Category: News

The Adventure Series has been hosted by Mystic Seaport for more than 65 years and provides a unique opportunity for attendees to meet adventurers firsthand and experience a wide array of challenges — on the sea, in the air, and on land  — all over the world. Adventure is the pursuit of life – often with an unknown ending. Hear about the amazing personal journeys of these extraordinary individuals on their quests for knowledge, conservation, and survival.

The 2017-18 series begins October 19. Each talk is held at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. that day.

You can buy the full series of eight programs: Members: $70 • Non-members: $90. You can also purchase single program tickets: Members: $15 • Non-members: $20 • Students free. An early season special offer is buy one series ticket and receive two complimentary single tickets good for any speaker.

Call 860.572.5331 to register for any of the programs or purchase the series ticket.

The series is sponsored by StoneRidge, a senior living community.

Erica Cirino: In Pursuit of Plastic
Thursday, October 19, 2017

International science writer, artist, and wildlife rehabilitator Erica Cirino is on a mission to find out the truths about plastic pollution and its impact on the planet, wildlife, and people. Erica will share her experiences at sea and on land documenting some of the most polluted places on the planet, including the Pacific Garbage Patch in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Kamilo Beach in Hawaii, also known as “Plastic Beach” where there is now more “plastic sand” than natural sand on its shore.

Quentin Snediker and Whit Perry: Restoring Mayflower II
Thursday, November 16, 2017

Quentin Snediker, Shipyard Director and Clark Senior Curator for Watercraft at Mystic Seaport, and Whit Perry, Plimoth Plantation’s Director of Maritime Preservation and Operations and the Captain of the Mayflower II, will present the challenges and triumphs of the on-going restoration of the ship. This multi-year project is a collaboration of shipwrights from both Mystic Seaport and Plimoth Plantation in preparation to take Mayflower II back to sea in connection with the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ arrival in Massachusetts. Visitors can view the progress of the project in the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard.

Chris Cryder: Preserving Plum Island
Thursday, December 14, 2017*

Many mysteries and misconceptions surround Plum Island, located at the eastern end of Long Island. While Plum Island has been the home of the nation’s foreign animal disease center for more than 60 years, it is also home to several endangered species and unique habitats. The future of these species and habitats are in question with the potential sale of the island to private investors. Chris Cryder, Special Projects Coordinator for Save the Sound, will share the facts about the island, take us on a virtual tour, and discuss the latest efforts of what is being done to protect it.
*1:30 p.m. program will b held at StoneRidge, 186 Jerry Browne Rd, Mystic.

The Crew of the Oliver Hazard Perry: Life on the High Seas
Thursday, January 18, 2018*

The Oliver Hazard Perry is a 200-foot, full-rigged sailing school vessel with a mission to provide innovative and empowering education-at-sea programs. During the spring of 2017, her crew and students sailed to Cuba, providing the opportunity of a lifetime to learn sailing and experience the culture of a country that had been impossible to visit for more than half a century.
*Evening program will be at StoneRidge, 186 Jerry Browne Rd, Mystic.

Nelson Simon: The Accidental Sailor
Thursday, February 15, 2018*

When Nelson Simon signed up as a last minute crew member to transport a Norwegian schooner from Brooklyn to Bermuda, he pictured it as a sort of pleasure cruise. Instead, he found himself fighting for survival in the midst of what became known as “The Perfect Storm.” Join us as Nelson recounts his harrowing tale that began with a friendly invitation to sail on board the Anne Kristine and ended in the dead of night in a Coast Guard helicopter high above an angry sea.
*Evening program will be at StoneRidge, 186 Jerry Browne Rd, Mystic.

Syma Ebbin: Researching Native Fisheries in the Pacific Northwest
Thursday, March 15, 2018

Associate Professor in Residence at the University of Connecticut Avery Point and Research Coordinator for Connecticut Sea Grant, Syma Ebbin, has studied fisheries and environmental management throughout her academic career. Syma’s research has brought her to both Atlantic and Pacific coastal regions. At this presentation, she will share her personal experiences while researching the resources, traditions, and issues facing Native American fisheries in Alaska and Washington State.

Elizabeth Cottrell: Expedition to Artic Volcanoes
Thursday, April 19, 2018

Volcanoes are “windows to the interior” of our planet, according to Elizabeth Cottrell, director of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program. The program studies the earth’s active volcanoes and reports on their eruptions. This research helps us understand how the interior of the planet has evolved and helps us prepare for future eruptions and prevent catastrophes. Elizabeth will share her own experiences in the arctic researching the awesome power and ancient wonders held within the earth.

James L. Nelson: From Tall Ships to Viking Longships
Thursday, May 17, 2018

The Viking invasion of Ireland is the backdrop of award-winning author James L. Nelson’s latest novels, “The Norseman Saga.” In the ninth century, Viking longships invaded the Irish countryside. James will discuss the fascinating history of the Viking raiding, settling, and assimilating into Irish culture as well as share his own journey from sailing on tall ships to becoming an accomplished author.

We’re dedicating the entire month of September to thanking our community of Members!

“We’ve designated September as Member Appreciation Month as our way of saying thank you,” says Autumn Payne, Director of Membership and Volunteer Services. “Members are stalwarts for the Museum and they inspire us to offer the best possible experience to all our visitors.”

Members are critical to Mystic Seaport, and have been since its inception. “Members, through their participation, are ambassadors for Mystic Seaport,” Payne notes. “They represent the Museum’s mission to inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience. This is an important endeavor that without Members would not be possible.”

Membership to Mystic Seaport brings all kinds of benefits, including:

• Unlimited general admission
• Free Members-only hat upon joining
• Discounts on classes, programs, and summer camps
• Discounts on the Museum’s shops and restaurants (including Double Discount Days at the store in December)
• Pre-sale tickets for nautical Nightmares and Lantern Light Tours performances
• Access to the Members’ Lounge with free coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and lemonade
• Express entry through Members’ entrance during peak season months
• Subscription to Mystic Seaport Magazine
• Discounted admission to other outdoor history museums

As a Member you receive a monthly eNewsletter with events and news; the Windrose, an email program guide sent three times a year with information about camps, events, and programs; and Mystic Seaport Magazine, a glossy publication published twice a year with stories about the collections, programs, new exhibits, and Museum news. Join now!

In September

Bring a friend
Members can bring a friend for free Monday through Friday throughout September. Members with the PLUS feature may bring in a second guest for free.

Get a gift
Be sure to stop by the Membership Building for a free gift during your visit.

Member Appreciation Night
Friday, September 8, 2017 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Come enjoy Mystic Seaport after we close to the general public. The grounds, the Charles W. Morgan, and the McGraw Quad exhibits will be open. Purchase dinner at our scenic Spouter’s Tavern or bring along your own picnic to enjoy on the green. Special programming and guided tours will be available. Registration is encouraged.

Members Only Tours
SOLD OUT. September 2-3, 2017: Member Tours of the Draken Harald Hårfagre
Last chance to tour the amazing Viking replica ship before she closes to the public. 9 a.m. & 9:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

September 16, 2017: Behind the Scenes Tour of Mayflower II Restoration. Hear first-hand from one of the restoration project’s leaders. 11 a.m. – noon

Member Cruises
September 20, 2017: Tree Swallow Spectacle on board Adventure. Witness the amazing coordination and acrobatics of hundreds of thousands of tree swallows while enjoying a cruise down the Connecticut River.
5-8:30 p.m. CT RiverQuest, Haddam, CT

SOLD OUT. September 30, 2017: Member Cruise on Sabino. Downriver cruise on Sabino includes music by Rock of Ages, snacks, and a cash bar. 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Call us at 860.572.5339 for more information or to register for any of the special programming.

Day and Overnight Trips

November 10, 2017: Day Trip: Battleship Cove and the Marine Museum. Spend a day in Fall River, MA, as we visit Battleship Cove and the Marine Museum. Transportation will be provided for this day trip to Fall River. Our group will depart Mystic Seaport at 8:30 a.m. by bus and will return by 5:30 p.m.

October 24, 2017: Day Trip to New Bedford Whaling Museum & Historic Fishing District. Join us for a trip to New Bedford, MA, to explore the New Bedford Whaling Museum and surrounding historical neighborhoods and fishing district. Transportation will be provided by Mystic Seaport. Members and their guests will board the bus at Mystic Seaport Museum at 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday, October 3 – Thursday, October 5, 2017: Overnight Trip: Bath, Maine. Enjoy the fall foliage as we travel from Mystic Seaport to the picturesque city of Bath, Maine. Our hotel is located along the waterfront with access to many great restaurants and shops nearby. Breakfast will be provided at the hotel both Wednesday and Thursday of our trip.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has awarded a $154,811 grant to the Frank C. Munson Institute of American Maritime Studies at Mystic Seaport to support its summer 2018 program, “The American Maritime Commons.”

The four-week Institute at Mystic Seaport is for college and university faculty. The Institute will employ interdisciplinary perspectives on American maritime studies, with an emphasis on recent social, cultural, and ecological approaches and current research. It will consist of a series of seminars led by 14 visiting scholars and co-directors Dr. Glenn Gordinier and Dr. Eric Roorda. Participants will enhance their course offerings through intensive studies, dialogue, and reflection on the influence of maritime activities on U.S. history and culture.

“The habitability of the planet hinges on the health of the saltwater environment that covers over 70% (or the majority) of it. Drastically diminished populations of sea life, rapidly rising sea levels, badly degraded water quality, and coastal climate refugees are a few of the notable impacts that centuries of human civilization have had on the ocean,” said Institute co-director Dr. Glenn Gordinier. “Public awareness is a necessary first step toward addressing the potential catastrophe they pose and understanding how we have gotten here makes the work of the Munson Institute more important than ever.”

The Institute builds on the Museum’s successful record of six previous NEH institutes, most recently the first “American Maritime Commons” institute held in summer 2016. The American Maritime Commons will allow college teachers to develop courses and scholarship related to the sea, which seeks to connect the study of the humanities to the current conditions of national life.

 

On Monday, August 21, a Total Solar Eclipse will arc across the United States, from Oregon to South Carolina. Since the United States is the only land region on Earth that will witness eclipse totality, this event is being called the “Great American Eclipse.” Here in Mystic, we will experience a 67% eclipse, a “crescent Sun” of sorts as only 1/3 of the sun will be visible at one point in the afternoon.

Friday, August 11

Join us in the Treworgy Planetarium for a program all about eclipses in advance of the big event! “Stars Over Mystic: The great American Eclipse” begins at 8:30 p.m., and weather permitting will include some gazing at the outdoor night sky. Cost is $6 (adults) $3 (youths; 15 and younger) for members and $9 (adults) $3 (youths; 15 and younger) for non-members. Call 860.572.5331 to register.

Monday, August 21

Join us for a series of FREE events (with museum admission) to celebrate the total solar eclipse across parts of the country, and the partial solar eclipse that we will see here in Connecticut!

All Day

“Lights Out Across the USA”
Stop by our lobby exhibit in the Treworgy Planetarium, where our interactive screens will display a steady flow throughout the day of images and video clips of the eclipse as it makes its way across the country. Use #eclipse2017 to share your experience with NASA and Mystic Seaport!

Programs

10-10:30 a.m. “What Causes an Eclipse?” (part 1)
Examine a Sun-Earth-Moon model and see how every once in a while, these three objects line up just right!
Planetarium Lobby

11-11:30 a.m. “Summer Stars and the Eclipse”
Experience a twist on our usual 11 a.m. planetarium show, covering the evening sky but also incorporating some eclipse elements. Planetarium Theater

Noon-12:30 p.m. “What Causes an Eclipse?” (part 2)
For a hands-on demonstration of how these events are caused, stop by the lobby and try your hand at causing your own solar eclipse! Planetarium Lobby

1-2 p.m. “Total Eclipse Live!”
Join us to watch a live stream of the total eclipse onto our Planetarium Theater dome. Since Mystic will only receive a partial eclipse, this will allow you to see what it looks like when the Moon blocks out the entire Sun! Planetarium Theater

1:30-4 p.m. “Safe Eclipse Observing”
Drop by the Playscapes anytime during this window to use some of our special viewing equipment to safely observe the partial eclipse here in CT. NOTE: The “maximum” eclipse will occur between 2:30-3 p.m. Playscapes

4-4:30 p.m. “Summer Stars and the Next Eclipse” 
Experience a twist on our usual 4 p.m. planetarium show, covering the evening sky but also looking ahead to the NEXT total solar eclipse coming in April of 2024. Planetarium Theater

Roann, the eastern-rig dragger belonging to Mystic Seaport, is making three trips away this summer.

The first is this Sunday, when the restored 60-foot eastern-rig dragger will join the 63rd annual Blessing of the Fleet in Stonington. Roann’s second owner, the late Chet Westcott, fished from Point Judith, Rhode Island, as did her last owner, Tom Williams, and his son. Williams also occasionally fished out of Stonington.

The event Sunday begins with a Fishermen’s Mass at 10:30 a.m. St. Mary Church in Stonington Borough. The Mass commemorates Stonington fleet members who have died at sea and includes prayers for the safety and success of fishermen.

At about 11:45 a.m., a parade will step off from the Town Dock, proceed through the borough and pass by St. Mary Church, where the Most Rev. Michael Cote, Bishop of Norwich, joins the procession back to the Town Dock. Bishop Cote will bless the boats in the fleet. After the blessing and laying of a wreath in memory of local fishermen who have died at sea, there will be food and live music at the Town Dock until 4 p.m.

On Wednesday, August 2, Roann leaves Mystic for Martha’s Vineyard to attend the third annual Meet the Fleet event on August 3, sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust. Her first owner, Roy Campbell of Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, fished Roann from Martha’s Vineyard, dragging local waters for flounder, cod, and haddock.

Roann is expected to be back at Mystic Seaport on Friday, August 4.

Then, Roann will attend the Woods Hole Science Stroll on August 12. She will leave Mystic Seaport on Friday, August 11 and return on that Sunday. She will be open to the public there from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday.

At noon on Monday, July 31, Mystic Seaport will again begin its marathon 24-hour reading of the classic novel Moby-Dick to commemorate author Herman Melville’s birthday on August 1.

The 32nd annual Moby-Dick Marathon is the longest-running marathon-read in the country! The reading takes place onboard the whaleship Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship left in the world. This two-day event celebrates Melville’s 198th birthday.

We thought it would be fun to dig into the archives and uncover some of the lesser known facts about Melville and one of the Great American Novels.

1. Moby-Dick was published in the U.S. in 1851, with a first printing of 2,915. Melville earned $1,259.45 from the book. A first-edition copy of the book today is valued at more than $60,000.

2. Actors who have played Captain Ahab: Patrick Stewart, William Hurt, Gregory Peck, John Barrymore, Danny Glover, Orson Welles, and Barry Bostwick. In the Danny Glover film, Ahab hunted a great white dinosaur. In the Barry Bostwick movie, he commanded a submarine.

3. Herman Melville started writing Moby-Dick in 1850 while living at the family’s New York City home. That summer, he moved to Pittsfield, Massachusetts to a home called Arrowhead. Over that winter he worked in his study at Arrowhead, finishing Moby-Dick in the spring of 1851. The property is now owned by the Berkshire Historical Society and operated as a museum. You can follow the Melville Trail across Berkshire County to see the places Melville frequented and was inspired by.

4. A neighbor of Melville’s in the Berkshires was the author Nathaniel Hawthorne (The Scarlet Letter). They met in 1850 and after that meeting, Melville reportedly made extensive changes to his manuscript, even though it was nearly complete. When the book was published later that year, Moby-Dick included this dedication: “In token of my admiration for his genius, this book is inscribed to Nathaniel Hawthorne.”

5. The performer Moby’s real name is Richard Melville Hall. His parents said he was named after Moby-Dick author Herman Melville, who was allegedly a distant relative. The same novel is the inspiration for Moby’s stage name.

At Mystic Seaport, our Moby-Dick Marathon is a communal event that relies upon visitor participation to keep the words flowing and the pages turning through all 24 hours. Participants are invited to read a chapter or two (or more!), or just sit back to listen, simply allowing the beauty of the language to flow over you. Over the course of the marathon, other surprises await, including an actor portraying Herman Melville, the theatrical staging of certain chapters by the Mystic Seaport TaleMakers theatre troupe, and a live music performance. Advance registration is required to stay overnight due to limited capacity on the Charles W. Morgan. Participation in the “Moby-Dick” Marathon is free with museum admission or membership. Please call 860.572.5331 to register.

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Awards were given Saturday at the Antique & Classic Boat Rendezvous in multiple categories. Mystic Seaport would like to congratulate all of the winners and thank everyone who brought their boat to the event.

Runabouts

Special citation: Best representation of a 1950’s ski boat continually used, maintained, and loved by the same family for 48 years. 1959 Chris-Craft Old Timer, Richard Haupt

Chris Craft delivered this boat to Bogie Marine at Candlewood Lake, CT in 1959. As the second owner, the Haupt family purchased this boat in 1969 for daily use as a family ski boat and sunset cruises in the summer months at Twin Lakes, Salisbury, Ct. Since 1970, we slalom- and barefoot-water skied behind her very nice wake! She goes over 42 mph and still pulls skiers today. Each spring, the Haupt family (two generations now) maintained this boat with countless hours of caulking and painting the bottom, sanding and varnishing while learning about maintenance of the Chevrolet V8-283 engine. Restored in 2015 by Jim Murdock’s team at Vintage Restorations in Bristol, CT to preserve our family memories, good times and sweat equity while keeping an OLD TIMER going for another generation or two.

Best Restoration of an outboard powered runabout: 1956 15’ Century Pulomino Giddy-Up, Walter Shicko

This 1956 15’ Century Palomino was originally purchased by a Commander in the Navy from Bethesda, Maryland. He owned her and kept her in that area until 2008 when the current owners purchased her. New white oak battens were steamed and installed. All fittings were re-chromed. New upholstery was completed. The decks and hull were stained and twelve coats of varnish were applied. The 1957 electric start Johnson Golden Javelin outboard motor was rebuilt and repainted to factory specifications.

The boat was re-launched in 2015 in time for the Antique and Classic Boat Society’s show in Essex, CT. She was awarded Best in Show in the Preserved category. In the same year at the Antique Boat Show in Lake Champlain, VT, she received the Best in Show in the Outboard category.

Small Powerboats

Best Antique Powerboat <45 feet: Owner maintained vessel with incredible attention to detail with a significant amount of impressively maintained brass and beautiful bright work. 1924 William Hand – Nisca, Ted Crosby

NISCA is an Ojibwa word for “goose”. She is a 40′ 1924 Express Cruiser from the William Hand, Jr. Collection, built on the Connecticut River at the Portland Yacht Yard, and has remained afloat in Connecticut waters for most of her years,  apart from an excursion to Florida in 1987 by transport, and again on her own bottom in 1995. Her present owners purchased her in 1988 and the restoration began in the spring of 1989. NISCA was out of the water for five years and returned in 1994 with a new keel, stem, one hundred ribs, floor timbers, and engine mounts. NISCA originally had an open main saloon with a pipe frames and canvas top. Previous owners replaced this structure with an enclosed cabin, probably sometime in the 1930’s. Later in the late 40’s to early 50’s, the 1930’s cabin was replaced by a 1950’s-style house, which was not in character with her William Hand design. The present owners removed the 1950’s-style house and replaced it with what they believe her 1930’s cabin would have looked like. NISCA’s original power was a single 200 hp. Van Blerck gasoline engine. Today, NISCA has a top speed of 18.7 mph (16.4 knots). The boat weighs 17,000 pounds (7.6 L tons) and has a cruising rate of 500 miles when fully provisioned.

Best Classic Powerboat <45 feet: Owner maintained with special mention for excellent engineering to include modern safety and navigation equipment while preserving the original layout and maintaining the original spirit and feel.  1964 Rybovich – Sam V, Bob Melton.

SAM V is a custom built sport fisherman that was commissioned as FRISKY LADY for John Willis in 1964. Over the last 53 years, she has been continuously maintained in “Palm Beach” (like new) condition. Under the current owner, since 2000, the boat has cruised extensively on the East Coast and has won “Best in Show” at the Antique and Classic Show in St. Michael’s, MD, and at Vintage Weekend at Ocean Reef.

Large Power

Best Professional Restoration: Trade Wind, Marcy Jean Brenner

TRADE WIND was originally built in 1938 for a discerning owner who wanted an elegant floating home. She was built solidly of teak on steam-bent oak frames, and was the first pleasure boat to ever be tank-tested. She was used as a tender to the Bermuda racing fleet in 1938 and after World War II served as a research vessel for sonar and radar.

An extensive restoration was done by Rockport Marine in Maine, from 2008-2011.The restored TRADE WIND is well-appointed in paneled iroko, a tropical hardwood. She has a generous galley, three heads, a bathtub, and a main salon with a fireplace. The engine room is equipped with two restored Detroit 671 engines, a generator and a watermaker. Rockport Marine also built a new ketch rig for the boat with custom bronze hardware and sails by Nat Wilson.

She has been privately owned from 1975-present. She served as a committee boat for the Eggemoggin Reach Regatta in 2011 and 2012 and won several restoration prizes at the WoodenBoat Show in 2011 and 2012 and at the Salem Boat Show in 2013. She recently had all of her deck brightwork revarnished.

Best Owner Maintained Vessel: Corsair, Steve and Deborah Maresca

CORSAIR was maintained by her designer, Tom Rybovich, until 1990. She is an early example of composite wood construction. The boat is single-plank, epoxy-coated wood on sides, and double-planked, epoxy-coated and sheathed in fiberglass on the bottom. She still has her original planks, ribs, frames, and fasteners. She was owned for a period of time by Emil Rybovich and was kept at the Huckins Yard until 2001 when she was moved north by her present owner. Paint and portions of her interior were renewed by Ted Hood and Hinckley in Rhode Island. The owner does yearly varnish and teak maintenance and routine engine maintenance.

Small Sail

Best small sailing vessel: Varuna, Peter Dinkel. Owner Maintained to a high level while keeping the vessel practical and usable.

VARUNA has been cared for by the current owners since 2005 and is moored in Dering Harbor, Shelter Island, NY. VARUNA was formerly called MARIANN and sailed out of American Yacht Club in Rye, NY, and Nantucket under the past owner’s care from her launch in 1962, until 2005. VARUNA does annual cruises in southern New England waters, to Maine in 2012, and most importantly, numerous overnights with grandchildren. VARUNA has participated in a number of regattas including the New York Yacht Club Classic Regatta, Greenport Classic Regatta, Shelter Island Yacht Club races, and Off Soundings, winning numerous trophies.

Best Professionally Maintained Sail under 45’: Fidelio, Charles Townsend

Fully restored and repowered by present owner at Rockport Marine, FIDELIO was originally built for Castine, Maine yachtsman, Vale Marvin, and delivered to him in Castine following delivery to New York from Germany. She cruised and raced the waters of central Maine coast for years, spent a brief period in California, then returned to Rockport, where the current owner purchased her seven years ago.

She is the second yawl built from the original FINISTERRE plans by Sparkman & Stephens and is considered to be her identical twin. Her racing record over the last six years confirms that. Like FINISTERRE, FIDELIO has distinguished herself on race courses from Maine to Rhode Island, and is almost unbeatable in a moderate breeze. She won the first Maine Retired Sea Captains Regatta over 50 years ago in Castine and also won the 50th anniversary of that very special event four years ago.

Large Sail

Best in Show: Black Watch. Owner: Black Watch Alliance

BLACK WATCH is another example of the partnership of Sparkman & Stephens, designers, and Henry B. Nevins, builders, which flourished during the 1930’s. She was built in 1938 for the Rudolph Schaefer

family. During World War ll, the vessel was used by the US Navy in the Atlantic Patrol. After WW II, the vessel was donated to Tabor Academy where she served as Tabor Boy until 1954. Dr. George Brooks owned the vessel for 51 years and during that time made numerous visits to Mystic Seaport.

The 2006 restoration relied on the Sparkman & Stephens plans archived at Mystic Seaport. A great effort was made to keep the original concept/design and use traditional materials.

BLACK WATCH won first in class in the 2012 Newport Bermuda Race and has won numerous victories on the classic race circuit.

Special Citation for originality and special attention to the documentation of vessel history: Chautauqua, Joseph Zaraschi

CHAUTAUQUA was launched at the Willis Reid yard in Winthrop, MA in 1928. The name translates from the Seneca Indian word meaning “source of life” for the lake they lived along, and was chosen by the previous owner for the place where he and his family spent their summer. Designed by SS Crocker, design #106, she was built by Willis J. Reid Boat Builders of Winthrop, MA, in 1928 for Alfred Olds, a tobacco wholesale distributor and grower from Windsor, CT. With their son off to medical school, Mr. Olds commissioned the design to be easily sailed by him, his wife, and two children.

2017 marks this current caretaker’s 40th year sailing CHAUTAUQUA.

Rebuilds have occurred in the early ’60s and again during the winter of 2000-2001. The most recent rebuild followed Sam Crocker’s original drawings and photographs. Every effort was made to bring CHAUTAUQUA back to her original layout, both above and below deck. This detail has been followed to the upholstery seating “tuck and buttoned” design.

Special citation for commitment to classic yacht restoration: Ed Kane and Marty Wallace, owners of BOLERO

BOLERO was designed by Sparkman & Stevens to Cruising Club of America rules, and was, at the time of her launch in 1950, the largest-size yacht that could qualify for major ocean races.  Her original owner was John Nicholas Brown, then Vice Commodore of the NYYC.  Bolero’s racing career includes “First to Finish” in the Bermuda races of 1950, 1954 and 1956. In the 1956 race, she set an elapsed-time record of 64 hours, 17 minutes, which she held until for 18 years. She is framed in oak, with double planking of cedar and mahogany and cedar decks.  An extensive restoration was completed by Rockport Marine in 2010.

Judge Emeritus Award: Kid

Head Judge award: Courageous – A veritable time-capsule and incredible example of historical stewardship. Owners: Casey Fasciano and Thorpe Leeson

COURAGEOUS was built for Arthur Iselin, whose uncle was in syndicate for America’s Cup defense in the 1880’s. Arthur was involved in the Courageous 12 meter syndicate for the 1970 defense. She spent the last 60 years in Puget Sound with only 2 owners during that time. She returned to the east coast in April 2017.

Sparkman &Stephens award for excellence in yacht restoration: Mah Jong. Owner: Patrick C. Ilderton

MAH JONG was originally owned by Gilbert M. Grosvenor, Hovey Freeman, and Mike Merle-Smith. The maiden voyage was chronicled in a 48-page article in the December, 1958 issue of National Geographic. The vessel was sailed from Hong Kong, through the Suez Canal and through the Aegean Sea, stopping at Rhodes, Crete, Turkey and Greece. An extensive rebuild of MAH JONG was completed in June 2017 by Gannon & Benjamin in Vineyard Haven, with spars by Myles Therlow and sails by Ben Sperry. A redesign and rebuild was completed with new deck, dog house, trunk cabin, and all new interior. This was essentially Ross Gannon’s project but almost all of the employees contributed to the design and execution.