Schooner Festival

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Gloucester Schooner Festival

                                                                                                                                          Photo by Dimetrious Athas

What is the Gloucester Schooner Festival?

The Gloucester Schooner Festival celebrates the major contribution of the classic fishing schooner to the history of Gloucester. The events feature the last remaining of these great old vessels and their replicas, as they compete in the Mayor's Race for the Esperanto Cup, a trophy from the first International Fishermen's Races sailed in 1920. For two days the city's harbor, the oldest fishing port on the Atlantic Coast, is the backdrop for a unique mix of old and new as modern-day trawlers share their home port with traditional vessels from the age of sail. Lots of schooner masts will fill the harbor's skyline. What a sight!

On Saturday night you won't want to miss the Lighted Boat Parade and fireworks over the harbor. (Read more below). And Sunday is the Schooner Race.

The Lannon participated in the twenty-fourth annual Gloucester Schooner Festival over Labor Day Weekend, 2008 (and WON our class!). Everyone involved agreed that this was the best Schooner Festival yet. The breeze was strong and from the northwest, which made for calm seas and great sailing. The heavy air favored the big vessels and what a magnificent sight it was!  There were lots of big schooners here for the weekend:  The Schooners Virginia, American Eagle, Alabama, Lettie G. Howard, Roseway, Westward and Liberty Clipper, all came to race.  The  Schooner Bluenose came from Lunenberg, Nova Scotia to participate in the festivities, though not in the race. The Parade of Sail went off without a hitch on Sunday morning. And the fireworks Saturday night were exceptional. Warm weather all weekend made for a delightful end to summer.

We look forward to an equally exciting 25th Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 5th and 6th, 2009.

And what better way to see these vessels in action than to join us for the day as we race for the Cameron Cup!

                      Don't worry, we won't ask you to go aloft. Here, Heath has a bird's eye view of the action.

Here's the deal: Passengers usually board at about 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning, while Captain Tom is at the Captains meeting getting the course for the race and any other final details. We leave the dock by 8:45 a.m. The Parade of Sail begins near Cape Pond Ice Co. at 9:00 a.m. The Lannon has the honor of leading the Parade. All the schooners get their sails up and cruise by Stacy Boulevard for Joe Garland's introduction. Of course, a little cannon firing is in order to salute the spectators who have gathered to watch the show!  The Parade then heads out through the outer harbor and past the Breakwater. The starting line is usually located just outside Dogbar Breakwater, off Eastern Point. The jockeying for position and strategizing for the start makes for an interesting half-hour til the race begins at 11:10 a.m. The Large and Small Classes of Schooners start together (The Lannon is in the Small Schooner class). The Little Schooners start a short time later.

The rest of the day is spent trying to win the race. The crew is constantly adjusting sail, trying to tweak just a little more speed from the sail trim. The course might be north toward Rockport and back, or south toward Magnolia and Manchester. Weather conditions are different each year, so there is no way to plan for how things will turn out. But whether there is plenty of wind or no wind at all, it's still a lot of fun to witness first hand.

                   Schooner Roseway seen through the Lannon's rigging.

2008:

This year we woke to sunshine, a nice breeze from the northwest and a forecast of 15-20, a perfect schooner day. Even before the race started, the schooner crews were anticipating a great race. A couple of minutes before the race began, we were doing a mail pass with Liberty Clipper when we heard a loud noise that sounded like cannon fire. Unfortunately, it was the Clipper's foretopmast that had snapped. It came crashing down, hit their starboard rail and splashed into the water. Luckily, no one was hurt. But, what a scare! The Liberty crew was able to secure the rigging and completed the race. Here they are below on their way in.

               Liberty Clipper, at race's end in 2008, with her clipped foretopmast.

The race began at 11:10 a.m. with American Eagle and the Lannon both nailing the start, just off the breakwater. The course was three laps down toward the LNG platform and back. Passing all those big schooners under sail is always a thrill for our passengers. But seeing them moving at such great speed was something special. The excitement of making tight turns at the marks and then accelerating again was great fun. The wind on Sunday did indeed favor the bigger boats and there were great battles going on all around us.  Our crew did a fabulous job and we were the winners in our class. We love having both our sons, Heath and Brian, as well as our nephews, Nick Ellis, Dylan Ellis, and Craig Bonaventura onboard. All have worked on the boat for at least a summer and love to come back to sail with us on Race Day. Also, thanks to our tactician, Jack Alexander who adds a lot of racing experience to the mix.

   The Lannon passing the Virginia, taken by Renata Greene on the Lettie G. Howard, 8/31/08

After the Race, we sailed out to see the Bluenose II, (see photo below), whose crew was enjoying the race from a distance. Our passengers were delighted to see her tearing through the water under sail. We sailed back into the harbor next to her. The Lannon (65 ft.) is dwarfed by the Bluenose (144 ft.), but we love watching her.

Capt. Tom was awarded the Ned Cameron Cup at the awards ceremony that evening for winning our class.

           Schooner Bluenose II looking good!

Other years:

In 2007, there was virtually no wind at the start of the race. We sat at the starting line fighting the tide for more than an hour. Finally the breeze came up and we were able to make some headway. There were several schooners who were not positioned as well and weren't able to make it over the starting line for three hours. Light air favors the smaller boats, and we were able to beat all the traditional vessels this year. There were three lighter boats in our class who finished well ahead of the pack. (Race results are below). It is always an awesome sight to see these magnificent schooners under full sail! Our passengers were not disappointed.

In 2006, we were a little overanxious and then had to stall coming up to the start. The close proximity of the other schooners made for a very exciting start. We were battling with Liberty Clipper, Roseway and the Spirit of Massachusetts for the first couple of legs. At one point we were practically eating Roseway's main boom and could definitely have passed the grey poupon to them! After a couple of legs, and some fancy sail handling, we were able to get in front of most of the traditional boats. After the race, we sailed out to join Bluenose. Sailing back next to her under full sail was such a thrill for our passengers. I'm sure none of them will forget it. 

2005's was a very exciting race, as we nailed the start and lead the pack around the first mark...around the second mark...around the third mark and heading to the finish line. Oh no, here comes Adventurer on our outside trying to sail past and steal our wind. We fought a valiant race, but were edged out by Adventurer by a mere 13 seconds!

Our passengers include photographers, artists, visitors and locals who just love being part of the event. Some help the crew and actually handle lines as we race, while others choose to socialize, watch the action or just relax. Many make their reservations for the next year before they get off the boat on Race Day. So think about joining us on Labor Day Sunday for a day of fun.

Bring your lunch, binoculars, camera, and a bag with layers of clothing. A hat, sunblock, polar fleece and a windbreaker are good to include. Because of our license, no carry-on liquor is allowed. But we do have beer, wine and champagne available for sale. Soft drinks, bottled water and snacks are on us. You will be on the boat until the race is over, generally until between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m., depending on the wind. The cost is $165/person for the day. Space is limited, so don't miss out. It is sure to be an amazing day. Call us and reserve your spot soon!

Here's a comment from one of our 2008 passengers:

"Today was one of the most thrilling and fun experiences I've ever had!!!    Guess I really have got sailing in my blood!!  Each trip on the Lannon just gets better and  that was simply the BEST!!    Congratulations to you and your amazing family for winning the race - I learned so much listening to all the guys plotting and planning.    I hope you got a nice big trophy and had a few well deserved beers!!  
 
Please save me a space for next year!   I'm going to make it an annual event and keep taking sailing with Manchester Sailing assoc. in between so I can get really good at this!  I'm hooked."-AnneMarie Martins

Call us at (978) 281-6634 for reservations for Race Day.

 

24th Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival

MAYOR'S RACE
August 31, 2008

OFFICIAL RACE RESULTS

Class #1 - Large Schooners / Esperanto Cup

1st ~  Virginia, Andy Reay-Ellers 1:29:50
2nd ~ American Eagle, John Foss, 1:30:16 
3rd ~ Alabama, Daniel Ian Ridgeway, 1:31:59 
4th ~ Lettie G. Howard, Denise Meagher, 1:37:10
5th ~ Roseway, Dwight Deckelmann, 1:42:00 
6th ~ Westward, Amanda MAdeira, 1:45:50
7th ~ Liberty Clipper, Rob James, 2:04:35 


Class #2 - Small Schooners / Cameron Trophy
1st ~ Thomas E. Lannon, Tom Ellis 1:41:15
2nd ~Appledore III, Ron Shrank, 1:47:49
3rd ~ Adventurer, Mark Faulstick, 1:58:30
4th~ Maine, Harold Burnham, 2:10:40
5th~ Fame, Mike Rutstein, 2:26:27

Class #9 - Little Schooners / Ramsey Trophy
1st ~ Talisman, Robert Fitzgerald, 1:45:00
2nd ~Estrela, Bruce Davies, 1:57:00
3rd~ Bald Eagle, Paul Cole 1:58:14
4th ~Green Dragon, Al Bezanson, 2:01:45
5th ~ Renegade,  David Collier, 1:19:04

Prior year's results below.

 

                          American Eagle and Ernestina                                                                                                       The Lannon

 

What else goes on at the Schooner Festival?

There is usually a naval vessel anchored in or just outside the harbor for the weekend and it is open for tours both Saturday and Sunday. Shuttle boats depart from the Gloucester Redevelopment Authority Dock on Rogers St. just north of the Gloucester House Restaurant. (You'll see a security checkpoint set up near the chain link fence). The local maritime museums (the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center and the Essex Shipbuilding Museum in nearby Essex) usually hold open houses each day.

On Saturday there are traditional small craft races. The starts are visible from the Breakwater. You can always count on it "blowing like stink" for these races. At night there is a Lighted Boat Parade, where pleasure and commercial boats compete in a variety of categories, designed to bring out the best decorated boats. The Parade route begins near Annisquam, following the river into the harbor through the Cut Bridge, then into and out of all the harbor coves and channels and back out into the harbor. When the last boat has finished the circuit, there is a FIREWORKS display over the harbor, from Stage Fort Park. There is great viewing of both these events from along Stacy Boulevard.

Sunday, the Parade of Sail is visible from the Boulevard beginning at about 9:00 a.m., if you're not lucky enough to join us on the Lannon for the day!

We'll fill you in on the details for 2009's festival as they become available.

The Schooner Bluenose II is scheduled to come to Gloucester for Schooner Festival again this year. If you would like to join us when we sail out to greet her, let us know. We'll fill you in on details as they become available. It is always great fun to sail in company with such a beautiful vessel.

 


Prior Year's Results:

23rd Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival

MAYOR'S RACE
September 2, 2007

OFFICIAL RACE RESULTS

Class #1 - Large Schooners / Esperanto Cup

1st ~  Virginia, Nick Allie, 3:51:47
2nd ~ American Eagle, John Foss, 3:54:08 
3rd ~ Lettie G. Howard, Jonathan Kabak, 3:57:29 
4th ~ Pride of Baltimore II, Dave Bradley, 4:10:54

Spirit of Massachusetts, Alabama, and Liberty Clipper did not finish.

Class #2 - Small Schooners / Cameron Trophy

1st ~ Munequita, Mike Lawrence,3:03:29
2nd ~ Perception, James Weisman, 3:30:50
3rd ~ Voyager, Peter Phillips, 3:40:13
4th ~ Thomas E. Lannon, Tom Ellis 3:48:05
5th~ Appledore III, Jim Kubik, 4:30:37

Fame, Summertime, and Maine did not finish.

Class #9 - Little Schooners / Ramsey Trophy
1st ~ Green Dragon, Al Bezanson, 3:09:10
2nd ~Renegade, David Collier, 3:44:16
3rd~ Estrela, Bruce Davies, 4:05:55
4th ~ Lewis H. Story,  Essex Shipbuilding Museum, Bob Quadros

 

22nd Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival

MAYOR'S RACE
September 4, 2006

OFFICIAL RACE RESULTS

Class #1 - Large Schooners / Esperanto Cup

1st ~ American Eagle, John Foss, 1:58:20
2nd ~ Lettie G. Howard, Jonathan Kabak, 2:01:10
3rd ~ Roseway, Abby Kidder, 2:11:10
4th ~ Spirit of Massachusetts, C. Flansburg, 2:15:00                                                                                                   

5th ~ Liberty Clipper, Greg Muzzy, 2:30:56


Class #2 - Small Schooners / Cameron Trophy

1st ~ When and If, Cindy & Paul Ruitenberg, 1:46:00
2nd ~ Heron, Bob Pulsch, 2:00:20
3rd ~ Thomas E. Lannon, Tom Ellis, 2:06:00

 

Class #9 - Little Schooners / Ramsey Trophy


1st ~ Green Dragon, Al Bezanson, 2:21:00
2nd ~ Estrela, Bruce Davies, 2:24:00
3rd~ Shearwater, Daisy Nell, 2:25:20
4th ~ Bald Eagle, Paul Cole, 2:31:00
5th~ Integrity, Ed Boynton, 2:42:00
6th ~ Lewis H. Story,  Bob Quadros 2:47:00                                                                                                                       
DNF--Banks Dory, Daniel A. Noyes

 

21st Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival

MAYOR'S RACE
September 4, 2005

OFFICIAL RACE RESULTS

Class #1 - Large Schooners / Esperanto Cup

1st ~ American Eagle, John Foss, 1:20:59
2nd ~ Lettie G. Howard, Jonathan Kabak, 1:23:21
3rd ~ Spirit of Massachusetts, Bert Rogers, 1:29:26
4th ~Liberty Clipper, Greg Muzzy, 1:42:03


Class #2 - Small Schooners / Cameron Trophy

1st ~ Adventurer, Mark Faulstick, 1:17:15
2nd ~ Thomas E. Lannon, Tom Ellis, 1:17:28
3rd ~Heron, Bob Pulsch, 1:18:30
4th ~ Fame, Mike Rutstein, 1:51:42
5th ~ Summertime, Bill Brown, 2:01:21


Class #9 - Little Schooners / Ramsey Trophy
1st ~ Shearwater, Daisy Nell, 1:17:17
2nd ~ Green Dragon, Al Bezanson, 1:22:59
3rd~ Estrela, Bruce Davies, 1:23:20
4th ~ St. Brendon, Tom Ryan, 1:28:21
5th~ Bald Eagle, Paul Cole, 1:33:03
6th ~ Adventure, David Holmes, 1:37:59                                                                                                                          

 7th~Lewis H. Story, Bob Quadros, 1:51:48

20th Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival

MAYOR'S RACE
September 5, 2004

OFFICIAL RACE RESULTS

Class #1 - Large Schooners / Esperanto Cup

1st ~ American Eagle, John Foss, 2:36:50
2nd ~ Lettie G. Howard, Aaron Singh, 3:53:45
3rd ~ Spirit of Massachusetts, Jim Jefferson, 3:54:45
DNF ~Liberty Clipper, Greg Muzzy


Class #2 - Small Schooners / Cameron Trophy

1st ~ Adventurer, Mark Faulstick, 1:38:44
2nd ~ Grand Nellie, Jeff Troeltzsch, 2:11:45
3rd ~Winterwood, John Whitney, 3:16:41
4th ~ Thomas E. Lannon, Tom Ellis, 3:58:38
5th ~ Appledore V, David Leanza, 4:45:00
DNF ~ Formidable, Keating Wilcox
DNF ~ Fame, Don Steele

Class #9 - Little Schooners / Ramsey Trophy
1st ~ Heron, Robert Pulsch, 2:10:19
2nd ~ Shearwater, Daisy Nell, 2:47:09
3rd ~ Green Dragon, Al Bezanson, 2:48:49
4th ~ Eastern Passage, John Turner, 3:33:37
5th ~ Ms. Reilly, Wendell Reilly, 4:06:48
DNF ~ St. Brendan, Thomas Ryan
DNF ~ Bald Eagle, Paul Cole                                                                                                                                   

DNF Wounded Spirit, Hoyt Rain, Lola Rusk

Note: The race course was shortened for the vessels in the Large Schooner class in 2004. The times above reflect the Large Schooners over the course with three legs, while the Small and Little Schooners raced over the course with five legs.

 

Consider joining us for Race Day, 2009 as we defend the Cameron Cup.                            

Call us at (978) 281-6634 for reservations for Race Day.

Bluenose sailing in at Race's end alongside the Lannon.

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"Join Our VIP List And Enter To Win A Complimentary Sail on The Lannon"

VIPs get privileged access to exclusive, unannounced, special offers. We'll also enter you to win a complimentary two-hour sail on the Lannon.

Name:
Email:

Important: We respect your privacy. We will never sell or rent your contact information to anyone. Ever.

 

 

The Schooner Thomas E. Lannon
Located at Seven Seas Wharf at the Gloucester House Restaurant
Rogers Street (Route 127)
Gloucester, MA 01930
(978) 281-6634     info@schooner.org

 

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