Sailing into Friendship: An All-Girls Adventure on the J. & E. Riggin

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when you gather a group of women, toss in a bit of adventure, and let the wind carry you someplace new.

That’s exactly what happened when I boarded the J. & E. Riggin with my crew of dear friends. The historic schooner, with her graceful masts and timeless charm, felt like stepping straight into a postcard — only better, because we were in it.

Life Aboard the Schooner

From the moment we left the dock, the world slowed down. The hum of daily life faded, replaced by the gentle slap of waves against the hull and the creak of the rigging overhead. We spent our days bundled in cozy layers, sipping coffee in the crisp morning air, swapping stories, and laughing until our cheeks hurt.

Meals were a treat all their own — hearty, home-cooked fare prepared right on board, the kind that makes you feel like someone’s been expecting you. There’s something about eating fresh bread with sea salt still in your hair that just hits differently.

Moments That Stayed with Me

The best part? The way this trip reminded us how much joy there is in simple moments. Watching the sun dip below the horizon, huddled together on deck.

Waking up to a sky so wide and blue it felt like it could swallow you whole. Leaning into the wind, knowing your friends are right there beside you — in life and in adventure.

About the J. & E. Riggin

The J. & E. Riggin isn’t just any boat — she’s a piece of living history. Originally built in 1927 as an oyster dredger, she’s been lovingly restored into a windjammer that now carries guests along the rugged Maine coast. At 120 feet long with soaring sails, she’s as graceful as she is sturdy.

Her charm isn’t just in the way she moves through the water — it’s in the experience she offers. There are no engines pushing you along here (beyond a little help getting in and out of harbor). Instead, it’s all wind, all sail, and all about connecting with the timeless rhythm of the sea.

Coming Home with More Than Souvenirs

By the time we sailed back into harbor, my heart felt as full as the sails had been all week. We didn’t just come home with photos (though there were plenty of those). We came back with a deeper appreciation for friendship, for slowing down, and for saying “yes” when life offers you something extraordinary.

Thinking About Going? Here’s My Advice

If you ever get the chance to sail the coast aboard the J. & E. Riggin — take it. Pack a warm jacket, a sense of adventure, and your best girlfriends. The sea has a way of giving you exactly what you didn’t know you needed.