Black Dog Tall Ships

From Kids Cruises to chartered sails, The Black Dog Tall Ships will have you on a maritime adventure...a sailing experience for all.

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 The Black Dog’s founder, Captain Robert S. Douglas, began his passion for the sea and for boats while summering on Martha’s Vineyard as a youth. Years later, the Captain would make the island his home. In 1964 he designed and built a windjammer, christened the Shenandoah. She was soon joined by the retired Alabama, designed by the famed Thomas MacManus. The Captain began to share with passengers the days of tall ships and a taste of life on the sea.

Today, the Captain’s ventures have expanded into a variety of programs. Our Kids Cruise program on the Shenandoah is unlike traditional “sail training.” These camps focus on allowing the next generation of sailors to immerse themselves in life at sea (with a focus on always having fun). Young sailors will spend a week onboard eschewing modern conveniences and learning about maritime history, all while gaining seafaring skills and making some new friendships along the way. We strive to make their week onboard the best of their summer, and no trip would be complete without a swim off the side of a Tall Ship!

Looking to enjoy a unique perspective of the island? Come aboard for one of our day or sunset sails for a true island sailing experience. For those willing, we offer the chance to work with our crew or even take the wheel with the Captain. Or just sit back and enjoy the sun and the wind on your face as we cruise through picturesque Vineyard Sound. Perfect for couples, groups, and families!

Our ships also serve as an ideal setting for any private event. Our Schooners will sail you past beautiful beaches and landscapes, perfectly augmenting your rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, birthday celebration, or corporate event. Our partnership with The Black Dog Tavern allows for nearly limitless options for your event needs. Our first-class fleet, along with superior customer service, provides the tall ship industry’s best chartering experience for you and your guests.
For more details and reservation information visit: The Black Dog Tall Ships 

 

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    1971 Fun Facts

    We opened the doors to our Black Dog Tavern on January 1st, 1971. What other exciting things were happening in 1971? We did some digging and found these fun facts about that year!


    1971 Random U.S Facts

    🐾 Top single (Billboard year end top 100) Joy to the World – Three Dog Night🐾 Disney World opened; adult tickets were $3.50 🐾 Voting age was lowered to 18 🐾 Gas $0.40/gallon 🐾 Average income a year was $10,600 🐾 A United States postage stamp was 8 cents 🐾 Federal Express (FedEx) was founded by Fred Smith 🐾 The first ever email was sent! Ray Tomlinson sent a message from on Digital Equipment Corporation computer to another Digital Equipment Corporation computer.

     

    1971 Vineyard Facts

    🐾 Martha's Vineyard population is 6,117 🐾 Fishing shacks and working waterfront of Menemsha are preserved. 🐾 The one true vineyard. Chicama Vineyards, opens 🐾 Broadway star and MV resident Katharine Cornell films “This is Our Island”

     

    1971 Dog Facts

    🐾 117 dog breeds were recognized by the AKC 🐾 The poodle was the most popular dog in 1971, and was for 22 years 🐾 Dog ownerships have tripled since 1970s 🐾 Dog food was around 20 cents a bag!🐾 David Leavitt set out to create an English Bulldog that was less intense, more nimble and healthier. Crossing the Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, Bullmastiff and the American Bulldog, Mr. leavitt managed to create today's Olde English Bulldogge.