The ultimate way to enjoy the surrounding beauty of Martha’s Vineyard is to sail onboard the Schooner Alabama.

Duration

2 Hours

About the Trip

Scheduled regularly throughout the season, the Alabama sets sail from the Black Dog Wharf on three-hour long cruises. Join us onboard for an unforgettable afternoon or evening sail, where as a passenger you join the crew in the raising of the sails, manning the wheel with the captain or simply sitting back, enjoying the gorgeous scenery as you sip a glass of wine. A sail onboard will be the highlight of your stay on the island. This is a true sailing experience, taking advantage of the World’s best cruising waters. Perfect for couples, both small and large groups, and families!

What to Bring

• Waters, soda waters & cheese platter provided.
• BYOB and picnic meals are welcome.

Note on accessibility:

Due to her age and historic nature, our schooner ALABAMA is unfortunately not handicapped accessible. Boarding the ship requires climbing a short ladder from the water taxi. This, as well as deboarding is assisted by our crew but passengers should be comfortable with and able to climb in order to do so safely. Once onboard, in order to access the ship’s cabins below deck, including the bathrooms, passengers must once again use a stairwell-style ladder.

About The Schooner Alabama

The schooner Alabama is a living piece of America’s maritime history. Built in 1926 for the Mobile, Alabama Bar Pilots, she served until her retirement in 1966. She is not a replica, a ship built to emulate the style of past generations, but rather a design of Thomas F. McManus, a man widely regarded as the best designer of all the Gloucester fishing schooners. Alabama’s second phase of her life began when the Coastwise Packet Company and its owner, Robert Douglas purchased and brought her to Vineyard Haven in 1967. Never fitted out as a sailing vessel by the Mobile Pilots, she was finally given this opportunity thirty years later when it was decided to put her back to work in 1994. The rebuild that was a result of this decision lasted over three years and replaced almost 90% of her original form. As with the Shenandoah, Captain Douglas gave every consideration to her construction and the result is a vessel true to the era and design of McManus. The fishing schooner was an American invention, and the Alabama represents the finest vessels from this area when ships like her were relied on to provide the country with the staple of its economy, codfish.

Captain Morgan H. Douglas

Captain Morgan H. Douglas, third eldest son of Captain Robert S. Douglas, has been skipper of the Alabama since the 2005 season. He has been sailing with his father on board the Shenandoah since birth and received his 100 ton U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s license in 1999. A graduate of Tabor Academy and Gettysburg College. He ia an avid sailor, surfer, kitesurfer.