It’s Back!

June 6 and 7 will be BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat) time at Mystic Seaport.  The John Gardner Small Craft Workshop is back after a one-year hiatus!

The excitement is already palpable as news of the event spreads through word-of-mouth and through upcoming featured articles in WoodenBoat magazine and Messing About in Boats.

Hundreds of owners of traditionally designed and built small craft are expected to again gather along the Museum’s waterfront to proudly display and share the use of their boats. Peapods, white halls, sharpie skiffs, canoes, kayaks, dories, dinghies and more will undoubtedly be in the mix. Here’s a unique chance for workshop participants to “test drive” an impressive variety of small craft and also try their small boat related skills on vessels other than their own.   

The Small Craft Workshop returns to Mystic Seaport this June.

Peter Vermilya, the Museum’s curator of small craft and supervisor of traditional craft programs, describes the weekend as one of special camaraderie amongst small craft enthusiasts. “It’s also an opportunity for anyone interested in building a boat themselves to talk with others who have successfully done it.”

You don’t have to bring a boat to participate in the Small Craft Workshop. All you need to bring is yourself. Workshop organizers are planning a great weekend. Watch for registration forms and more information on our website: www.mysticseaport.org/smallcraftworkshop.

“Do I Have to Stay?”…”Do I Have to Leave?”

Nintendo, Xbox, iPods, Wii. Do children ever take a break from technology long enough to explore the great outdoors anymore?

Children who visit Mystic Seaport do. The Museum’s summer camp programs offer exciting adventures for 10 to 15-year-olds — all without the use of a television screen or blinking cursor.

Outside — yes. On the water — yes.  In the water — maybe (just kidding). Don’t panic, parents. This is a safe and fun environment with seasoned, experienced sailors and educators in charge.  Some, like Camp Director Hallie Payne, were once Mystic Seaport campers themselves and have returned as adults to ensure their fond memories become another generation’s fond memories, too.

During the six-day program, campers learn the fundamentals of sailing, seamanship and all things related to becoming comfortable and knowledgeable about boat handling.  A fleet of Dyer Dhows provide the classroom for these young sailors.

Learning to sail on the historic Mystic River.

And coolest of all, campers get to sleep aboard the historic training ship, the Joseph Conrad. Outfitted with bunks, showers, flush toilets, heat and electricity, the vessel is now permanently moored along Mystic Seaport’s waterfront. 

After campers spend time aboard the Conrad, they quickly learn that it really is possible to get along without cell phones, texting, computers and television and still have fun! (The aforementioned aren’t permitted.)

Climbing the rigging of the Joseph Conrad.

Sailing instructor Allie Ruel sees the transformation that takes place in the campers from their first day to their last day of camp. At first, it’s “Do I have to stay?” and by the end of the camp it’s “Do I have to leave?” Now, what better testimonial is there than that?

Available spots for the upcoming 2009 Joseph Conrad Overnight Summer Sailing Camp are filling up fast. Learn more online, or to register for any program, call Central Reservations at 860.572.5322.

A “Twofer” at the G.W. Blunt White Building

Clam and scallop shells, whelks, periwinkles and moon snails – those are familiar seashells to most beachcombers. But did you know that in the  G.W. Blunt White Building at Mystic Seaport, there’s a Pocock shell suspended from the ceiling that weighs almost 30 pounds? No, it’s not a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not phenomenon. This shell isn’t a seashell – it’s a boat!

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Aptly named “By George,” this racing shell exemplifies the fine workmanship of respected designer/ builder, George Pocock. The beautifully preserved boat dominates the entry lobby at Mystic Seaport’s Rowing Exhibit and National Rowing Hall of Fame.

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Entering the Let Her Run Exhibit is stepping into a treasure trove of rowing history. Whether you’re a neophyte to the world of rowing, or actively enjoy the sport, this exhibit is bound to generate a new appreciation for this oldest of Olympic competitions. Who knows, you might just get inspired to take up the sport yourself. Rowing is considered great aerobic exercise! 

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The focus turns to sailing in the Cruising Club of America’s (CCA) Olin J. Stephens II Reading Room, where you can discover the amazing life of the America’s Cup 12-meter sailboat designer unfold before you on a video screen. During his 100-year lifetime, this man designed more than 2,000 boats, of which eight were America’s Cup winners. Take a look at the models and just imagine turning the last mark toward the finish line in one of these magnificent sailboats.

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The Let Her Run Exhibit in the National Rowing Hall of Fame coupled with the Olin J. Stephens II exhibit is a “twofer” not to be missed. Rower, sailor, nautical history buff or simply a curious person wanting to experience all Mystic Seaport has to offer the winter visitor, the G.W. Blunt White Building exhibits are a great starting point.

 

Visitors have also remarked on the beauty of the building itself. Dedicated in memory of well-known yachtsman, G.W. Blunt White, the library opened in 1965, specializing in American maritime history. Its holdings were, and still are, considered among the most significant in the nation. Most are now housed in the Museum’s Collection Research Center.

 

Well, we’ve mentioned rowing buffs, sailing buffs, nautical history buffs. Now here’s a little something for nostalgia buffs – especially those of a certain age group (ahem). Many a visitor has sentimentally touched or commented on the bank of card files in the hallway – reminiscent of libraries b.c. (before computers)!

 

You just never know what you’ll see at Mystic Seaport. Come visit and those winter doldrums will be history!

Check out the daily happenings at our website: www.mysticseaport.org.