Windjammer Captains & Crew

Captain Jon Finger -

Captain Jon is a lifelong sailor who has cruised the Maine coast for more than a decade and was recently welcomed to the ‘dark side’ due to the purchase of a new Fender electric guitar.  Not only does Cap hold a Master of Sail 500-ton license, he is now the proud owner of 4 guitars, a bodhrán and the concertina – all of which you are likely to hear him play when you sail on the Riggin.  (Wife’s note: One of these guitars is for sale – send her an email if you’re interested, but shhhhh don’t tell the Captain)

Captain Jon began his sailing career on Lake Michigan. He served in the US Coast Guard on the Academy’s tall ship Eagle and the icebreaker Mackinaw. Having been crew on a research vessel in Bermuda and serving as Captain on charter yachts from Maine to the Caribbean; He sails his ship with the artful skills handed down from the best traditions of the 19th century windjammers and safely commands the J & E Riggin to and from many destinations along the coast of Maine. If you can’t find him on deck of the Riggin it’s quite possible he’s run off to join a band and play the heck out of the Fender.

Chef/Co-Captain Anne Mahle -

As Captain Jon introduces her during Captains call, “My wife Annie is a cookbook author, chef extroridinaire, mother to my children, columnist, TV personality and most importantly my best friend.” Annie is not only a licensed captain; she is also a skilled professional cook with over 20 years in the food industry and has a unique sense of style. You are just as likely to see knitting needles in her hands are you are a whisk and wooden spoon.

Annie studied at the Culinary Institute of America, then worked in the restaurant industry for eight years, training for three years under a Swiss chef.

She was drawn to the Maine coast from her native Midwest and, after graduating from Michigan State University, she spent three years working in the windjammer fleet, both on deck and in the galley. She also sailed for several seasons as professional crew on a private yacht in New England and the Caribbean. Be sure to read Chef Anne’s lifestyle and recipe blog At Home & At Sea.

Chloe & Ella Finger -

The girls, ages 13 and 10 respectively, have been sailing with Capts Jon & Annie since birth – how’s an old wooden schooner for your summer playhouse?! The girls are often found in the galley helping mom prepare dinner or on deck with dad, swinging from the lines or jumping off the boat for a brisk swim. You may see Chloe sneaking off to a quiet corner to read or on deck teaching guests how to make a Turk’s Head. Ella is the ship’s social advisor as well as a photographer/videographer, chronicling the day in the life of a schooner girl all summer long.

Elizabeth -

E, as she’s called around here, has been a full time member of the Riggin team since 2004, having started in 2002 part time. She holds the official title of Shore Operations Manager but really is an indispensible part of the day to day operations, doing a bit of everything – except sailing the boat and cooking (be very glad about this second part!) E lives in Rockland with her husband Mark, daughter Annaliese, and two stepchildren Raychel & Riley. If you have trouble locating her, it’s possible she’s run away and you can find her knitting in a villa in Prague or planting a garden outside her tree house in the Galapagos.

Toni –

Having discovered the J&E Riggin after volunteering on the tall ship Elissa in Galveston Texas, Toni “Hoot” is back for her 4th season with the Riggin. “Hoot” (and Annie…get it?!) spends most of her boat time in the galley, happily chopping, dicing, kneading and singing away as meals are prepared in her role of Assistant Cook (when she’s not laughing). When a quiet moment presents itself, you’ll find her writing, sewing, knitting, singing or dancing away.

Scott –

While quiet in volume, there is no shortage of passion in this native Texan. Scoot, as you’ll hear us call him, is joining us for a 3^rd year of exploring the Maine coast after hearing about the Riggin from his childhood friend Toni. Classically trained in music, you’ll find the soul of a song escape from Scott in the form of a guitar, drum, mandolin, violin, banjo or even voice – basically if it plucks, thumps or chimes, Scoot will find a way to make its’ music. On deck you’ll find him by Captain Jon’s side, helping out as our Mate.

Alan –

Alan first sailed on the Riggin in 2004 on a family vacation and loved it so much he convinced his parents to leave him here! Every year since then he has come back for 2 weeks to a month to work in our apprentice program. Now, 7 years later, he is back as a full time crew member holding the title of deckhand. We warn you though; if you call out his name he may not answer. Instead try shouting “Mouse”. As every apprentice before and to come he has been given a nickname. Alan was dubbed with this moniker his first year due to his quiet voice and very high pitched laugh. Mouse also holds the distinction of having a Riggin dessert named after him – Elbow Cake. For the story on this you’ll have to ask him…trust me, it’s worth it!

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