Years ago, schooners were a vital part of commerce on the Bay, transporting goods between Baltimore, MD, and Portsmouth, VA. One way that we continue to honor the legacy of these magnificent boats is the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race (GCBSR), a 127-mile race down the Bay.
Approximately three dozen schooners are expected to be on the start line when the race begins just south of the Bay Bridge, near Annapolis Thursday, October 13 at 1:30 p.m. If you have the opportunity to view these majestic boats from the water, do so. It’ll be well worth playing hooky from work, especially if it’s a crisp fall day with the breeze filling in, as it often is.
After last year’s race, Mark Faulstick, owner and skipper of Adventurer (65), who took first in Class B, remarked, “I’ve raced a lot of places in 25 years, and there’s a really beautiful, family-like atmosphere to this race. Everyone has a love of traditional boats and schooners. It’s unique and special. The race is enduring because of the sense of community and because of its endearing qualities. So many close friendships have evolved from this race.”
Race festivities run the entire week, including educational opportunities for selected students in both Baltimore and Portsmouth. As the schooners arrive in Baltimore Monday and Tuesday, they will be available for dockside viewing in Canton. All boats must be dockside by noon Wednesday, and a Parade of Sail is scheduled for Wednesday at 5 p.m. The best locations for viewing will be from the Canton, Fells Point, Harbor East, and Inner Harbor shorelines.
Vessels are expected to begin arriving in Portsmouth on Friday. The public is invited to mingle with the crews of the schooners that completed the race at a casual gathering Friday evening at Roger Brown’s restaurant in Olde Towne Portsmouth.
The GCBSR is a Portsmouth-based non-profit organization that has donated more than $150,000 to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for youth education. Find all the details at schoonerrace.org.
