Built in Bath, Maine in 1906, the 75' clipper schooner Mary E is the lone survivor of more than 4,000 commercial wooden sailing ships constructed in that celebrated "City of Ships." Originally put into service as a commercial vessel traveling from Block Island to Providence, Rhode Island, she also operated as an official United States mail carrier.

In 2006, the Mary E was purchased by Halyard Enterprises, LLC. The new owners are sailing enthusiasts dedicated to preserving this authentic ship in tip-top condition and giving the public the opportunity to experience our maritime heritage. At present, the Mary E continues her day sails and charters from Greenport, Long Island.

The T/V Liberator is a 108-foot former Navy YP class vessel. Built in 1984, it is one of a fleet of vessels designed to train Naval Academy midshipmen in ship handling, navigation, watch standing, engineering and communications. The vessel was designed to simulate the handling and maneuvering characteristics of a much larger vessel. In 1998, the vessel was transferred to the Office of Naval Research to be a test bed for modern technologies. In the spring of 2007, the Liberator was transferred to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and given her current name. As a training vessel for the Merchant Marine Academy, the vessel is crewed by midshipmen who are given responsibilities for many aspects of her operation. Students stand navigation and engine watches and get to experience hands-on training that relates directly to their future careers as ships’ officers. The T/V Liberator has bunk space for 24 and, in addition to students, is usually crewed by one to three instructors, depending on the duration of a particular voyage.

The Unicorn is a two-masted, gaff-rigged schooner built in Holland in 1947 out of steel salvaged from captured German U-boats. For 32 years, the vessel, originally equipped with a 1500-horsepower diesel engine, trawled the North Atlantic as a fishing boat.

Acquired by a Dutch couple in 1979, the Unicorn was converted into a private sailing ship. For the next two decades, it served a series of private owners before being sold to Dawn and Jonathan Santamaria of Hunterdon, NJ. The Santamarias upgraded the vessel and converted it for use as a sail-training vessel.

The Christeen, a 40-foot, gaff-rigged sloop, is the oldest oyster sloop in America and a National Historic Landmark. She was originally built in 1883 for Captain William Smith in Glenwood Landing, NY for the purpose of harvesting oysters in Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor. During her 120 years, the Christeen served not only as an oyster dredge but also as a cargo carrier and live-aboard between Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.

The Christeen’s new mission is to serve as a floating classroom. Her Coast Guard-certified captains and experienced crew educate up to 24 passengers about maritime history, marine science, coastal ecology, the oyster industry and aquaculture.

Harbor cruises will be available during the festival. A donation fee will be charged.