The Black Dog Captain’s Journal

Vineyard Haven, MA - In a little over one week the Black Dog Tall Ship Tour will get back into action when the Alabama makes visits to the ports of Newburyport, Gloucester and Provincetown beginning on September 1st.  This will continue the Alabama’s traditional presence in some awesome specialty events like the traditional schooner regattas in Gloucester and Provincetown and include public open house events in each of these three ports.  We now refer to this as the Alabama’s “Northern Run”…

Newburyport, MA - September 1st & 2nd:  In the late winter of 2009 the Black Dog’s Newburyport General Store a stone’s throw from the Merrimac River.  Sometimes not the friendliest body of water for deep draft vessels, the Alabama crossed the bar and the entrance to the River on a beautiful afternoon last August 30th and made her first visit to the historic town of Newburyport.  I remember it as the most well-attended of all 2009’s events as the Alabama hosted local schools, was opened to the public and was involved in an evening dockside fundraiser for the Newburyport Art Association.

Gloucester, MA - September 4th & 5th:  Again, the schooner Alabama returns to Gloucester, “America’s Oldest Seaport” as well as a port responsible for her ever constructed.  As you may know, the Alabama was launched in Pensacola, FL in 1926 but her designer Thomas MacManus is a fixture in the fishing history of this port.  Its been said that over 300 of his designs fished and sailed from Gloucester…  So with the Alabama’s return to Gloucester in 2010, we continue to pay a tribute to the history and heritage that the Gloucester Schooner Festival represents.  The Alabama will be wharved at the Cruiseport Pier on the waterfront and will be offering a full day of dockside tours on Saturday the 4th and will be competing in the “Mayor’s Cup” race on Sunday.  Each year we have offered space to our customers to join us for the exciting race and will be doing the same again this time.  Tickets can be purchased by calling the Black Dog Tall Ships office at 508-693-1699.

Provincetown, MA - September 9th - 11th:  The passage from Cape Ann to Provincetown will be the Alabama’s chance to defend her Class “A” title in the Sperry Topsider Fisherman’s Cup race from Gloucester to Provincetown on Tuesday, September 7th.  Once in harbor and tied up at the Whydah Museum Pier, the Alabama will be open to the public for dockside tours on Friday the 10th and will again be selling space to passengers who wish to sail onboard the Alabama during the Great Provincetown Schooner Regatta on Saturday.  Another great event, this gathering in Provincetown has become an annual stop for the Alabama since we hoisted the champion’s Rose Dorothea Cup in 2006 and again in ‘07.  Home to a proud sailing history, Provincetown and this regatta has been supported by the Black Dog Tall Ships as it continues to build towards becoming a signature sailing event aimed at bringing more attention to the ships, sailing opportunities and history all found in this part of New England.  Again, to purchase space for the race day in “P-Town” please call the Black Dog Tall Ships office at 508-693-1699.

Hope to see you during the “Northern Run”…

Captain Morgan Douglas

The Black Dog Tall Ships

Vineyard Haven, MA - August 1st is a few days behind us, and with it, whether we like it or not, we’ve turned the corner in the summer season and are coming down the home stretch.  Every day is an important one here on the waterfront with the Black Dog Tall Ship & Wharf companies.  Back to school commercials are on the radio and TV and now its time to milk these last few weeks for everything they’re worth here on Martha’s Vineyard…  For those looking to maximize the remainder of the season just like we are, there are plenty of items on the Black Dog Tall Ships Schedule for you to join up and get in on the fun and action.

Next week, beginning August 9th, its the return and culmination of the “Bragger’s Cup” race series.  On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with passengers onboard the Shenandoah and Alabama line it up and match race.  It isn’t the result of a large plan, but the fact remains - aside from a handful of annual festivals of traditional tall ships and specialty events, these races are the best opportunity for people to see, or sail aboard, two of America’s finest schooners sailing in close company and in competition.  In the “pre-season” match back in on June 26th the Alabama once again took a suprise win.  Now comes this three race series to settle the question for 2010 - who will be crowned queen of the fleet?  The Black Dog Tall Ships continues to represent America’s proud tradition, but just like summer is passing quickly, how much longer will these schooners set sail from Vineyard Haven?

Alabama on the reach back to the finish line in the "pre-season" race on June 26.

Here’s what else is on tap in the upcoming weeks:

The final “Kids Cruise” summer camp program of the season takes place from August 15th - 21st aboard the Alabama.  Completely sold out…

"Kids cruisers" step back aboard after a morning ashore in Tarpaulin Cove.

The first-ever reunion cruise with Shenandoah’s alumni crew beginning on August 22nd.  Former crew will be headed in from all four corners of the country to step back aboard and take part in this historic reunion. Stay tuned for more info and a recap to follow.

The Alabama will make her now-annual trip to visit Newburyport, Gloucester and Provincetown during the first two weeks of September.  Open house events in all three ports of call as well as classic schooner races in Gloucester and Provincetown offer awesome opportunities for our customers and fans on the mainland to step on for the day.

So maybe you’ve felt it too - that slightly cooler early morning or evening which signals the beginning of the end.  There is still plenty left in the 2010 season and the Black Dog Tall Ships welcomes you, and hopes to see you, aboard in the remaining weeks and days…

Captain Morgan Douglas

The Black Dog Tall Ships

Vineyard Haven, MA - Happy 4th of July from the Black Dog Tall Ships!  Traditionally, Memorial Day weekend is viewed by many as the official start to the summer season here on Martha’s Vineyard but July 4th is when summer really shows up in force…  Today, the Black Dog Wharf is full, the schooner ALABAMA is out on an afternoon sail in Vineyard Sound and the SHENANDOAH is getting prepared to board another Sailing School program tonight.  And although the summer season has just gone into high gear, the Black Dog Tall Ships’ 2010 season started weeks ago.  Let’s recap…

The ALABAMA started the season with her traditional season-opening Memorial Day event in Newport.  Tied up a stone’s throw from the Black Dog’s Newport General Store, the schooner was open to the public for the two days of free dockside tours and a Saturday evening sunset cruise.  Many thanks again to our host David Ray and his staff at Bannister’s Wharf.

ALABAMA open to the public at Bannister's Wharf

 From Newport, the ALABAMA made the short trip west to visit Mystic for stop #3 of the 2010 Black Dog Tall Ship Tour.  While at Mystic River Park we hosted hundreds of visitors during another two-day event, sharing with them the history of the ALABAMA and the legend of the Black Dog Tavern Company.  With the historic CHARLES W. MORGAN on the railway as a backdrop, this was another awesome and worthwhile tour stop…

The month of June brought the return of the Sailing School Program and both schooners of the Black Dog Tall Ships fleet loaded up first-time participants in early June when the students from the Shelter Island, Block Island and Fisher’s Island schools stepped onboard for week-long programs.  This kicked off the SHENANDOAH’S 47th season of operation under Captain Robert Douglas - the longest standing captain and vessel partnership in the United States…  F.O.C.U.S (www.infocus.org) and then the Oak Bluffs School rounded out June for SHENANDOAH while the ALABAMA started her afternoon and evening cruises with a Mike Benjamin concert cruise and a Bragger’s Cup race thrown in as well…

Schooner ALABAMA - June 26th, 2010

The rest of the season has shaped up nicely…  Five “Kids Cruise” Summer Camp programs are coming up next, beginning with the “Writer’s Week” aboard the SHENANDOAH starting next week running straight through mid August.  We’ll be offering dozens of afternoon and evening sails an the ALABAMA and the newest addition - the schooner CHANTEY, concert cruises with John Cruz will be back in August as well as a week of “Bragger’s Cup” races and much, much more…

In 2010 we’ll continue to build upon the mission of Captain Robert Douglas - to expose today’s and future generations to the history these schooners represent and to the fun of a life under sail.  With two of America’s finest schooners we aim to do just that…  With that said, we hope to see you along the waterfront and on the decks of the Black Dog Tall Ships.

Captain Morgan Douglas

The Black Dog Tall Ships

Vineyard Haven, MA - We’ve officially turned the corner into and are enjoying an early spring here on Martha’s Vineyard.  Planning for the 2010 season is a more stream-lined affair now as most events are set and now its all about getting the schooners prepared for the upcoming sails which start in early June with some Sailing School programs onboard both the Shenandoah and Alabama.

The “Kids Cruise” sailing camp programs make up the bulk of the Black Dog Tall Ships season in July and August.  The succuss of this program is based on a winning formula - historic schooners, professional and energetic crew teaching the funnest elements of sailing and getting the young passengers involved as a part of the team as we sail the country’s best cruising waters…  This year we’re adding a new feature to this program with the first-ever “Writer’s Week” onboard the Shenandoah thanks to the people at  Merlyn’s Pen (www.merlynspen.org).

Merlyn’s Pen is a Providence, R.I - based organization which has worked with and published the original writing of teenage students since 1985.  I’ve been in touch with Merlyn’s Pen’s founder for a few years and we’ve discussed ways to combine our two organizations during a trip onboard the Black Dog Tall Ships.  2010 presented a great opportunity to start the process and over the winter we worked on and launched the “Writer’s Week” program.  The trip will feature the same involvement from the ship’s crew and captain with their daily instruction, but each day Merlyn’s Pen will offer daily one-on-one feedback and instruction as well as daily group workshops.

 So, the stage is set… Two New England organizations offering unique and successful youth programs team up in 2010.  Sailing as a part of a team and crew can instil self-confidence, appreciation for our natural environment and open eyes to places, experiences and friends that you may have never found anywhere else.  I picture creative writing imparting much of the same…  “Writer’s Week” looks to be an awesome addition to the 2010 schedule onboard the Shenandoah.

The program has been offered since mid-winter and reservations have been coming in steadily and as of now, space is still available.  The cost is the same as all “Kids Cruise” sailing camps - $900 per passenger!  For more details and information on “Writer’s Week” please visit www.theblackdogtallships.com. 

All the best -

Captain Morgan Douglas

The Black Dog Tall Ships

Vineyard Haven, MA - A couple weeks ago I was walking out of the BD tavern after another winter breakfast by the fireplace in the back - probably a Fishcake Supreme or a Loretta…  On the short walk to my office I met a guy who stopped me to ask me about the history of the massive cannon that has been on station in front of the restaurant since before its doors open on New Year’s eve 1970.  I told him what I knew (not much), mostly that if not for that cannon and Captain Bob Douglas’s love for all nautical artifacts, the Black Dog Tavern probably never would have been built…

Captain Douglas’s cannon - formerly from the USS Frigate Wabash.

Captain Douglas got a call from a friend of a friend who had come across the cannon in  Boston scrap yard after it had been uprooted from the pier on the Boston waterfront where it had been used as a bollard - a post where ships attached their dock lines.  After it had been loaded up onto a flatbead truck, Captain Bob offered to buy it and a deal was made right there - as part of the bargain, Captain Douglas had to buy the 6,000′ of yellow pine that was already on that flatbead.  The whole truckload came down to the Vineyard Haven waterfront.  The pine was used to frame out the restaurant and the cannon because the first piece of the collection that’s out there now.

I promised that guy I met a few weeks back that I’d post this info on the cannon which I got from Captain Bob…  Turns out, he had met another man out there on the brick walkway who had checkout out the cannon, written down the weight (9,104 lbs) which is stamped into it, done his research and gotten back to Captain Douglas with its history.  Here goes…

 The cannon was part of the armament onboard the Naval steam frigate Wabash.  Launched from the Philadelphia Naval Yard on October 24th, 1855 the Wabash and was in service almost straight through the date of her retirement on November 15, 1912.  Her history is amazing.  She transported American president Franklin Pierce, served as the Atlantic flagship of the Atlantic Blockading Squadron after the outbreak of the Civil War, led the assaults on Port Royal and Charleston and more.

Equipped with steam power, the Wabash has an overall length of 301′, had a beam of 51′ and a draft of 23′.  She displaced just over 4,800 tons.

Thanks to the man I met last month for giving me the nudge to get this info posted - an amazing piece of American maritime history lies here in the sand.  Hope you get a chance to lay your hand on it when you make your next visit to the Vineyard Haven waterfront.  Talk to you soon,

Captain Morgan Douglas

Vineyard Haven, MA - The Black Dog Tall Ships “Sailing School” program continues to expand in 2010.  As described in a past journal entry, (http://70.32.113.196/captains/?p=127) the main goal of the Sailing School is to bring students, schools and organizations onboard the schooners Shenandoah and Alabama and learn the maritime heritage and tradition that we continue, the skills required to sail these ships and the fun of living on the water.  Since the early 1990’s we have offered these Sailing School programs, and locally, the elementary schools from Martha’s Vineyard have all participated.  Offering local kids the opportunity to share this experience with their friends and classmates is definately one of the biggest benefits of this program.  My hope is that is gives them a different perspective on the history of their island home and exposes them to something very special which they may have never gotten the chance to experience if not for this program.  Its a pleasure to offer these trips the discounted rates that are provided through the Black Dog Tall Ships Sailing School…

This year, for the first time, we are very happy to host a Sail Martha’s Vineyard program onboard the Alabama.  Since its creation in 1991, Sail MV has run programs each summer giving local kids and seasonal residents instruction from the ground up as well as paving the way for the M.V High School’s competitive sailing team.  Now through this program, Sail MV members will apply their skills and experience to a five-day voyage on a traditional schooner and local sailing icon.

I believe that this program is a longtime coming… The shared missions of both the Black Dog Tall Ships Company and Sail Martha’s Vineyard lay the framework for an extremely successful partnership.  Both of us believe in preserving our island’s heritage and passing it along to future generations in a way that is exciting, engaging, fun and safe!

On Monday, July 12th Sail MV members will set sail out of Vineyard Haven for this four-night voyage, sailing each day between Nantucket and Block Island and spending each evening tucked away in the harbors and coves of Southeast New England.  The program wraps up in Friday afternoon when the Alabama and her passengers, including the Sail MV “crew” participate in day 1 of the annual Vineyard Cup regatta.  For program details please visit the Sail MV website (http://www.sailmv.com/grafx/Sail_Training_Program_Description_1.pdf).

Stay in touch at www.theblackdogtallships.com for more updates on the Black Dog Tall Ships and developments for the 2010 season.

Captain Morgan Douglas

As you may be aware, following her launch on Valentine’s Day 1964, the Shenandoah began operating each season as a member of the New England “windjammers” - traditional ships offering week-long sailing excursions to adults, families and groups each summer.  Nearly thirty years later, as the reservations slowed throughout the industry and as her competitors started to transition towards other types of work, namely sail training, Captain Douglas decided to begin offering discounted programs onboard his beloved schooner to the local schools here on the island of Martha’s Vineyard.  There was an immediate positive response both from the students and teachers, but also from Captain Douglas himself.  This new energy and success of the school program created the question “how many other children can we bring onboard and share our excitement for sailing this schooner and the history that it represents?”

Done sailing for the day, the Shenandoah drops anchor for the night in Menemsha.

The answer resulted in the creation of the Black Dog Tall Ships “Kids Cruise” program…

Beginning in the 1994 season, young passengers between the ages of 9 and 16 years old started replacing the families and individuals who had traditionally sailed onboard the “windjammer” excursions.  Some things changed immediately onboard while some others stayed the same.  The ship’s flags were sent to the mastheads at 0700 as usual, but now the knots on the halyard were tied by a youngster under the watchful eye of one of the ship’s crew.  Every aspect of operating, living and sailing onboard the Shenandoah became a shared experience between the young passengers, the captain and the crew.  Lighting the anchor light, taking turns at the wheel with Captain Douglas, furling sail, helping to plot a course and clearing the main saloon’s tables all became part of the daily routine shared by all onboard.  In this sense, the Kids Cruise program is a true throwback to how a coastal schooner like the Shenandoah would have operated over a century ago where the tasks and skills necessary to make the ship work are part of a learned experience.  Senior crew lead each passenger though an apprenticeship to bring everyone into the fold and make this environment one that allows everyone to feel like they are truly part of the team.

Line instruction while underway on the Alabama.

But its not all instruction onboard all the time…  Part of the fun comes from swims over the side, expeditions ashore with the crew for ice cream, hikes on the nearby islands and their beaches or just hanging out and playing cards with friends.

What hasn’t changed?  Well, since her first cruise the Shenandoah has sought to provide a first-class experience afloat.  Cozy warm bunks, delicious meals, clean and tidy cabins but most importantly professional, personable and accomodating crew.  All of these elements allowed the Black Dog Tall Ships to transition to an operation which is truly unique when it comes to the type of experience we strive to provide - a FUN, safe experience onboard two of the finest schooners anywhere!  This is what allows the Shenandoah and Alabama to easily transition from carrying up to 30 kids one day a wedding event the next…

“Kids Cruises” are now the foundation of what we do as a company.  As the privately-run company of its founder, Captain Bob Douglas, The Black Dog Tall Ships continues only with the success of this program along with the other experiences we offer including the Sailing School, our day and sunset sails, private charters and the Black Dog Tall Ships Tour. In fact, one of the major reasons why the schooner Alabama was recommissioned was due to the success of the “Kids Cruise” program (good material for a future Captain’s Journal entry). 

In 2010, the Black Dog Tall Ships will offer seven Kids Cruise programs.  In some past seasons these have completely sold out!  As of now we are steadily taking reservations for this years’ trips and are looking forward to another fantastic year.  For more information on this program please visit the new website at www.theblackdogtallships.com and send an email to office@theblackdogtallships.com.  Be sure to ask about our “bring a friend” referral promotion!

Hope to talk to you soon, or better yet - to welcome you onboard this coming season.  All the best,

Captain Morgan Douglas

Vineyard Haven, MA -  As you may be aware, in terms of overnight week-long programs, the Black Dog Tall Ships Co. began carrying child and teenage passengers almost exclusively in 1994.  This transition from the “wind jammer” trade began with the Black Dog Tall Ships offering 5.5 day programs to each of the five Martha’s Vineyard elementary schools which continues through today…  Onboard the Shenandoah, these local students and with their classmates participate in a week of instruction, activities and hands-on participation as they live on and learn to operate the schooner that hs been part of their island since it arrived in Vineyard Haven in 1964.

Students help with stowing the ship's deck after setting sail

The benefit of carrying local students and classes was obvious to Captain Bob Douglas from the beginning.  “The energy that they bring onboard is pretty amazing, but as an the ships’ owner, my greatest joy is in getting to share my passion for this ship, the history and heritage it represents with youngsters from this island.”  The success of this school program, and the “Kids Cruise” summer camps which followed is the foundation for the Black Dog Tall Ships Company - carried out each season onboard the schooners Shenandoah and Alabama.

Now in the year 2010, the Black Dog Tall Ships Sailing School Program reflects the growth of the Black Dog Tavern Company over the past decade.  Since the expansion of the brand and the opening of Black Dog General Stores to the communities of Cape Cod, Nantucket, Newport, Newburyport,  Mystic, Portland and Annapolis the annual Black Dog Tall Ships Tour has brought the schooners to these and other communities throughout New England each season.  One of the main functions of this office is to expand on the Sailing School Program so that the schools and organizations of these areas can participate and sail onboard the Shenandoah and Alabama just as our island students have for more than fifteen years.

Students from Nantucket's Lighthouse School learn how to run the Alabama's fore deck and ship's bell.

Over the past few years the Sailing School has brought scores of classes, schools and organizations from these communities onboard for field trips, day sails, overnight and multi-day programs.  Consistent with Captain Douglas’s mission to expand the Sailing School and to allow as many to come onboard as possible, we offer these programs at a near 50% discount versus our Kids Cruises and standard charter rates.  We continue our outreach to the communities of our Black Dog General Stores and beyond.  So far the efforts this off-season have yielded some terrific results as we have brought a handful of schools and regional and national organizations into the fold for 2010.  Stay tuned for details as some of these collaborations will allow for more families and customers to come onboard for these amazing Sailing School programs.  Details to follow in future posts…

In the meantime, make sure to visit the Black Dog Tall Ships on our new website at www.theblackdogtallships.com and on www.facebook.com

All the best,

Captain Morgan Douglas

New Year's Eve morning 2009

Vineyard Haven, MA - Another year is in the books…  Before I walk out if the office tonight I want to wish everyone a safe and happy New Year from the Black Dog Tall Ships.  No nor’easter blasting the windows here this evening - just a beutiful, calm night here on the harbor with a full moon rising over East Chop.

2010 will begin when the clock strikes 12 tonight, but planning for next season began before the ships were laid up this past fall.  Already, Kids Cruise reservations are being made, wedding charters set up, BD Tall Ship Tour events planned, the return of Concert Cruises and more…!  A big “thank you” is in order to all our friends, customers and fans for your business and support in the past and we look forward to seeing you again next year along the waterfront.

2010 will include some amazing experiences for the Black Dog Tall Ships as we build upon the past success of our programs - so stay in touch through the Captain’s Journal.  Our newly-designed website has just gone live - check in at www.theblackdogtallships.com 

Happy New Year everybody.  Talk to you soon,

Captain Morgan Douglas

s/v Alabama

December 20th on Vineyard Haven Harbor

A wind is rustling “south and soft,”

Cooing a quiet country tune,

The calm sea sighs, and far aloft

The sails are ghostly in the moon.

Unquiet ripples lisp and purr,

A block there pipes and chirps i’ the sheave,

The wheel-ropes jar, the reef-points stir

Faintly - and it is Christmas Eve.

The hushed sea seems to hold her breath,

And o’er the giddy, swaying spars,

Silent and excellent as Death,

The dim blue skies are bright with stars.

Dear God - they shone in Palestine

Like this, and jon pale moon serene

Looked down among the lowing kine

On Mary and the Nazerene.

The angels called from deep to deep,

The burning heavens felt the thrill,

Startling the flocks of silly sheep

And lonely shepherds on the hill.

To-night beneath the dripping bows,

Where flashing bubbles burst and throng,

The bow-wash murmers and sighs and soughs

A message from the angels’ song.

The moon goes nodding down the west,

The drowsy helmsman strikes the bell;

Rex Judxorum natus est,

I charge you, sing Nowell,

Nowell,

Rex Judxorum natus est.

Merry Christmas to you from the Black Dog Tall Ships…

Captain Morgan Douglas

s/v Alabama