Getting trained for a Carribean bareboat sail

Linekin Bay Resort can train you to sail like a veteran

Looking out from our table after a day of sailing,the beauty of this special place lingers as a late sailor comes up to his mooring while guests at the saltwater pool watch in the low light of a Linekin Bay sunset.

Text by Patricia Brooks, photos by Walter Brooks.

In summer there is a lobster bake out in the front lawn overlooking the bay.

And the kid's talent show on Friday is always joined by some of the 'older' children.

The weather along the spectacular rocky coast of Maine can claim any dinghy not tied too tightly, unless Ross Branch spots it and goes to the rescue.

After several summers training here, granddaughter Marina scampers to the bow of her Rhodes 19 as Bob Huebner steadies the helm.

Her brother Will and Bob's wife Lanese pretend to fall off the sailboat for the photographer.

If you can tear yourself away, there is mackerel fishing aboard Miss Boothbay, although my granddaughter doesn't look too pleased with her catch.

I just returned back to Cape Cod after spending our 8th year with our 2 grand kids (now 13 & 10) for a week at what may be the only resort of its kind in New England, the Linekin Bay Resort in East Boothbay Maine.

What a shock to leave this peaceful place and head back to the real world. We lose all track of time and very seldom leave this beautiful property.

There are at least four other families with whom we have formed close relationships over the years here and we all arrive on the same week each year from across the country.

We are always asked the question by newbies at Linekin Bay, "you live on Cape Cod, and you come to Maine?"

It's because Linekin Bay is the way Cape Cod was decades ago. It's peaceful, quiet and beautiful beyond description.

Preparing for the Caribbean

We love to sail and will be chartering a bare boat in the Caribbean this winter with the grand kids, and Linekin Bay Resort is the last all inclusive sailing resort on the east coast of the United States.

Even though the grand kids sail smaller craft on the Cape, they always learn something new on the camp's Rhodes 19s from the great sailing instructors, and there are no extra costs for lessons or the use of the kayaks, tennis courts and much else.

Certainly among our strongest reasons for making an annual return a 'must' are the three excellent meals each day at the main lodge and the lobster bake outdoors.

Things to do in Boothbay

There is a heated salt water pool overlooking the bay on days the Atlantic seems a bit cool, and movies every night, tennis courts, and a staff that is extremely pleasant and helpful.

On Thursdays there is a sailing regatta to hone the skills we've learned this visit, and the children (plus a few adults) put on a classic talent show in the West Lodge after dinner on Fridays during July and August.

If you can tear your way from this great resort, there is a good public aquarium, band concerts on Thursdays, a golf course, train ride and even candle-pin bowling in Boothbay two miles away.

Each visit finds the same great bartender, Dan Baker and jack-of-all-trades Ross Branch recovering dinghies adrift and whatever else needs attending. Ross is the son of one of the owners whose family has owned and operated the resort for over a century.

We noticed the many upgraded changes in the cottages. I told the new manager Mark Osborn not to get too upscale because we all appreciate the New England rustic charm at Linekin Bay.

We are already looking forward to next summer and meeting up with our friends again.

What about after summer?

Linekin Bay Resort is open from late May through mid October, and from mid June to the end of August it operates as an all-inclusive resort, providing guests with accommodations, three locally-inspired meals a day, daily housekeeping, sailing instruction, kids camp and full use of the resort's many amenities.

The Summer Season will run from June 16 until August 25 in 2012, and the rates are all-inclusive. No cooking, no cleaning, just fun and relaxation... The way vacation should be.

Indian Summer sees the resort become a Bed & Breakfast at greatly reduced rates. The B&B package includes accommodations, full breakfast and full use of the resort's amenities.

Spring and Fall Bed & Breakfast Specials are only $129 for two people. Call now to visit this very special last-of-its-kind treasure.

Call toll free (866) 847-2103.

A lttle history

In 2010 Linekin Bay Resort embarked on a journey to revitalize this classic Maine vacation destination. Now in the 103rd year of LBR’s history it is marked by the addition of the new General manager, Mark Osborn and a renewed commitment to the resort’s vision:

“To make the very most of this beautiful oceanfront property by updating the accommodations and amenities, expanding the waterfront activities and providing our guests even more ways to enjoy their time with us, while retaining the history, charm and affordability that is unique to this family owned resort”. A past LBR guest himself, Mark’s family has a long history on Linekin Bay. Martha Osborn, then Martha Waters, worked in the 1920’s at Linekin Bay camps and was a counselor instructing the tennis program. Martha shared her love of Maine, Boothbay and LBR with her family, bringing them to LBR and staying at the resort many summers in the 70s and 80s.

Under Mark’s management, LBR has undertaken a renovation program with the goal of updating the accommodations, guest services and amenities while maintaining the unique character and spirit of LBR.

Below, our last evening the final guest leaves the Main Lodge, the inset is from the resort's website.