A series of webinars presented by
The American Schooner Association and The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race
Join us for the next webinar
Peter Thompson
and the Restoration of the Schooner Blackbird
Sept. 21 • 7:00 EST
This is the story of Blackbird’s rebuild from lying fallow to charter boat in the Gulf of Maine. It is the story too, of how attention to detail, combined with an eye toward historical accuracy, can yield beautiful results. An open-ended discussion will follow the presentation.
Sandy and Peter Thompson and have been Blackbird’s owners for more than a quarter century. They have been sailing since childhood and have logged thousands of nautical miles together throughout the Gulf of Maine and beyond. However, before they could begin using Blackbird for their charter business, they first had to restore her. No small task
In her 90th year, Blackbird is a humble testimony to quality of the design, workmanship and materials of her period. With good sensible care by many owners, she still retains all of her original planking, original rig, blocks, compass, chronometer, lamps, interior and most importantly her name. She is a time capsule back to the age of Yachting in the 1930s. See Blackbird’s website.
Join us!
Past Sea Stories
Mapping the Great Lakes After the War of 1812 with Gordon Laco
Gordon Laco has outfitted fine yachts and sailing ships for many years and served as an historic consultant on over 50 films including “Master and Commander”. In this expansive story, Laco takes us back to the uneasy peace following the defeat of Napoleon and the Royal Navy’s charting of the Upper Great Lakes.
A Trip to Haiti and Cuba with Nat Benjamin
Nat Benjamin co-founded the highly-respected wooden boatyard, Gannon & Benjamin Marine Railway. Nat and his artist wife, Pam, have made several passages to Haiti in their schooner, Charlotte, where Pam, has supported many local causes through her non-profit, SenseOfWonderCreations.org.
Around Cape Horn Narrated by Irving Johnson Movie and Discussion
In 1929, a 24 year old country boy named Irving Johnson brought a camera aboard the 320′ Barque Peking and filmed his voyage around Cape Horn. Johnson added narration to his spectacular footage in 1980 and produced the iconic film. Aired March 15, 2023.
Sailing a Baltimore Clipper with Jan Miles
Captain Miles has been with Pride of Baltimore, Inc. since 1981. He was the first to sail the original Pride across the North Atlantic and has has served as master or mate aboard many other vessels, including Lady Maryland, Californian, Bill of Rights, New Way, Alexandria, Brilliant, Clearwater, Elissa, Oliver Hazard Perry and Tiare Toporo. He also helped develop model sailing programs for youth at risk.
A Quest for Knowledge Under Sail with Matt Rutherford
Matt Rutherford completed a record-breaking, non-stop, single-handed voyage of 27,077 miles around North and South America. Since finishing the circumnavigation of the Americas, Matt has created Ocean Research Project, an organization dedicated to science, education and exploration. In 2013 Matt spent 70 days in the Atlantic ocean mapping out the unexplored eastern side of the Atlantic Garbage Patch.
Rainbow, from Concept to Reality with Reggie Townsend
From scouring the forests of Asia for materials, though lead pours in Indonesia, revolution in Jakarta, a posting in Alaska, and a delivery from the Indian Ocean to St. Mary’s City, Maryland, Reggie Townsend pursued a dream to build an ocean going, two-masted boat that could take the rigors of the open ocean yet retain a traditional, easy to handle style.
A Life of Unexpected Opportunities with Nicholas Alley
For over 40 years, Nicholas Alley has followed a career path of unexpected opportunities that have led him to jobs on some of the best-known and best-loved boats and ships in America. Currently actively involved in deliveries, tall ships and tugs, Captain Alley walks us through his life on the water. Join us for a trip with this well-known and highly regarded captain. Aired November 17, 2022.
My Life with Mystic Whaler with John Eginton
Mystic Whaler became a fixture along the New England coast and a model for successful non-profit schooners. Captain John’s 46-year schooner career has taken him throughout the entire east and west coasts of this country and throughout the Caribbean. Aired May 19, 2022.
Marine Photography: A New Approach for Old Salts with Richard Sherman
Internationally renowned photographer, Richard Sherman, walks us through his techniques for taking better marine photographs. Full of tips, this is an engaging and informative glimpse into how the “pros” do it. Aired April 14, 2022.