Schooner Yacht Heron — Local services in Rockport

Thursday July 28, 2022 One of our favorite things to do when in Rockland is sailing aboard the Schooner Heron. We sailed 2x with them in 2020 and the first thing we did when we got back to Rockland this year was to look at the weather and book a trip with them. I picked an afternoon with an expected 14mph wind, so I knew we would sail smartly.

I was surprised that Taylor was captaining the boat this trip instead of Twig, but his boat handling was conservative and flawless. Of coarse Bonnie was aboard to do her excellent narration regarding the history of Rockland’s lime, timber, ice, shipbuilding and lobster industries and also tell us all about the lighthouse, islands, and seals we saw. Twig and Bonnie’s personable adult daughter Rachel was also on board as crew. Bonnie and Rachel handled hoisting, trimming, reefing and tacking the sails as a well-oiled team. We started out conservatively with the fore mast and main mast sails both reefed, but were later able to shake out the reef on the fore mast sail for a little more speed without heeling the boat. We were able to sail near Robinson’s Rock and saw that there were several seals sunning themselves there.

We sailed midweek on a Thursday and there was lots of room for everybody on board. Taylor and Rachel cheerfully answered my many questions about the boat, the boat’s offshore passages to and from the Caribbean each year and about local events. This was the first time sailing for the family seated across from us, but they had a good time. There was another group forward of us that pretty much kept to themselves so I didn’t have a chance to chat with them, but they seemed to be enjoying themselves too. I did a bunch of small boat pleasure sailing and medium sized keelboat racing while I was at the University of Texas. I don’t own a sailboat so the only sailing I have done since has been on Hobie Wave catamarans at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. I really enjoy chances to sail on bigger boats like the Schooner Heron.

The Schooner Heron sails three trips daily from Rockport Harbor: Private morning sail, an afternoon Educational Eco Tour, and a Happy Hour Sunset Sail. Custom charters are also available on request. There is free parking in the harbor lot.

Whether you have sailed before or just want to try it on vacation, I highly recommend sailing on the Schooner Heron as a solo, couple or family activity. You will have fun and be entirely comfortable with the ship and crew. They will treat you right. We’re back in Rockland in a couple of weeks and will surely sail with them at least once more before heading back to Texas.

Monday, August 12, 2019 Great sailing experience. I did watch the weather for a day with good wind: 10 mph or better. I was concerned when the fog rolled in around noon and was concerned about our scheduled 2:00 p.m. sail. The fog thinned out somewhat and I saw we had radar on board, so all was well.

We motored away from the dock and set sail once we had maneuvering room in the harbor. The sails filled and the motor was turned off and we were sailing so quiet and easy. Captain Twig did an excellent job of handling the ship professionally and conservatively. Bonnie did a nice job of giving us a history lesson on the area and pointing out landmarks. Most of the time I just relaxed and enjoyed the quiet and movement of sailing.

My partner and I will surely go on another trip with them before we leave,...

It was a beautiful day to sail. Couldn't have asked for better weather. The boat was clean and the boat staff was very nice. We signed up for the Eco tour. I was expecting to learn more. It was mostly just a boat ride. Occasionally they would highlight something in the water but you couldn't hear them because they talk softly. We signed up for the afternoon trip which included snacks and drinks. We were offered a single ginger snap cookie. I'm glad we ate lunch before getting on the boat or we would have been starving. All in all, neat experience since we have never been on a sailboat, but I don't think the trip was advertised well. I would recommend others to try this boat ride, but just know to expect little snacks and to not learn a lot. Hopefully you have a nice day to...

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We had the absolute pleasure of joining Captain Bonnie and her crew for a sunset cruise out of Rockport Harbor, and it was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we stepped aboard, the entire team was warm, welcoming, and attentive. Their knowledge of sailing and the local area shone through, and you could immediately sense the decades of training and experience behind every detail of the trip.

The sail itself was breathtaking—peaceful waters, a stunning sunset, and the perfect balance of relaxation and learning. Captain Bonnie and her crew were both professional and personable, creating an atmosphere that made everyone feel at ease.

If you’re in Rockport and want a truly memorable experience, I can’t recommend Sail Heron enough. A five-star evening...