltimore, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg echoed the president's promise.

"This is no ordinary bridge," he said. "This is one of the cathedrals of American infrastructure."

But Buttigieg warned that replacing the bridge and reopening the port will take time and money and that it could affect supply chains.

The Port of Baltimore, the 11th largest in the U.S., is the busiest port for car imports and exports, handling more than 750,000 vehicles in 2023 alone, according to data from the Maryland Port Administration.

Writer David Simon, a champion of Baltimore who set his TV crime drama "The Wire" on the streets of the city he once covered as a reporter, warned online that the people who will suffer the most are those whose livelihoods depend on the port.

"Thinking first of the people on the bridge," Simon posted on X . "But the mind wanders to a port city strangling. All the people who rely on ships in and out."

Timeline of crash

Dramatic video captured the moment at 1:28 a.m. Tuesday when the Dali struck a support and sent the bridge tumbling into the water. A livestream showed cars and trucks on the bridge just before the strike. The ship did not sink, and its lights remained on.

Investigators said in a timeline that the Dali's lights suddenly shut off four minutes earlier before they came back on and that then, at 1:25 a.m. dark black smoke began billowing from the ship's chimney.

A minute later, at 1:26 a.m., the ship appeared to turn. And in the minutes before it slammed into the support, the lights flickered again.

Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said the workers on the bridge were repairing concrete ducts when the ship crashed into the structure.

At least seven workers were pouring concrete to fix potholes on the roadway on the bridge directly above where the ship hit, said James Krutzfeldt, a foreman.

Earlier, the Coast Guard said it had received a report that a “motor vessel made impact with the bridge” and confirmed it was the Dali, a containership sailing under a Singaporean flag that was heading for Sri Lanka.

Bobby Haines, who lives in Dundalk in Baltimore County, said he felt the impact of the bridge collapse from his house nearby.

"I woke up at 1:30 this morning and my house shook, and I was freaking out," he said. "I thought it was an earthquake, and to find out it was a bridge is really, really scary."

Families of bridge workers wait for updates

Earlier in the day, relatives of the construction crew waited for updates on their loved ones.

Marian Del Carmen Castellon told Telemundo her husband, Miguel Luna, 49, was working on the bridge.

“They only tell us that we have to wait and that they can’t give us information,” she said.

Castellon said she was "devastated, devastated because our heart is broken, because we don’t know how they have been rescued yet. We are just waiting for the news."

Luna's co-worker Jesús Campos said he felt crushed, too.

“It hurts my heart to see what is happening. We are human beings, and they are my folks,” he said.

Campos told The Baltimore Banner that the missing men are from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico.

Active search and rescue ends

The Coast Guard said it was suspending the active search-and-rescue effort at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

"Coast Guard’s not going away, none of our partners are going away, but we’re just going to transition into a different phase," Gilreath said at a news conference.

Maryland State Police Superintendent Roland L. Butler, Jr., said it was moving to a recovery operation. Changing conditions have made it dangerous for divers, he said. 

Butler pledged to "do our very best to recover those six missing people," but the conditions are difficult.

"If we look at how challenging it is at a simple motor vehicle crash to extract an individual, I'm sure we can all imagine how much harder it is to do it in inclement weather, when it's cold, under the water, with very limited to no visibility," he said.

"There's a tremendous amount of debris in the water," which can include sharp metal and other hazards, and that could take time, Butler said.

'A long road in front of us'

Built in 1977 and referred to locally as the Key Bridge, the structure was later named after the author of the American national anthem.

The bridge is more than 8,500 feet long, or 1.6 miles. Its main section spans 1,200 feet, and it was one of the longest continuous truss bridges in the world upon its completion, according to the National Steel Bridge Alliance .

About 31,000 vehicles a day use the bridge, which equals 11.3 million vehicles per year, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.

The river and the Port of Baltimore are both key to the shipping industry on the East Coast, generating more than $3.3 billion a year and directly employing more than 15,000 people.

Asked what people in Baltimore can expect going forward, the state's transportation secretary said it is too early to tell.

"Obviously we reached out to a number of engineering companies, so obviously we have a long road in front of us," Wiedefeld said.

Julia Jester reported from Baltimore, Patrick Smith from London, Corky Siemaszko from New York and Phil Helsel from Los Angeles.

Julia Jester is a producer for NBC News based in Washington, D.C.

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.

Corky Siemaszko is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital.