Ride Aboard the Schooner Sultana
In 1997, a handful of educators had a dream of teaching kids about the Chesapeake Bay and history. That's how the schooner Sultana, a 1768 replica of a ship by the same name, was born.
The original Sultana was a Boston built merchant vessel, which served for four years in the British Royal Navy. A 25-person crew, the ship patrolled the North American colonial coastline from 1768-1772 for one reason.
It enforced the Townsend Acts, or "Tea Taxes," which was hated by all citizens. Indeed, the ship and her crew had a front row seat on the conflict that would eventually lead to the American Revolution.
The replica, however, has a much easier and more rewarding job. It is literally a floating classroom for kids and adults, built using traditional ship building skills.
With a focus is on history and the natural environment, the Sultana Education Foundation, a non-profit
, owns and operates the schooner Sultana. It develops and implements educational programs to further the foundation's mission of teaching students about the Chesapeake Bay.
It has also partnered with schools across the region to develop curricula to teach thousands of students and teachers alike every year.
The Sultana Education Foundation is the only two-time winner of the prestigious Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Maritime Education.
Adults Want In On The Schooner Sultana Experience
Launching in 2001, the schooner Sultana was a hit with teachers and kids. Since then, it has been the envy of adults. After years of requests, the schooner is now available to the general public.
You can book a two-hour public sails trip
aboard the Sultana and see the Chester River. Raise the sails, steer the seven-foot long tiller, and explore the crew's deck below. It's all been authentically reproduced.
You'll also get to see the beautiful Chester River and all it has to offer. It's a wonderful way to spend the day. Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, some water, and a few snacks for the trip.
Ready to explore Maryland's shores? Book your stay with Great Oak manor here.