COMANCHE at the start of her record-breaking passage in the 50th Newport Bermuda Race. Click the image to launch a slideshow. All photos courtesy of Capt. Brad Baker of the yacht RENA.
The 50th Newport Bermuda Race will hold firm in both memories and the record books. Just under 200 boats and some 1,700 crew members readied for the start on Friday, June 17, but with conflicting forecasts indicating strong northerly gales and extremely rough seas as the wind clashed with the Gulf Stream’s northerly flow more than 50 boats declined to race with 133 boats taking the start.
The early story centered on the 100-foot boat, Comanche, owned by Jim and Kristy Hinze Clark and skippered by Ken Read. Comanche shot off the start and was through the Gulf Stream in less than 24 hours with Read reporting they were making 20-25 knots. Comanche continued on and set a Newport Bermuda Race record at a provisional elapsed time of 34 hours, 42 minutes, and 53 seconds–almost five hours ahead of the previous record set in 2012 by George David in Rambler.
For those interested in following race developments on social media, search the hashtag #bermudarace.
For those interested in the meteorology and planning in advance of the race, Mystic Seaport trustee Frank Bohlen, a multi-time navigator, published a pre-race weather analysis that gives an insight into what goes into preparing for the “Thrash to the Onion Patch.”
Mystic Seaport was well represented in the race with a number of members and friends participating. We look forward to reports from the race and photos from Bermuda. In the meantime, we have a selection of images from the start taken by Captain Brad Baker of the yacht Rena.
A truck from Brownell Systems gets ready to pull the steamboat SABINO out of the main shop, where she has been undergoing restoration since December 2014. Click on the image for a slide show. (Photos by Kane Borden and Joe Michael/Mystic Seaport)
Steamboat Sabino took one step closer to her launch this summer when she was moved out of the main shop today and onto the shiplift, where work will continue until she is ready to go back into the water. Sabino has been undergoing a thorough restoration and inside since December 2014. Brownell Systems of Mattapoisett, MA, erected a trailer under the vessel and then carefully maneuvered her out to the lift.
Sabino still needs to have her engine, stack, canopy top, and pilothouse reinstalled. They were removed to provide greater access for restoration work and clearance through the shop doors. In addition, a new boiler needs to be designed and fabricated to replace the current one that dates back to 1941. While that is taking place, Sabino will be launched and returned to operate as a dockside exhibit. The plan is to have her return to steam operation for the 2017 season.
Summer Performance Series Celebrates New Outdoor Venue
Mystic, Conn. (June 7, 2016) — Mystic Seaport announced today it will host “Arts on the Quad,” a new series of outdoor concerts and theater this summer. Each performance will be staged on the new McGraw Gallery Quadrangle, the center of the redesigned north end of the Museum grounds where the audience will take in the show from the lawn.
The series offers guests the opportunity to experience the diverse talent of local artists in a variety of musical genres as well as some drama and comedy. “Arts on the Quad” is part of a strategic initiative by Mystic Seaport to increase the use of its grounds and location on the Mystic River as a gathering place for the community.
The series kicks off Saturday, July 2, with Flock Theatre’s rendition of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” and continues throughout the summer. All performances begin at 7 p.m.
July 6 – Zydecats One of the first Zydeco bands to form in the Northeast, Zydecats will entertain the crowd with their lively blend of Cajun, blues, R&B, and Mardi Gras rhythms.
July 20 – Mystic Horns A swing, R&B, jazz, and dance band from Southeastern Connecticut, the group will perform New Orleans-style rhythm and blues and classic R&B from the songbooks of Buddy and Ella Johnson, Wynonnie Harris, and many others.
August 3 – Salt Marsh Opera Singers and an accompanist straight from the main stage productions of the Stonington, CT-based opera company will perform a 60-minute program of well-known arias, duets, and trios by operatic composers such as Mozart, Puccini, and Verdi.
August 10 – The Trombones of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra Called the “boiler room of the ECSO” by The Day newspaper of New London for their consistent excellence in major works for orchestra, the Trombones now come to the recital stage on their own.
August 17 – West End Blend This 10-piece band pays classic homage to throwback sounds of pop, soul, funk, and rhythm and blues.
Tickets for each performance are $18 for members, $20 for non-members, children ages 5 and younger are admitted for free. Tickets for the August 3 performance by Salt March Opera are $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Children ages 5 and younger are admitted for free. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 860.572.0711.
The gate opens at 6 p.m. Guests are expected to provide their own seating on lawn chairs or blankets and picnicking is encouraged. A cash bar will be available for adult beverages and soft drinks. All performances will be held rain or shine. In the event of rain, the performance will be moved under cover and seating will be provided.
Guests are asked to park in the north lot opposite Latitude 41° Restaurant & Tavern and to use the Center Entrance next to the yellow Administration Building at 75 Greenmanville Ave. (Rte. 27).
About Mystic Seaport Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Founded in 1929, the Museum is home to four National Historic Landmark vessels, including the Charles W. Morgan, America’s oldest commercial ship and the last wooden whaleship in the world. The Museum’s collection of more than two million artifacts includes more than 500 historic vessels and one of the largest collections of maritime photography in the country. The state-of-the-art Collections Research Center at Mystic Seaport provides scholars and researchers from around the world access to the Museum’s renowned archives. Mystic Seaport is located one mile south of Exit 90 off I-95 in Mystic, CT. Admission is $26 for adults and $17 for children ages 6-17. Museum members and children 5 and under are admitted free. For more information, please visit https://mysticseaport.wpengine.com/ and follow Mystic Seaport on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Mystic, Conn. (June 3, 2016) — Mystic Seaport announces today the election of Kenneth S. Siegel, J. Robert Mann, Jr., to its Board of Trustees.
Mr. Siegel is the Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. in Stamford, CT. He has been with Starwood since 2000. He is a graduate of Cornell University, and has a J.D. from New York University, and is a member of the New York Bar.
Kenneth S. Siegel
Mr. Siegel has received multiple awards, including a Philanthropic Leadership award, an Employer of Choice award, and earlier this month, the Burton Foundation Legend in Law Award. His board and non-profit service includes Sacred Heart University, Minority Corporate Counsel Association, International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution, International Tourism Partnership, and the Cancer Hope Network.
Mr. Siegel resides in Weston, CT with his wife, Dina, and their children, and they also have a home in Mystic. Mr. Siegel has a strong interest in Mystic Seaport and a keen interest in education and maritime history. He was elected to a three-year term.
J. Robert Mann, Jr.
Mr. Mann is the current chairman and former CEO of E-J Electric Installation Co., in Long Island City, NY, a successful multi-generational family company, and the oldest independent electrical contractor in the country. He is a Yale University honors graduate and received their meritorious service award, The Yale Medal. He also has professional engineering licenses in multiple states.
Mr. Mann has had affiliations and leadership roles with the Maritime College at Fort Schuyler, the International Yacht Restoration School, and the New York Yacht Club. He has also made significant contributions to other organizations, including the Executive Board of Yale Science & Engineering Association, and as Past Chairman of the British-American Fulbright Foundation.
Mr. Mann resides in Mamaroneck, NY, with his wife, Barbara, and summers in Maine. He is an active boater and has a strong interest in Mystic Seaport, particularly education programs and watercraft, and has been a member since 1990. He was elected to a three-year term.
About Mystic Seaport Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Founded in 1929, the Museum is home to four National Historic Landmark vessels, including the Charles W. Morgan, America’s oldest commercial ship and the last wooden whaleship in the world. The Museum’s collection of more than two million artifacts includes more than 500 historic vessels and one of the largest collections of maritime photography in the country. The state-of-the-art Collections Research Center at Mystic Seaport provides scholars and researchers from around the world access to the Museum’s renowned archives. Mystic Seaport is located one mile south of Exit 90 off I-95 in Mystic, CT. Admission is $26 for adults and $17 for children ages 6-17. Museum members and children 5 and under are admitted free. For more information, please visit https://mysticseaport.wpengine.com/ and follow Mystic Seaport on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Polynesian Voyaging Canoe Hōkūle‘a to Make Stop on Worldwide Journey
Mystic, Conn. (June 1, 2016) — The largest gathering of wooden boats and enthusiasts in New England will converge at Mystic Seaport for the 25th annual WoodenBoat Show Friday through Sunday, June 24-26.
The WoodenBoat Show, hosted in a partnership with WoodenBoat Publications, offers something for all wooden boat enthusiasts and maritime history buffs. More than 100 traditional and classic wooden boats of every type will be on display, from hand-crafted kayaks to mahogany runabouts, to classic daysailers and schooners.
In addition to taking in the historic vessels and beautiful boats, visitors can find everything they need to outfit their own watercraft and learn new skills at demonstrations and workshops throughout the weekend. A variety of exhibitors will offer items for sale including maritime art, antiques, tools, books, nautical gear, and much more.
Throughout the weekend, Mystic Seaport staff and guest experts will be conducting demonstrations of a variety of boat-building skills, including rigging, caulking, steam-bending and laminating wood, lofting, plywood-epoxy boat building, and Japanese boat planking.
Other popular features are the “I Built It Myself” display of home-built boats and “Family Boatbuilding,” where families and teams work to build their own pre-purchased kits during the weekend. The kits are opened at 9 a.m. Friday morning and tools are put down around 3 p.m. Sunday, leaving, in most cases, a boat awaiting only final finish work.
Visitors can also try their hand at rowing or sailing a small boat at the Museum’s boat livery, or in one of the boats participating in the John Gardner Small Craft Workshop, which is run concurrently with the show by the Traditional Small Craft Association.
Hōkūle‘a under sail. Credit: Polynesian Voyaging Society
A highlight of the 2016 show will be Hōkūle‘a, a Polynesian voyaging canoe from Hawaii which will make a port stop at the Museum June 23-28. The 62-foot catamaran is in the midst of a multi-year circumnavigation of the globe to raise awareness of Polynesian maritime culture and ocean conservation.
Hōkūle‘a is scheduled to arrive at Mystic Seaport mid-morning Thursday, June 23. Upon tying up, there will be a traditional welcoming ceremony involving the vessel’s crew and representatives of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.
During her stay, she will be open for visitors to board during designated periods and crew members will be available to answer questions and discuss the voyage. In addition, crew members will be offering two technical talks on Saturday, June 25. Kaleo Wong will lecture on the science and art of traditional Pacific canoe navigation at 10 a.m. and Bruce Blankenfeld will present a demonstration on canoe lashing at 2:30 p.m. The crew will also team up with the Museum’s Planetarium staff to offer special shows on Polynesian navigation and the skies of the Pacific during their stay.
Museum admission provides access to both the WoodenBoat Show and Mystic Seaport. Admission is good for two days upon ticket validation and a three-day ticket is available.
The WoodenBoat Show is produced by WoodenBoat Publications, Inc., which includes WoodenBoat magazine, Professional BoatBuilder magazine, the WoodenBoat Store, the WoodenBoat School, and the WoodenBoat Show. The WoodenBoat Show is an annual festival celebrating the design and craftsmanship of wooden craft.
Information, images, and a live tracking map of Hōkūle‘a can be found at http://www.hokulea.com/.
About Mystic Seaport Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Founded in 1929, the Museum is home to four National Historic Landmark vessels, including the Charles W. Morgan, America’s oldest commercial ship and the last wooden whaleship in the world. The Museum’s collection of more than two million artifacts includes more than 500 historic vessels and one of the largest collections of maritime photography in the country. The state-of-the-art Collections Research Center at Mystic Seaport provides scholars and researchers from around the world access to the Museum’s renowned archives. Mystic Seaport is located one mile south of Exit 90 off I-95 in Mystic, CT. Admission is $26 for adults and $17 for children ages 6-17. Museum members and children 5 and under are admitted free. For more information, please visit https://mysticseaport.wpengine.com/ and follow Mystic Seaport on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
