Opsail2012 Ct Inc

The 2013 Connecticut Schooner Festival involves education and entertainment, it involves history and our state’s maritime heritage. We’re ready to launch this great new Connecticut adventure, but we can’t do it without your help.

You can help us change the life of a young person by introducing her or him to the sea, teaching about the importance of saving the environment, protecting Long Island Sound and maybe even setting these future leaders on a course that just could have a profound impact on future generations.

With your help young people will be sailing on Long Island, learning about the eco-system and the importance of preserving that precious resource.

We start at Mystic Seaport on Sept. 11 with a series of dockside education programs for students.  Two days later, the schooners head to New London, taking passengers along for the ride.  All schooners will be available for public viewing.

In New London, the Schooner Fest activities all takes place just a short walk from where Nathan Hale taught school, an equally short walk to where the slave ship Amistad was brought after being intercepted at sea.

There will be music on the docks, a giant nautically-themed sand sculpture and other family attractions, plus a schooner race on Saturday in the Sound off Ocean Beach Park. All activities are free and open to the public.

Did you know that schooners played an important role in the Revolutionary War and in the War of 1812?  A lot of that took place in Connecticut waters. In 1781, Benedict Arnold led his Red Coats on a burning rampage in New London.  This year, with the help of the nationally-acclaimed Flock Theatre, we will get our revenge—theatrically speaking.

Help us celebrate Connecticut’s maritime history, teach youth about Long Island Sound, and create a new and exciting activity for Connecticut families to enjoy.  Make a tax-deductible donation today to support the Connecticut Schooner Festival.