SAILING THE SCHOONER MARY DAY
Learn seamanship skills and sail handling on a traditional schooner.
- CAPT. BARRY KING & JANE AHLFELD — JULY 20–26
Join longtime WoodenBoat instructor Jane Ahlfeld, Capt. Barry King, and crew for a week of experiential instruction aboard one of Penobscot Bay’s sailing legends, the schooner MARY DAY. Launched in 1962 and rebuilt during the winter of 1999/2000, the schooner is 90' on deck, 125' sparred length, displaces 96 tons, and carries 5,200 square feet of canvas. She is a big, pure sailing vessel, designed and rigged along the lines of a traditional coasting schooner, but built with modern comfort and safety in mind.
During this unique, “hands-on,” physically active, team-oriented course, students will become integral members of the crew. The week includes learning liveaboard skills, general seamanship, coastal navigation, and marlinespike seamanship. Students will be divided into four watch groups: Navigation, Bow Watch, Marlinespike, and Helm/Galley, with a daily rotation set up so that participants experience all aspects of large sailing operations. The goal for the end of the week is to have students working together to assume operation of the vessel and return her to her home port of Camden.
Throughout the week, daily lectures will explore weather, tides, radio communications, yawlboat handling, and the decision-making process and responsibilities behind commanding your own vessel. You will get ashore each day to walk, stretch, and explore. Evenings will be unscheduled times to relax, go for a row, play music, etc.
The rhythm of shipboard life provides a unique environment to experience the sights, smells, and sounds of the Maine coast. While the demands of a traditional schooner help to teach us the skills of seamanship, the lessons about teamwork, discipline, respect, and humor are applicable to areas of life far beyond the ship. Come join Jane, Barry, and the crew of the MARY DAY for a voyage into the fascinating world of large sailing vessels.
Tuition: $990
Note: This is a six-day course that begins and ends in Camden Harbor, Camden, Maine. All reservations should be made through the schooner’s office at 800.992.2218, www.schoonermaryday.com. Limited space available to non-participating friends or loved ones.