The 2007 Gloucester Schooner Festival

This year's Gloucester Schooner Festival commenced on Saturday September 1st. It was a bright sparkling day with a descent wind blowing out of the northeast at 10-15 knots. The forecast predicted gusts of 20-25 and by all expectations, it looked to be a spirited race for the traditional small craft. Many were a bit disappointed when the racing committee elected to move the course triangle to the edge of the harbor instead of the usual course well off of Eastern Point. But it was a wonderful day for a sail and the boats were closer for the gathering spectators.

Schooners lined up at The Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center

Each year Gloucester hosts this colorful event drawing tall ships and other classic sailboats for the Schooner Races. This year there were three classes of schooners and one for traditional gaff-rigged boats. Access for visitors to view several of these remarkable craft is granted by the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center.

Restoration of the Schooner Adventure is showing great progress. This year we saw her hull completed and much of her deck is caulked an oiled. Recently Peter Souza gave a talk at our monthly Traditional Small Craft Association meeting to give us all the details. He encourages people to schedule a visit to this national historic landmark and lend a hand in the project. All sorts of help is welcome.
contact Peter Souza

A Day At The Races

I had decided not to sail this day, electing instead to concentrate on capturing the many fine boats under sail with my camera. As I rowed my beach skiff out into Gloucester Harbor, I lamented the choice I'd made since it would be a great day for my little boat to kick up her heels and take to the wind.

I neared some of the anchored boats off the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center docks and recognized a good old friend aboard Sea Harmony. When Thad Danielson suggested I'd get better pictures if I helped sail this beautiful 70 year old gaff-rigged yawl in the race, I didn't stop to think twice. The only regret I have now is not have some photos of her fully rigged with topsail.