Commodore

Home Port: Camden, Maine & Key West, Florida

Informally known as “the Commodore,” John founded Schooner Exploration Associates, Ltd., the company which owns and operates the Schooner Appledore. Prior to this venture, he worked in New York City in investment management. He moved to Camden, Maine to escape the rigors of urban life and pursue his interests in travel and photography.

In the mid-1970s John lived in East Africa, where he was part of a program concerned with development issues and non-Western values. His work included organizing and leading wildlife safaris, which notes John, “was the greatest adventure of my life.” He hoped to recapture their spirit and excitement by offering a similar experience with the Appledore.

The Commodore offers these insights, “Life aboard a traditional ship involves a commitment to yourself, your shipmates, and your passengers. Our lifestyle is centered around an experiential opportunity that should be shared with my guests. If you have fun, they have fun and vice versa. The same holds true with regard to responsibility and trust, you get what you give.”

Captain

Home Port: Breckonridge, Colorado

Justin has a 100 ton near coastal license. He spent five years in the U.S. Coast Guard in Fire Island, NY. He has an associates degree from the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building. Justin has sailed Lake Erie, the waters of Key West, the Pacific Ocean and Penobscot Bay.

Bosen / Deckhand

Home Port: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Matt is a seasoned sailor who has sailed the Caribbean and completed a 2,200 mile offshore transit with the Appledore from Key West, FL to Camden, ME. Matt is a Journeyman Shipwright, and learned his trade at The Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building. Matt has an interest in antique trains, antique and traditional wooden boats, and guitar playing. When asked what his favorite thing about being a part of the Appledore, he said, “my favorite thing is the adventure of the offshore experience and also meeting some really interesting people in the schooner world.”

Deckahnd

Home Port: Fraiser, Colorado

Damien sailed the 2,200 mile voyage from Key West to Appledores's home port in Camden, ME.  He sailed the Penobscot Bay and is looking forward to sail the waters of Key West this winter.  Before sailing on the Appledore, Damien owned and operated his own contracting business.  He enjoys the outdoors; which include sailing, hiking, and skiing.  When asked what  his favorite thing about being apart of the Appledore, he said, “Being able to sail everyday and meet new friends in the sailing community.”

Deckhand / Pirate

Home Port: Baltimore, Maryland

John has well seasoned sailor, as for, he has been apart of the Appledore crew for 8 years! He has sailed the waters of Key West, Baltimore, and Penobscot Bay. He has made several transits to and from Key West to Camden, ME and plans on taking her down to Key West in November 2008. John is actually an official Captain Morgan pirate and can juggle knifes, machetes, and other various dangerous objects. He has much knowledge of sea shanties, sea myths, poems of the sea, and much more.

Deckhand / Pirate

Home Port: Traverse City, Michigan

Evan has sailed the waters of Lake Michigan, Key West, Penobscot Bay and has completed the 2,200 mile offshore transit from Key West, FL to Camden, ME. Evan mostly sails the Appledore, but also plays a part of I.T. work that happens at the office. Evan enjoys anything to do with the water, especially sailing, music, and snowboarding. When asked what his favorite thing about being apart of the Appledore he said, “Being able to travel with friends and be in two beautiful ports of call (Key West and Camden ME).”

Deckhand / Office Assistant / Sommelier

Home Port: Owosso, Michigan

Bryan has sailed the waters of Key West and also the glorious Penobscot Bay. Since Bryan is a well rounded young man, he plays a major key at the office and also sailing Appledore. He plans on making his first offshore experience on the Appledore, when he travels his way south to Key West. Bryan enjoys sailing, Hunter S. Thompson, and music among many things. Bryan is also skilled at opening champagne with a sword. When asked what his favorite thing about being apart of the Appledore, he said, “I get an opportunity to learn how to sail, travel, and I love my boss John P. McKean!”