Our challenging sailing program offers a sailing education experience for people of all levels who want to prepare for anything from weekenders to long-term cruising and ocean passage making. Our 2024 sailing school schedule will spend the the summer based out of our homeport, Rockland, doing what we do best, cruising somewhere between Monhegan, Petit Manan, and Mt. Desert Rock in the Gulf of Maine. We will also sail to Newport, Rhode Island this summer. One expedition (MoA 245) will be Southbound to Rhode Island, and another (MoA 246) will be Northbound to Maine.

2024 Expedition Map

Coastal & Offshore, Maine Expeditions

The coast is where all the action and challenge is: commercial traffic, rocks, tides and currents. New England is one of the most difficult areas to sail in the US, notorious for large tides and thick fog—but the beauty is unbeatable! These expeditions feature long days of lessons, planning, navigation, drills, scenarios and fun. We’ll sail among the islands, ledges, and schooners of Maine’s bold coast, most likely encountering some fog and other challenges along the way. These Coastal & Offshore expeditions include an overnight sail so you can learn and experience watch standing routines and protocols for passages.

The instructors of Morse Alpha Expeditions have sailed to many parts of the world, and we still agree that setting a course for the northeast provides some of the most robust educational experiences and beautiful cruising grounds.

Offshore New England, Maine–Rhode Island Expeditions

These multi-day passage expeditions transit challenging waters. Staying focused while on watch is imperative. We’ll be route planning and sharing weather reports with you even before the expedition begins, so you can learn the process in detail. You’ll experience the offshore routine, commercial traffic, ocean waves, strong currents, rapidly shifting weather, and of course, “Land-Ho!” We will sail Penobscot Bay, The Gulf Of Maine, Massachusetts Bay, The Cape Cod Canal, and Narragansett Bay. We will have options for potential stops – Islands in Maine, Gloucester, Provincetown, Martha’s Vineyard, Newport, etc. There may even be whale sightings near Stellwagon Bank.

Coastal, Maine Expeditions

These expeditions will begin and end in Rockland and sail beautiful Penobscot Bay and the surrounding waters between Rockland and Mount Desert. We run them just like our Coastal & Offshore Expeditions, and anchor in a different harbor each night. You will be learning to sail, and liveaboard. The only difference between this 5 day expedition and the 6 day expedition is that there is no overnight sail.

2024 Expedition Schedule:

MoA 242June 3–75 Days Coastal Maine, Rockland$2595Full
MoA 243June 23-286 DaysCoastal & Offshore Maine, Rockland$2895Full
MoA 244July 1–55 DaysCoastal Maine, Rockland$25955 berths available
PrivateJuly 7-116 DaysPrivate ExpeditionNAFull
MoA 245July 21-266 DaysOffshore New England, Rockland-Newport$3295Full
MoA 246July 29– August 36 DaysOffshore New England, Newport-Rockland$32951 berth left
MoA 247 August 5–106 DaysCoastal & Offshore Maine, Rockland$28954 berths available
MoA 248August 19-235 DaysCoastal Maine, Rockland$25945 berths available
MoA 249 September 8–136 DaysCoastal & Offshore Maine, Rockland$28954 berths available
MoA 250September 16–205 DaysCoastal Maine, Rockland$25955 berths available

To Reserve Your Berth:

(1) Fill out the Application Form
(2) Pay $300pp Non-Refundable Application Fee via PayPal (If you are not accepted, or we cancel, this will be refunded)

Please pay only the $300 application fee via PayPal.

Private Expeditions:

We offer 4 and 5 day Rugged Maine Coast Expeditions, or a 5-day Coastal & Offshore Sailing Expedition (includes an overnight passage). You’ll have the whole boat to yourself (minimum 2 people) and be able to choose your dates. We’ll work with you to create an itinerary to help you reach your goals. All private expeditions start and end in Rockland, ME

MoA PC4 • Dates TBD  • 4 Days: Private Rugged Maine Coast 
MoA PC5 • Dates TBD  • 5 Days: Private Rugged Maine Coast
MoA PO5 • Dates TBD  • 5 Days: Private Coastal & Offshore Maine 

Other Offerings:

If you don’t see an expedition here that fits your schedule or needs, please contact us to inquire about our other offerings.