Watch sailing log canoe races from the deck of the 'Winnie Estelle'

Posted 6/6/22

ST. MICHAELS — If you want to go aboard an original 1920 Chesapeake Bay buyboat built in Somerset County — and watch up-close and personal sailing log canoe races — come to the …

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Watch sailing log canoe races from the deck of the 'Winnie Estelle'

Posted

ST. MICHAELS — If you want to go aboard an original 1920 Chesapeake Bay buyboat built in Somerset County — and watch up-close and personal sailing log canoe races — come to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels on four dates in late June and July.

Log canoe races on the Miles River are a quintessential Chesapeake pastime, and from a shady spot onboard the buyboat Winnie Estelle’s deck you will get an up close and exciting look at the action. Amateur photographers, sailing aficionados, and wooden boat enthusiasts will all find something to enjoy on CBMM’s log canoe cruises.

The two-hour scenic cruises are scheduled for select times on June 25 and 26, and July 30 and 31. Boarding is limited, with all cruises dependent on marine conditions. 

These iconic Chesapeake Bay sailing log canoes only race along the Chester, Miles, Choptank, and Tred Avon rivers on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. With long masts and large sails, these boats keep upright as they accelerate to speeds of 10 knots or more, thanks to crew members climbing to the ends of 15-foot boards that hang off the side of the canoe.

The Winnie Estelle was built by Smith Island native Noah T. Evans and he named it for his two daughters. Evans was an occasional boatbuilder; his principal occupation was operating buyboats — buying fish and oysters directly from watermen, and taking them to the city markets or to big seafood packing houses for sale.

The cost for these excursions is $40 per person, with a 20% discount offered to CBMM members. Cruises fill early, with dates, departure times, and online registration at bit.ly/CBMMCruises

CBMM members play a critical role in supporting CBMM’s rich legacy of educational programs, fascinating and ever-changing exhibitions, and maintenance of the largest collection of Chesapeake Bay watercraft in the world, and have access to exclusive discounts, perks, and programming. To learn more about becoming a CBMM member, visit cbmm.org/membership

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