Schooner Sails
Cape Ann has a rich history with schooners since Capt. Andrew Robinson built and launched the first American schooner in 1713. As she slipped into the water, legend tells us that a spectator cried, “See how she ‘scoons!” In response, Capt. Robinson shouted, “A schooner let her be!” (The word “scoon” has several possible origins including the from the Scottish word “scon,” which means “to send over water, to skip stones.”)
What is a Schooner?
Today
The Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum is the best resource for learning more about Cape Ann’s schooner and shipbuilding heritage. Here, at this living museum, classic wooden vessels are still being built and launched in the Essex tradition, including the Schooner Thomas E. Lannon (1997) and the Schooner Ardelle (2011).
During your time here, sail through history on Adventure, explore Gloucester Harbor with the Ellis family on the Lannon or cruise around the Cape with shipwright Harold Burnham on the Ardelle. Perhaps you’ll catch a magnificent sunset along the way. There’s nothing like the rush of the wind, the salt spray from the waves, and the sound of the gulls to take you back in time. This is where you and history intersect—for an extraordinary Cape Ann experience.
(978) 290-7168 - downtown gloucester
Enjoy the beauty of Cape Ann under sail aboard the Schooners Ardelle and Isabella. Choose from a wide variety of sailing experiences from 2-hour public sails, sunset sails, music sails and special events to affordable small and large group private charters. All sail tickets include admission to Maritime Gloucester.
(978) 281-8079 - downtown gloucester
Come aboard this 122′ National Historic Landmark schooner! Built in Essex in 1926, the Adventure recently completed a stem to stern restoration. Sail this season on the schooner on one of their community sails offered three times per week. Charter the boat for your next adventure, or attend one of the Adventure’s dockside events or tours. The vessel also serves as an educational resource to educators, students, and the community.
(978) 281-6634 - downtown gloucester
Sail on the pristine 65′ Schooner Thomas E. Lannon on one of their daily one-and-a-half hour tours through Gloucester’s working harbor and along her rocky coastline. See lighthouses, castles, scenic beaches, and magnificent waterfront homes. Be part of the crew and help raise the sails or just sit back and relax and breathe in the sea air. Enjoy a sunset music or a stargazing sail, or charter the boat for a private event.