CAMDEN  - Captain Gus Kodros is originally from Alton, Illinois When asked what brought him to Camden, he says with a wry smile, “a boat.” Kodros recently purchased the Schooner Lazy Jack II from its builder Sean O’Connor, of Thomaston. O’Connor operated the Lazy Jack out of Camden Harbor for many years, offering day sails to locals and tourists.

Kodros said it was the Nina and Pinta that originally attracted him to Camden Harbor.

“I took one look around and said, ‘this is home,’” he said.

Kodros signed the papers for the Lazy Jack II on the Summer Solstice.

“I thought that was a good omen,” he said. “And then we were socked in with fog and rain for a month. But everything looks great now.”

The Lazy Jack II is Coast Guard approved for 21 passengers and does four two-hour sails a day, seven-days a week. The vessel is available for private charters.

“I absolutely love sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay,” Kodros said. “I told myself I would be a captain here and darn if I didn’t do it. Sean O’Connor built the boat and it’s a great boat.”

After arriving in Camden, Kodros worked as a deckhand on the Stephen Taber and Schooner Ladona. After getting his captain’s license he took the helm of the Schooner Appledore 2, sailing it between Camden and Key West, Florida.

In the spring of 2022 he joined the Lazy Jack II.

“Last year, I sat in as captain of the Lazy Jack II,” he said, and then smiled. “And now I own it. We have a great time sailing with all the other boats out on the bay.”

Passengers are fun, and they are allowed to take their own food and beverages aboard with them.

The sunset sails are more sedate and beautiful, but the afternoon excursions are when the wind picks up and the sailing is good.

The Lazy Jack II is a traditional gaff-rigged schooner. Its Douglas fir masts and mahogany houses and rails are reminiscent of the 1930s. The vessel is 58 feet in length and draws five feet of water.    

“Camden is a beautiful place,” said Kodros. “It is the jewel of the Maine Coast and is some of the most pristine sailing in the country. I’m happy and honored to be able to provide this experience to the locals and tourists.”

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