Friendship, Maine

Famous for the Friendship Sloop.

Overview

Friendship is an authentic working harbor town perched along Knox County's rugged shoreline. Originally called Meduncook by the Abenaki people, meaning "bay at the end of the sandbar," the area was first settled in 1743 and incorporated as Friendship on February 25, 1807. The town earned worldwide recognition for the Friendship Sloop, an iconic gaff-rigged sailing vessel designed here in the early 1900s for lobstering and fishing. Today, this quintessential Maine fishing village ranks fifth in the state for lobster landings by value, maintaining its deep maritime heritage while offering postcard-perfect harbor views and authentic coastal living.

Key Facts

Population 1,142

Region Midcoast & Islands

County Knox

Founded 1807

Nearest City Rockland (20 mins)

Town Office Visit official website

What Friendship Is Known For

Friendship Local Highlights

Friendship Sloop

Birthplace of the iconic Friendship Sloop, a gaff-rigged sailing vessel designed for Maine's working waters and now celebrated worldwide as a classic yacht.

Working Lobster Harbor

Fifth-largest lobster landing port in Maine by value, with a fleet of working lobster boats defining the harbor's authentic character.

Friendship Sloop Days

Annual summer festival celebrating the town's boatbuilding heritage with Friendship Sloop races, maritime activities, and community events.

Quiet Coastal Village

Unspoiled fishing village offering peaceful coves, scenic harbor views, and authentic Downeast Maine atmosphere away from tourist crowds.

Things to Do

Visit Friendship Museum

Explore exhibits showcasing local maritime history, Friendship Sloop heritage, and the town's boatbuilding and lobstering traditions.

Watch Lobster Boats at Harbor

Experience an authentic working harbor where lobster boats depart at dawn and return with fresh catches throughout the day.

Attend Friendship Sloop Days

Join this annual summer celebration featuring classic sailboat races, maritime demonstrations, local food, and family-friendly activities.

Kayak Friendship Harbor

Paddle quiet coves and protected waters around the harbor and nearby islands, observing seals, seabirds, and working waterfront.

Living in Friendship

Friendship offers authentic coastal Maine living with a strong sense of community centered around fishing and maritime traditions. Housing is limited but affordable compared to nearby tourist towns. While services are minimal, Rockland is just 20 minutes away for shopping and amenities. The year-round population values the quiet, unspoiled character and working waterfront lifestyle.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Mild and breezy, 65-75°F

winter

Cold and snowy, 18-32°F

spring

Cool and foggy, 38-55°F

fall

Crisp and beautiful, 45-60°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

Harbor Seals Lobsters Bald Eagles Ospreys

How to Get There

Friendship is located on the Midcoast in Knox County, approximately 20 minutes south of Rockland via Route 97. From US Route 1 in Waldoboro or Thomaston, take Route 220 or Route 97 south to reach this quiet harbor village. The town is about 80 miles northeast of Portland.

Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.

Satellite preview

Friendship outline

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Friendship Sloop?

The Friendship Sloop is a classic gaff-rigged sailing vessel designed in Friendship in the early 1900s as a working boat for lobstering and fishing. Known for their seaworthiness and beauty, they're now celebrated as iconic Maine yachts and racing sailboats.

When is Friendship Sloop Days held?

Friendship Sloop Days is typically held annually in late July, featuring races of these classic sailboats, maritime activities, local food, arts and crafts, and community celebrations of the town's boatbuilding heritage.

Is Friendship a good place for a quiet coastal vacation?

Yes, Friendship is ideal for visitors seeking authentic, unspoiled coastal Maine without tourist crowds. It's a working fishing village with a beautiful harbor, peaceful atmosphere, and genuine maritime character.