Maritime Heritage
“The voice of the sea speaks to the soul.”
— Kate Chopin
Bucks Harbor
Downwind + Eastward = DownEast. It’s just that easy.
When ships sailed into the District of Maine—originally part of Massachusetts—from the south, they were
sailing downwind and eastward with the prevailing winds. Sailor shorthand re-coined it “DownEast.” The term
is still used today to describe the Maine coast roughly between the Penobscot River and the St. Croix.
A Rich Seafaring Past that Set the Course for a Maritime Future
At the heart of Castine you’ll find Fort Pentagöet; an outpost built by the French in the 1630’s, then held by
the Dutch, British (briefly), and then finally America. This gives Castine the unique status of having been
under the rule of four separate nations. While you are there, visit the Maine Maritime Academy and see
how Maine’s seafaring traditions and training are being passed on to future generations of seamen.
Visit Machias during Margaretta Days, held each June to celebrate the first naval battle of the American
Revolution. The attack on the British was conceived in the Burnham’s Tavern. Townspeople armed with farm
implements and muskets captured the British naval vessel, Margaretta and fought off the British for control
of the town. Early structures and earthworks from this battle can still be seen at Fort George in Castine.
Head to Brooklin where the region’s historic reputation for building swift and sturdy sailing ships lives on.
Enroll in a boatbuilding course at the Wooden Boat School or visit the Wooden Boat Store for all manner of
sailing gear and gifts for the landlubbers at home.
No need to look far to find a seafaring excursion. Visitors can simply find a harbor, chat with a crewman
or captain, and climb aboard one of the dozens of modern sailing ships, original or replica lobster boats,
windjammers, or Maine-built schooners.
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