Mystic Seaport held it’s annual Antique and Classic Boat Rendezvous July 24th, 2021 and Neptune himself couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. It was sunny with light breezes blowing off the Mystic River glinting off the bright wood of the classics.
The Seaport Museum was a buzz with activity as crowds gathered to admire a closer look at yesteryear and the beautiful vessels made by expert craftsmen. Each boat had their own unique look. They ranged from Boston Whalers, the featured boats of the event, to the Schooners Rebecca and Brilliant. Some were powerboats and others sailing yachts, but all beautiful in their uniqueness and classic beauty.
There were quite a few gleaming wood hull Chris Crafts like Satin Doll, proudly driven by owners who maintain these classics as a reminder of days when the beauty of wooden craftsmanship was included in every boat.
There was the hand crafted steamboat Ben Gunn. Her steam engine was hand built from 1800’s plans by her builder Ian Ablett. Ben Gunn has kerosene-fueled water tubed boiler. The 34 foot mahogany launch was built around the engine in the mountains of western North Carolina after he completed the engine. She has a triple rudder system making her very maneuverable. Ablett has donated Ben Gunn to the Mystic Seaport Museum and she will be on a permanent fixture there to be enjoyed for all the work that went into building her and her unique build by thousands of visitors in the future.
Another unique yacht was the 1961 Abeking & Rasmussen yacht Little Valiant. Built back in the days when each yacht was an individual she has character in every corner of her hull and interior. The museum visitors were able to board her and get a close up view of her beauty. Prior to her life at the museum she was sailed up and down the east coast and in the Caribbean by her owner before being donated to the Mystic Seaport Museum to be admired for decades to come by all.
Noel a 40 foot Friendship Sloop was also on display. She has a unique bowsprit design and is also a donation vessel to the museum for the public’s enjoyment.
The finale of the event was a 3 mile parade of boats though Mystic under the bridges and out to Noank. Crowds gathered on both sides of the river to admire the beauty of the well maintained vessels. Miss Connecticut and Miss Teen Connecticut attended the parade aboard Ben Gunn.
Noel gave the onlookers a show as they shot off her cannon after passing under the Mystic River Bascule bridge.
Once again the Mystic Seaport Museum brought together many vessels for the event that gives pleasure to visitors and locals alike every year. After the tough 2020 it was gratifying to see these beautiful pieces of nautical history on display on the waters of the Mystic River.