The Nathan is ready with a new coat of top paint and 7-8 new crew members and two new Captains. While the paint is dry, the new crew and captains are in Phase II of the extensive training program that began back in February. New docents, volunteers who talk to passengers about the heritage of the skipjacks, the Choptank River, and the Chesapeake Bay, are also part of the volunteer staff who make the experience on the Nathan an educational and memorable trip for passengers.
This year, the Nathan has added a few special sails that proved to be popular last year. There are four “Sunset Sails” on the schedule: May 26th, July 7th, September 1st , and October 6th, 2018. These sails depart in the late afternoons or early evenings to watch the sun set over the Choptank River, and come complete with refreshments. There is one “Annie Oakley” cruise scheduled for June 2nd. Annie Oakley grew up in Cambridge along the shores of the Choptank River. Passengers will get to meet the modern Annie Oakley and learn about her life and adventures while sailing on the Choptank. Reservations are strongly suggested for these special cruises. Check the website at www.Skipjack-Nathan.org or call 410-228-7141.
Finally, the Nathan is always open for additional volunteers. Volunteers serve not only as crew members, but also as docents, administrative staff to help schedule passengers, and maintenance crew to help take care of this aging skipjack. Donations are also always welcome. There are two donation programs: one is the Preservation Fund which is used for long-term maintenance of the skipjack so it will be here for decades to come, and the other is for the Heritage Skipjack Race on the third Saturday in September. Donations to the Skipjack Race are divided among the 10-12 skipjacks that participate in the race for their own maintenance and preservation.
For more information, please visit the website – www.skipjack-nathan.org/ or call 410-228-7141