Stephen Taber

The Stephen Taber is a two-masted sailing vessel that operates today as a passenger ship in Rockland, Maine. The ship has a centerboard hull design and is steered by a five-person crew who manage the mainsail, foresail, and two additional sails.

The vessel was built in 1871 at a New York shipyard and remains the oldest documented sailing ship still in service in the United States. Its long history demonstrates the quality of ships built during that era and their ongoing importance to maritime heritage.

The vessel operates using traditional sailing methods without a built-in engine, reflecting how sailors once worked on the water. This practice connects visitors to maritime customs that shaped coastal communities for centuries.

The vessel can be explored by visitors on board, with the main deck laid in pine wood offering good views of the ship's setup and equipment. Check with Rockland Harbor or local tourism sources for information about accessibility and the best times to visit.

The vessel features a retractable centerboard that allows it to navigate shallow channels and bays, making it distinctive among surviving sailing ships. This technical feature enabled the ship to sail into varied waters and extended its commercial usefulness over many decades.