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Special cruises aboard Winnie Estelle this summer at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is ramping up its on-the-water programming with a series of ecology cruises and log canoe race-watching cruises aboard its 1920 buyboat, the Winnie Estelle.

Special cruisesOn Tuesday, June 23 from 1:30-3:30 pm., guests can join CBMM Director of Education Kate Livie for a personal exploration of the Miles River and its unique habitat and ecology. The cruise will be offered again on Thursday, July 23 from 10-11:30 am. During the Miles River ecology cruise, participants will learn how to monitor the water quality of the river, perform water testing, and explore the critters on an oyster reef. Birders will enjoy the route, known for its eagle and osprey sightings. Families with children are encouraged to participate.

At 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is offering the opportunity to view Chesapeake Bay sailing log canoe races along the Miles River while aboard Winnie Estelle. The opportunity will be offered again on July 25 and September 19 at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Boarding is limited, with advanced registration encouraged as these cruises fill early.

These sailing log canoes only race along the Chester, Miles, and Tred Avon Rivers on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. With long masts and large sails, these boats keep upright as they accelerate to speeds of 10 knots or more, with crew members climbing to the ends of 15-foot boards placed perpendicular to the boat itself.

The June 23 and July 23 eco-cruises aboard Winnie Estelle are $15 for CBMM members or $20 for non-members. The June 27, July 25, and September 19 log canoe race-watching cruises are $25 for CBMM members or $35 for non-members. Space is limited for all cruises, with advanced registration needed by contacting CBMM Education Assistant Allison Speight at [email protected] or 410-745-4941.

The historic buyboat also runs four daily cruises on Fridays through Mondays beginning each May and continuing through October, with tickets purchased at the museum on the day of your visit. Winnie is additionally available for private charters. For more information, visit http://cbmm.org/visit/tours/