The little town of Chestertown, Maryland, is only about 8 miles from where I live. And it is a most interesting place!
The population of Chestertown hasn't changed much over the years, nor have its heritage and traditions. There are meticulously preserved buildings in Chestertown that were constructed in colonial times. And there is the excellent Washington College, that was founded in 1782. George Washington consented to give his name to the college then, and served on one of its boards before becoming President of the United States.
And then there are Chestertown's traditions, which each year draw thousands of enthusiastic visitors. Most noteworthy is an annual Tea Party celebration. But what I want to highlight here is an annual "Sultana Downrigging Weekend."
The Sultana is a reproduction of a 1768 colonial schooner that was built in Chestertown, following the original plans. Through much of the year, Sultana is an educational platform that teaches children and adults the heritage of the Chesapeake Bay. But in preparation for winter she is downrigged. That happens during the annual celebration, when Sultana is joined by other majestic ships.
This year, tall ships Lynx (a replica of an 1812 privateer), Kalmar Nyckel (a reproduction of a 1625 Dutch ship), and Pride of Baltimore, II (a replica of an 1812-era topsail schooner) joined Sultana.
Attached here is an image of Lynx, captured as she sailed down the Chester River during the celebration.
What a beauty! My goodness that is one incredible ship! Norm, you did a wonderful job of getting a great angle so we could see so much of what she has to offer.