The Mystic Whaler and the Apella set sail on the Choptank. (Photo: Paul Clipper)

CAMBRIDGE – A total of 21 boats sailed into Cambridge harbor for the annual Schooner Rendezvous this past weekend, including the tall ships Pride of Baltimore II, the Mystic Whaler from Connecticut, and Lynx, which sails from Newport Beach, California. The tall ships were docked at Long Wharf, where entertainment and concessions were set up, and all offered sailing tours at various times Saturday and Sunday. More boats were docked at the County Office dock as well as inside the Cambridge Yacht Basin.

The Baltimore-based living history group called The Vigilant Crew set up an encampment on the grassy lawn of the Yacht Basin and entertained visitors during the weekend. The Vigilant Crew get together to show what 17th and 18th century naval life was like, and may be gleefully engaged in a sword fight when you arrive!

On Saturday morning the Dorchester Chorus opened the Rendezvous with song from the deck of the Pride of Baltimore II. On Saturday and Sunday dockside tours of the boats were offered, as well as sailing sessions on the Choptank River. There was also live entertainment from Slow Boat Captains for Truth and Justice, the Speak Easy Boys, Schooner Time and Dino and the Compadres.

A variety of foods were offered, and enjoyed by the crowd, and a number of vendors were on hand to lend a unique shopping experience. The West End Citizens Association joined in by offering a free one-hour walking tour of the homes on historic High Street.

There was a reception Friday evening for the captains and crews, some of which arrived as early as Tuesday. A special Eastern Shore dinner was held on Saturday night, and lucky ticket holders again joined the captains and crews for the event at Jimmie and Sooks restaurant in downtown Cambridge.

It was a great time, and another beautiful event held in Cambridge Harbor. There’s nothing quite as nice as the sight of a flotilla of fully-rigged sailboats plying the blue waters of the Choptank River!

Some of the boats stayed over after the event, including the Pride, which was engaged in educational sails for local school children on Monday.

Watch a slideshow of the event below: