Testimonials
"Sailing the beautiful coastal waters of Maine aboard the Premise is far and away the best way to experience the Maine coast. The Premise is a breathtaking, unique wooden yawl that catches the attention of everyone on the water. Meticulously maintained by expert boat builder Jim Elk, the Premise is great for a relaxed picnic out on the water or for an exhilarating sail in higher winds.
In August of 2014, my friends and I spent five days sailing from Southwest Harbor out to Pond Island and exploring the waters around Stonington, Isle au Haut, and Vinalhaven. Anchored in quiet coves along the way, we enjoyed stunning sunsets and sunrises and the magic of bioluminescence-- the shimmering, fairy dust-like creatures that light up some of Maine's nighttime waters.
On the islands off the coast, we hiked through mossy forests and up granite scrambles for panoramic views; we cliff-jumped into the waters of an old quarry; we skipped perfectly polished, jet-black stones from the beach of a barren, wind-swept island; and we lounged on a long, white sand beach reminiscent of those found on a Caribbean cruise. We also enjoyed a rich variety of wildlife, sighting porpoises, seals, and a range of seabirds.
During the trip we ate well, cooking up fresh-caught lobster purchased from the local lobstermen, grilling off the deck, and using the fully-equipped galley to accommodate all our needs.
Sailing aboard the Premise is the best kind of Maine vacation -- a perfect summer tradition I can't wait to enjoy again!"
- Shelley
MDI Classic Charters
"I first sailed on the Premise as a member of her racing crew when I was a teenager back in the 70's. She was all tricked out having just returned from an Atlantic crossing. I was impressed. Under sail she handled heavy winds with confidence and skimmed over the water on lighter ones. And, she met my qualifications for a beautiful boat. That was forty years ago and I'm still in love. Since 2002, the Premise has been our first choice when looking for a boat to charter for a family vacation. With some modernizations, (roller furling, composting head, GPS) she remains a classic boat that satisfies top sailors who aren't dependent on the latest frills. In our sails from Rockland to Roque Island, she's turned many a head and given us the utmost pleasure."
- Tony
About Premise Destinations Rates and Charter Info Testimonials
"I first sailed on the Premise as a member of her crew when I was a teenager back in the 70's. After losing track of the boat for a couple decades, imagine my delight at discovering that Jim had purchased her. When our own kids were in high school in 2002, the Premise was our first choice when looking for a boat to charter for a family vacation. Since that time, we have chartered Premise every couple years. We hold high standards for any boat we sail. She needs to be able to handle some heavy weather and she needs to be beautiful. The Premise does both those things. She's a classic boat that satisfies top sailors who aren't dependent on the latest frills. We've sailed her from Rockland to Roque Island and will do it many more times...."
- Kate
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"Having cruised Down East on Premise for a week, I feel well qualified to sing her praises. She combines lively sailing with exceptional comfort below. During our week on Premise, she performed beautifully in both light and heavy winds. Her unusually high headroom made the cabin inviting and spacious. I found Premise a wonderful boat and would gladly sail on her again."
- Lucy
"We spent two days sailing around the islands west of Mount Desert, enjoying the speed of the boat in windy conditions. Traveling on Premise allowed us to get away from the Island and to enjoy views that are usually only seen by the lobstermen. At night, moored in a small harbor, the cabin was a cozy place to rock to sleep. In the morning we were able to enjoy breakfast on the deck as the fog lifted. I've sailed on a couple of different boats in the Mount Desert area, but Premise was by far the most comfortable and most fun. She's also one of the more stunning boats in the harbor; with her wooden exterior and beautiful shape, Premise stands out from the crowd."
- AlisonA
