Sailing and Tours
We have reached another historic moment at Maine’s First Ship as we open up reservations for tours and sailing on Virginia. The 2024 sailing season runs from early July to mid October. Virginia will be absent on port visits during this time.
On deck tours and History and dock tours are available in June but must be purchased at the Visitor Center.
Sail on Virginia
Sail on Virginia
Sail on Virginia for a 1 hour 40 minute trip on the Kennebec River (north or south depending on tide and wind). This is a hands-on experience for a small group. The crew also acts as educators and interpreters.
Sailings are at noon and 3pm on a few days each month
On deck tour of Virginia
Climb Aboard Virginia
Join us on Virginia’s deck and below it for a 50-minute tour while at the dock. This hands-on experience for a small group is an exploration of a 17th-century style ship. The crew acts as educators and interpreters.
On deck tours are 11am and 2pm on a few days each month
History and pierside tour
Explore History and Ingenuity
Tour the Jane Stevens Visitor Center and see Virginia and the Kennebec River from her freight shed dock in this 40-minute tour through time.
History and pierside tours are available most days when the visitor center is open. They can be reserved online or at the visitor center.
Additional Info
Location: All tours start at Maine’s First Ship Visitor Center at the Bath Freight Shed, 27 Commercial St, Bath Maine 04530. Sailing may go either north or south depending on the tide and wind.
Age limit: The minimum age for sailing is 12. For other tours, children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Membership: Maine’s First Ship is a membership organization. There are special prices for members at Dockhand and above levels. You can become a member at any time by donating and filling out a membership form. This can be done online or at the Visitor Center.
Arrival: Please arrive for sailings at least 15 minutes before sailing time. Other tours will start on time if you have not arrived.
Problems with reservation system: We are just starting up operations and the reservation system and we are learning how to use it. If you have any questions or problems, send a note to admin@mfship.org .
Acknowledgment of Risk: The marine environment has some inherent risks, especially on the dock and on the deck of Virginia. In reserving a tour you acknowledge this risk and agree to act to minimize this risk (as will we). We want everybody to have a safe and fun time.
Weather: The captain of Virginia may cancel a sail or tour if the weather or other conditions make it unsafe. If we cancel the tour, we will try to reschedule you for another time, or issue you a full refund.