Boats & Waterfront
College of the Atlantic
An education shaped by the ocean
At College of the Atlantic, the working waterfront is integral to how students learn. Through hands-on experience aboard a diverse fleet of vessels, students develop skills in seamanship, navigation, marine science, and coastal ecology while supporting fieldwork, independent research, and exploration.
Marine operations & student seamanship
Our marine program provides hands-on training in coastal navigation, small boat handling, and safety at sea. Students can:
- Learn to operate power, row, and sailboats
- Assist in research and transport trips
- Take seamanship and navigation classes
- Volunteer on student-led waterfront projects
Marine Operations Staff:
- Rowan Fraley, Captain of M/V Osprey (Summer)
- Toby Stephenson ’98, Director of Marine Operations
Our Fleet
From rowboats to research vessels, our fleet serves both academic and recreational needs.
- M/V Osprey – 46’ Wesmac, COA’s primary research vessel and island transport
- R/V Borealis – Allied Whale’s marine mammal response and survey vessel. She has also worked to serve our Islands Program when a smaller boat is adequate and more efficient.
- R/V Laughing Gull – Coastal research boat used in faculty and student projects
- Rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) – Tiller- and console-operated boats for landing on islands and seamanship training
- Sailing vessels – 46’ sloop Rebecca, plus Rhodes 19s for casual and instructional use
- Rowboats – Dories and skiffs for harbor rowing, traditional to the Maine coast
M/V Osprey
The M/V Osprey is the college’s flagship vessel and the heart of many field-based academic programs. Designed for rugged reliability and built in Maine, she serves as a mobile classroom, island lifeline, and coastal research lab.
- Capacity: 24 passengers
- 800 HP Caterpillar engine
- Outfitted with safety, communications, and scientific equipment
- Supports transport to COA field stations on Great Duck Island and Mount Desert Rock
- Used in courses ranging from marine biology to maritime history and art
Programs supported:
- Coastal art and ecology
- Islands Program
- Allied Whale
- Natural history fieldwork
More Information
Sailing & Rowing
Sailing and rowing are part of the COA lifestyle. Student instructors and waterfront staff guide beginner and advanced experiences.
Courses and student trips available by arrangement
- Sail on Rebecca, our 46’ teaching sloop
- Learn with Rhodes 19s in Frenchman Bay
- Explore line handling, knots, and sail rigging
- Row traditional dories and skiffs
Stories from the Field
The Gulf of Maine is warming, and its whales are disappearing [NPR]
Whales face a perilous situation as rapidly rising water temperatures affect their food sources, habitats, and migration patterns, College of the Atlantic Steven K. Katona Chair in Marine Sciences Dr. Sean Todd tells National Public Radio as part of their series, From Miami To Maine: Adapting To a Changing Climate. Read MoreReady to build your own path?
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