Beginning in June, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD will offer novice and experienced boaters a chance to get out on the water along Fogg’s Cove in a selection of the Museum’s beautifully crafted wooden sailing and rowing skiffs.
The Sailing Saturdays program runs June 11, July 16, August 13 and September 17 with two daily sailing sessions running from 10am to 12noon and 1pm to 4pm. Boats used for the program range in size from 12 to 20 feet, and were crafted in the Museum’s Apprentice for a Day public boatbuilding program. The boats are perfect for one to two people, with instruction provided for beginning sailors or boaters.
“For people interested in commissioning the Museum to build one of these boats, this is a great way to ‘try before you buy,’” explains Boat Yard Manager Rich Scofield. “And for the experienced boater, this is a unique opportunity to enjoy sailing in some of the nicest, handmade wooden boats in the world.”
Boats in the program rotate from the Museum’s collection, which includes Melonseed sailing skiffs, Rushton rowing skiffs and paddleboats. “You might event get to sail in the boat that appeared in the Failure to Launch movie as part of your experience,” commented Scofield.
Reservations can be made, with drop-in participation welcomed. The cost to participate in the Sailing Saturdays program is $10 per session plus Museum admission. The Museum is open daily and also offers visitors the opportunity to help build one of these skiffs through its Apprentice for a Day program. For more information, call 410-745-2916 or visit www.cbmm.org.