Schooner Sultana Visits Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels

On May 7, the replica schooner Sultana will arrive at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Maryland. The vessel will spend the week both at the museum and sailing the Chesapeake Bay with student groups, serving as a hands-on classroom for maritime history and environmental education.

Public Boarding Opportunity

Museum visitors are invited to board the Sultana on May 10 from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. This open-boarding period offers a rare chance to step aboard a working replica, explore the deck, and learn about the ship’s construction and heritage directly from crew and educators. Families, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about traditional sailing vessels will find the visit informative and engaging.

Living History and On-the-Water Learning

The Sultana operates as an on-the-water classroom, combining historical interpretation with environmental science to create immersive learning experiences. As a replica of a British schooner that patrolled North American waters just before the American Revolution, the vessel helps illustrate the maritime context of the period while providing modern lessons about the Chesapeake Bay’s ecology and cultural importance.

During the week at the museum, the Sultana’s programs will include student sailings and educational activities designed to connect participants with the Bay’s past and present. These programs typically combine hands-on sailing experience, shipboard demonstrations, and guided discussions about coastal ecosystems, navigation, and maritime craftsmanship.

Program Details and Capacity

The Sultana offers a range of programs to suit different audiences. Day-long programs can accommodate up to 32 participants and are structured to introduce learners to traditional sailing techniques, basic seamanship, and the natural history of the Chesapeake Bay. For those seeking a longer, more immersive experience, the vessel also offers liveaboard programs with capacity for up to nine guests, allowing participants to experience life aboard a historic-style schooner over multiple days.

Why Visit the Sultana?

Visiting the Sultana provides a tangible connection to maritime history and a unique platform for environmental education. The replica’s authentic design and active sailing schedule make it an effective tool for teaching about colonial-era trade and naval activity as well as contemporary stewardship of the Bay. Onboard interpretation and hands-on activities appeal to a broad audience, from school groups to adult learners, and help foster appreciation for the region’s maritime heritage.

Visitor Information

For further details about the Sultana’s visit and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s schedule, consult the museum’s official website or contact the museum by phone. Museum information: www.cbmm.org. Phone: (410) 745-2916.

The Sultana’s presence at the museum offers an accessible opportunity to experience traditional sailing and maritime education up close. Whether you plan to board during the public hours on May 10 or attend one of the educational sailings during the week, the visit promises an informative and memorable encounter with Chesapeake Bay history and seafaring life.