The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race!

Norfolk, VA

October 23rd, 2023

Ship’s Log written by Program Coordinator Maddie Carlone

We left Boston in a hurry after our first attempt was met with unrelenting winds rendering us unable to sail past the Boston Harbor Islands. Luckily, our second attempt was successful and we were bound for Baltimore.

As any schooner bum or tall ship fanatic knows, schooner races are straight up a good time. You’ve got schooners, cool people, food and sailing - a dream for old and new salts alike. Perhaps the most luxurious and obvious perk of the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race were the amenities at Anchorage Marina. Never underestimate the power of a shower!

After much fun in Baltimore, it was time for the race to commence! We all saddled up along the start line, and thanks to the sailing IQ of our beloved Captain, we were in first place for a solid chunk at the start of the race!

Unfortunately, there was hardly any wind; most times we were only making 2 knots. There was a healthy back and forth between us and Sultana for awhile, a good rivalry to keep our heads in the game. We raced our hearts out and didn’t turn our engines on until the following morning. The Schooner Virginia ultimately won.

Once in Norfolk, VA, there was a lovely party to celebrate all the boats and their crew. There was an abundance of oysters, barbecue food, and good sailing stories. These old wooden boats deserve all the celebrating for everything that they do for us.