The Nathan of Dorchester, an authentic oyster-dredging Chesapeake Bay skipjack, will kick off its 20th Anniversary season at Oxford Day, April 26th. Free sails will be offered during the day, departing from the Ferry Dock at the end Morris Street.
The Nathan, built and continuously operated by volunteers, was commissioned on July 4th 1994. There will be a re-dedication ceremony on this July 4th at Long Wharf in Cambridge, the Nathan’s home port. Entertainment and refreshments will be offered in addition to the program of the re-dedication. The remaining original builders will be on hand – the last few masters of the heritage of wooden boat building. Free sails will be offered in the afternoon.
The Nathan offers Public Sails on most Saturdays and one Sunday a month from May through October. On most two-hour sails, there is a demonstration of oyster dredging, giving a glimpse of the waterman’s life on the Bay. In addition private charters are available 7 days a week. The Nathan will again host the Choptank Heritage Skipjack Race this September 27th at Long Wharf. It is one of only 2 remaining skipjack races on the Bay. Photographers, whether professional or amateur, will have a great opportunity to see many of these iconic Chesapeake Bay workboats up close.
For more information, to charter the boat or to volunteer, contact the Dorchester Skipjack Committee at 410-228-7141 or visit its website, www.skipjack-nathan.org.
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