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Meet The Captains

Dale Belanger

Captain Dale has been on Maine waters since his father let him solo the families 15’ fishing boat powered by a 1957 10 horse Johnson on Web Lake in the western mountains of Maine. A native of Maine, and a resident of Portland since graduating from the University of Southern Maine, Portland is his home but Casco Bay is where his heart is. Capt Dale holds his Master 100 Ton US Coast Guard license and is a certified diver. Being well known in Casco Bay, expect lobster boat captains and other boaters to wave a warm hello as you cruise around the scenic bay. Don’t be bashful asking the Captain questions just don’t necessarily believe all that you hear, but be sure to take in all that the Casco Bay coastline has for you to see.

Jim Harkins

Captain Jim Harkins has worked on Casco Bay and the Gulf of Maine since he was 11 years old. He spent summers with the fishing fleet, participated in both whale watches and charter company tours. The Captain holds his Merchant Marine Masters license, and is a dive master and rescue diver as well. In the off season, the Captain enjoys diving on his travels around the world and has ben in several documentaries on shark diving.

Captain Jim's local knowledge of Casco Bay and the Calendar Islands will afford you the most spectacular views of Maine's coast. You will find his narration on the lighthouses, marine life, historic sights informative and entertaining.

Warning: Like all good seafarers, Captain Jim has been known to spin a few tall tales. Please feel free to stop by the wheelhouse to meet Jim as he loves to interact with the passengers. He might even give you a turn at the wheel or an especially salty sea story.

Albert Kolodji

Raised in northern Minnesota, I was interested in sailing since I was a child. Not having an opportunity to sail I wanted to make it happen. In 1976, as a teenager I designed, built, and taught myself how to sail an iceboat. A short time later, I bought a 16’ catamaran which I learned to sail and race. After winning several races, my confidence and interest increased.

In my early twenties I would drive 85 miles to Duluth, Minnesota on race days where I would walk the docks offering myself as crew. One thing lead to another and I became a frequent participant in races, including longer races like the Trans-Superior Sailboat Races. During this time, I also started running sailboat charters on Lake Superior with non-experienced crew.

In 1985 I worked in the Florida Keys as a sailing instructor and sailing guide for overnight trips. In 1986, I moved to Maine to work as a sailing instructor at the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School where I learned and developed interpersonal teaching, group dynamics and compassion skills. I also learned more of what I was made of. After working for Outward Bound, I taught sailing for 11 years at the Southern Maine Technical College.

I was one of the founders of the Maine Challenges Sailors, a non-profit sailing organization for the blind and deaf. This was an extraordinary experience by any measure. In the five years I volunteered as a sailing and racing coach, I learned more from the participants than they did from me. I had to be very alert and attentive. One afternoon I sailed the 32’ boat we were using blind folded to put myself in the shoes of the blind sailors. I felt more emotions during that 3-hour sail than I ever knew I had.

I currently serve as crew and have served as race crew on several sailboats in Casco Bay and beyond – including two Caribbean 1500s, offshore cruising rallies where I served as crew and captain for 2,000 plus mile trips. I have served as crew on several schooners in the Maine Penobscot Bay. I do yacht deliveries and also ran several sailing charters in the BVI’s (British Virgin Islands).

For several years, I have held a 100-ton captain’s license. I currently operate a dinner/tour boat, the Casablanca, out of the Portland harbor. It is an 81-ton vessel inspected for 160+ passengers.

I am a sailor with natural abilities on the ocean - that’s where my heart is. I am very respectful and diligent with the care of any vessel I operate. I am looking for the opportunity to operate larger vessels sail or power, Yacht deliveries, Operate schooners, and teaching sailing.

Meet the Crew >>