Everyone’s favorite sailing experience, the Schooner Woodwind, has partnered with Historic Annapolis Foundation to bring a bit of history to several Monday evening cruises. Every other Monday evening through September, a guest speaker from Historic Annapolis Foundation will sail on the Woodwind bringing the history, lore and intrigue of Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay alive for 48 lucky guests during a sunset sail.
The Woodwinds are twin schooners which ply the waters of the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis, Maryland giving guests a first hand, up close look at sailing, Annapolis, and the Chesapeake Bay. Guests are encouraged to help out the crew with sailing the vessel; or they can sit back and enjoy the evening.
Topics for this sailing season will include the favorite libations and the Annapolis stomping grounds of our country’s founders, historic preservation for the City, and of course the storied history of the United States Naval Academy.
The season winds up with a bit of history that many are unaware. The beds, beers and brothels of colonial Annapolis will focus on the female tavern keepers that populated this Chesapeake Bay town in the mid-18th century.
For guests who aren’t able to make one of the Historic Annapolis Foundation cruises, every other Monday features the Woodwind’s own Miss Pat, an 18th century working woman from Colonial Annapolis“wench” in full period costume who wanders the decks
Cruises depart every Monday evening at 6:30 P.M. from the Marriott Annapolis Waterfront dock located at 80 Compromise Street in Annapolis, MD. Reservations are strongly suggested and can be purchased six (6) days prior to sailing at the dock or by visiting http://schoonerwoodwind.com/ratesandschedule.asp.
Monday Maritime History Schedule
May 30, 2011 Lively Libations: Founding Fathers’ FavoritesBenjamin Franklin was a fan of beer and Thomas Jefferson a wine aficionado. Find out the other Founding Fathers favorite beverages, taverns they frequented in Annapolis, and colonial recipes to try at home.
June 30, 2011 How Annapolis Was Saved From the Wrecking Ball: Historic Preservation in AnnapolisAnnapolis was under attack! In 1952, Historic Annapolis was organized to combat the re-development of downtown. The fight wasn’t easy and isn’t over. Hear about the preservation successes and losses and how these contribute to today’s skyline.
June 27, 2011 The Tale of Two Cities: The United States Naval Academy and AnnapolisSince 1845, the history of the United States Naval Academy and the town of Annapolis has been interwoven. Separate, yet undeniably intertwined, both have fascinating individual histories, yet are very dependent upon each other.
July 18, 2011 Courtship Aboard ShipYour summer sunset cruise will become even more romantic as you learn some of the courtship practices of the past. Learn how to “put your best foot forward,” the language of the fan, as well as other romantic customs—some still utilized by lovers today!
August 1, 2011 The Tale of Two Cities: The United States Naval Academy and AnnapolisSince 1845, the history of the United States Naval Academy and the town of Annapolis has been interwoven. Separate, yet undeniably intertwined, both have fascinating individual histories, yet are very dependent upon each other.
August 15, 2011 The Lifeblood of Annapolis—PoliticsAnnapolis was founded in 1694 because of politics, it served as the nation’s capital, and politics continue today as one of town’s major industries. Hear the powerful, and sometimes silly, stories of the statesmen and women who have worked for the public good.
August 29, 2011 Seven Years Can Be an Eternity: Trials and Tribulations of Indentured ServantsStealing a loaf of bread in England could cost you seven years of hard time in the American colonies—and a hard time it often was! Hear the stories of some of the hardest working colonials and why life was so tough for them, how they dealt with it, and the rewards that kept them going.
September 15, 2011 A Stitch in TimeTextiles are the fabric of life—everyone has them, everyone keeps them close, and we can’t live without them. As the Woodwind moves through the Chesapeake waters thanks to her big, white sheets of fabric, learn about the wide range of textiles, people that made them, and what they meant to Annapolitans over the years.
September 26, 2011 Beds, Beer, and Brothels: Female Tavern Keepers in Colonial AnnapolisFrom extra beds in a family home to brothels at City Dock, hear the tales of female tavern keepers of mid 18th-century Annapolis. What was Annapolis like, who were these working women, and what and who did they serve?
Source: Schooner Woodwind