Free Sails, Public Tours on Schooner FAME and Ardelle This Weekend

Sailing Aboard FAME

Schooner FAME

News Release Date: September 10, 2014

Contact: Jonathan Parker, 978-210-4245

SALEM, MA - You'd be hard-pressed to find an easier, less-expensive way to get out into the winds and waves of the North Shore than aboard Schooner FAME or Schooner Ardelle this weekend. Both vessels are partnering with Salem Maritime National Historic Site to offer a free weekend of public sails, ship tours and history lessons on the War of 1812.

Here's the weekend sail plan -we hope you'll join us out on the water for this unique opportunity.

Saturday, September 13th - Schooner FAME
On Saturday Schooner FAME will offer three free public sails throughout the day at 11AM, 3PM, and 5PM. These hour and forty-five minutes sails will be granted to members of the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Free reservations are required and can be made by visiting or calling the National Park Service Visitor Center (2 New Liberty St.) at [phone]. Limit 6 people per reservation.

The original FAME was a 'Chebacco boat' that was commissioned as a privateer when war broke out in the summer of 1812. The new FAME is a full-scale replica of this famous schooner - framed and planked of white oak and trunnel-fastened in the traditional manner. 

During the sails, owner and operator, Captain Rutstein will discuss:

• The story of the flag (FAME always fly the 15-star, 15-stripe Star Spangled Banner)
• The story of the attack on Baltimore, emphasis on Baltimore as a privateering base, and the panic in Salem at the same time
•  Rockets’ red glare / bombs bursting in air: discussion of War of 1812 weaponry and firing of the FAME cannon
• The story of the National Anthem.

Sunday, September 14th - Schooner Ardelle
On Sunday, Schooner Ardelle will offer three free public sails throughout the day at 11:30AM, 1:30PM, and 3:30PM. These seventy-five minute tours Ardelle will be granted to members of the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Free reservations are required and can be made by visiting or calling the National Park Service Visitor Center (2 New Liberty St.) at [phone]. Limit 6 people per reservation.

Ardelle will be docked at Central Wharf at Salem Maritime National Historic Site from 10AM-5PM and will offer free ship-board tours when not underway.

Schooner Ardelle is an authentic, indigenous traditionally built, Cape Ann vessel out of Gloucester’s historic waterfront. She was designed and built, and is owned and captained by National Heritage Fellow Harold Burnham.

During the sails, Captain Burnham will discuss:

• Traditional boat building and maritime craftsmanship
• Shipboard life and sail-handling
• The North Shore's rich fishing, shipbuilding, and cultural heritage

Important Trip Notes

Reservations are free, required and can be made in advance by calling [phone]. Each trip has a specific capacity and cannot be exceeded, per U.S. Coast Guard regulations.

DEPARTURES
FAME leaves from Pickering Wharf; please arrive 10 minutes before departure time. Pickering Wharf Marina is located on the waterfront, near the intersection of Derby and Congress Streets.

ARDELLE leaves from Central Wharf at Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Please arrive 10 minutes before departure time. Salem Maritime is located on the waterfront, (193 Derby St.) near the intersection of Derby and Orange Streets.

WEATHER
The captain decides whether or not to sail very close to departure time if weather is a concern. Thunderstorms, thick fog, steady rain, and/or winds in excess of 25 knots may cause a trip to be canceled.

CHILDREN
There is no age limit. Toddlers are welcome, but parents are strongly urged to keep them from trying to walk by themselves on board, as they can easily lose their balance on a moving boat. Strollers are not allowed on board but can be safely left on the dock.

WHAT TO BRING
It's cooler out on the water, so bring a sweatshirt or windbreaker. High heels or dress shoes will be uncomfortable and unsafe — we recommend sneakers, sandals, or boat shoes. Cameras, sunglasses and sunscreen are also good ideas.

SEASICKNESS
Seasickness is rarely a problem on schooners like FAME and ARDELLE operating in protected waters close to shore. However, those prone to motion sickness may wish to take some Dramamine half an hour before sailing.

ACCESSIBILITY
FAME regularly accommodates people in wheelchairs, but the wheelchair cannot wheel directly onto the vessel. In order to get from the dock onto the boat and comfortably into a seat, FAME staff will need to assist. If the wheelchair folds or is light, you may be seated in your chair on board. Heavy electric wheelchairs need to be left on the dock. ARDELLE is not handicapped accessible. 


If you have additional questions about these trips or to make reservations, please call [phone].