The tiny port of Chestertown, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, is preparing to host the largest gathering of tall ships to date the weekend of October 30. Hosted by Sultana Projects, “downrigging weekend” promises to be the biggest and best ever, with six major tall ships and a large assortment of lesser but equally interesting vessels.
The three day festival will offer activities including a boat building demonstration, tours of the ships and The Custom House, sails aboard the tall ships, a concert, a film, a forum with Pulitzer Prize Winner Hendrick Smith, fireworks, and because it is Halloween a Costume Parade. Whew!!! And if that isn’t enough, most of the events are free.
Tall ships sailing up to the Chester River include;
The Kalmar Nyckle, a recreation of the 1600’s Swedish sailing ship that brought the first settlers to Wilmington, Delaware. The ship is the state ship of Delaware and is the largest of the ships attending.
The Pride of Baltimore II is a Baltimore Clipper Ship and the State of Maryland’s goodwill ambassador.
The schooner Virginia is a reproduction of an early 20th century Virginia pilot schooner.
The Amistad, from New Haven, Connecticut, is a recreation of a ship by the same name, which was commandeered by the African Slaves in 1839, and which a movie by the same name was made.
The A.J.Merwald is an authentic restored Delaware Bay Oyster Schooner and the official tall ship of the state of New Jersey.
The Lady Maryland, a living classroom teaching the history and environment of the Chesapeake Bay is a reproduction of a 19th century Chesapeake Bay Cargo Schooner.
The Sultana, Chestertown’s own pride and joy. A reproduction of a 1768 British Royal Navy ship that patrolled the waters preceding the American Revolution.
The ships will be illuminated with 1,000,000 watts of theatrical lighting from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday evenings, with Friday night’s viewing including a spectacular fireworks display. Free.
Friday night events also include the Frontline Documentary, “Poisoned Waters”, and a forum with Hendrick Smith, free, and a sea faring concert at the Prince Theater
featuring, “The Eastport Oyster Boys” tickets $15.00.
All weekend long watch the construction as master boat builders from Swain Builders construct a traditional Chesapeake Bay “Bateau.” The bateau was once seen up and down the Chesapeake Bay used by watermen to ply their trade .On the waterfront. Free.
The first of three public sails begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The two and a half hour sails run in price from $15.00 to $55.00, depending on the ship. There is a Saturday afternoon sail leaving at 2:00 p.m. and the third and last sail of the weekend is on Sunday leaves at 11:00 a.m. The trips sell out quickly and advance reservations are the best way to guarantee a spot. Call Salanta Projects at 410-778-5954. Children must be at least six years of age.
There are wonderful places to dine around Chestertown including” Fish Whistle, located right on the water front, The Imperial Hotel, a favorite getaway of past U.S. Presidents, and Chestertown’s newest hot spot Brix, on High Street. Check out the Saturday morning Farmers Market located in the center of town and pick up some fresh baked pastries, local cheese and fruit.
Wind down the weekend with a free on board tour of the ships to take some great family photos and talk with the crew. Sunday from 2:30 until 4:30.
