Mercantile

The well-loved Mercantile is a joy to behold and is often referred to as the "Prettiest coaster on the Bay." This vessel was built and operated for almost her entire career in this area. A familiar sight in many local ports for over 80 years, she is dear to the hearts of many of the island old-timers. Built in 1916 and restored in 1989, she is 115 feet overall (80 feet on deck) and has accommodations for 29 passengers. A shoal-draft vessel, she was designed to take on and discharge cargo in out of the way places inaccessible to deeper draft vessels. Today, this feature allows us to explore secluded ports including some that the Mercantile originally served as a cargo vessel. This lovely schooner began sailing out of Camden in 1942 as part of Frank Swift's Maine Windjammer Cruises® fleet. During a total restoration in 1989, the Mercantile was refit with a new galley and accommodations while maintaining her authentic character.