Mystic Whaler

New London, CT  2017

One can't have Sailfest without at least one sailing vessel.   The Mystic Whaler is a reproduction of a 19th century coastal cargo schooner built in 1967 and rebuilt in 1993.  Today she's available for charters, dinner cruises, and other cruises around the New London area. She has all the latest amenities and is totally compliant with USCG regulations.

Approaching the Mystic River Bridge

Mystic, CT  2016

All cruises going down the river out to Long Island Sound and Fisher Island Sound have to time their departures and returns to coincide with the raising of the Mystic River Bridge.  This happens at 40 minutes past the hour during the summer months.  We set sail at 5:30 PM, which gave us plenty of time to get past this bridge.

The Schooner Argia

Mystic, CT  2016

Readers of this blog might know of my fondness for boats and sailing.  Although I've never owned boat, I rarely pass up any opportunity to get out on the water, no matter what the vessel.  The Schooner Argia is a popular tourist attraction that offers three daily cruises during the season.  Seen here, she's returning from a mid-afternoon cruise just in time to pick my wife and myself up for the 2-hour early evening cruise.  I will be featuring pictures from our sail this week on my blog.

Schooner Alabama

Martha's Vineyard

A schooner under sail is a beautiful sight.  Pictured here is the schooner Alabama, built originally in 1926 for the Mobile, Alabama Bar Pilots.  Upon retirement in 1966,  the schooner was purchased by the Coastwise Packet Company and moved to Vineyard Haven in 1967, by her new owner, Capt. Robert Douglas.  Captain Douglas not only founded the Coastwise Packet Company, but also the Black Dog Tavern which has spawned a whole line of apparel and other items featuring their famous "black dog" logo. He was responsible for restoring the Alabama and outfitted her for sailing.  Along with the schooner Shenandoah, also built by Capt. Douglas, the Alabama offers cruises and evening sails, sailing camps, and sailing instruction around Martha's Vineyard.  You can read more about the schooner and the history of the Black Dog Tall Ships here.