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Currently in the final stages of restoration at Mc

Currently in the final stages of restoration at McMillen Yachts in Newport, you can look forward to seeing the 1929 Buyboat "Coastal Queen" at Downrigging 2023. To learn more about Coastal Queen search for her on YouTube where you can access a series of fantastic mini-documentaries by notable New York film maker and photographer, Peter Slack.

For 2023, we are excited to welcome back the 1928

For 2023, we are excited to welcome back the 1928 oyster schooner AJ Meerwald based out of Bivalve, New Jersey and operated by the Bayshore Center at Bivalve (a very cool place). Since her last Downrigging appearance AJ Meerwald has undergone an extensive renovation and we are excited to see the results. Mark your calendar, Downrigging sailing tickets go on sale June 15. #ajmeerwald #bayshorecenteratbivalve #tallshipsamerica

Ok – this isn't Downrigging related but we thought

Ok - this isn't Downrigging related but we thought our Downrigging friends deserved a heads up that there are only 150 tickets remaining (of 450) for the Sultana Education Foundation's May 13th Annual Gala with NYC's Hudson Horns. This band is as good as any you will see on the Eastern Shore this year. Purchase tickets while they last at www.sultanagala.org

Another nugget for insiders . . . We are thrilled

Another nugget for insiders . . . We are thrilled to welcome Smithsonian Folkways artist Jake Blount to the lineup for Downrigging. Rolling Stone dubbed his latest album, "The New Faith," as "This year's most forward-thinking and innovative roots collection." Check him out on Spotify or at jakeblount.com

We've come a long way . . . here's an image from M

We've come a long way . . . here's an image from Michael Wootton (taken on actual film no less!) of the first "official" Downrigging Weekend in 2002.

For those in the know, this is our first teaser fo

For those in the know, this is our first teaser for Downrigging 2023. More to come soon . . .

We are still recovering from Downrigging, but are

We are still recovering from Downrigging, but are going to start sharing some of the copious amounts of video and images that were captured over the weekend. Kudos to John Mann for this fun drone shot showing much of the fleet during the Friday afternoon sail.

Friday had to be one of the best Downrigging days

Friday had to be one of the best Downrigging days ever. The afternoon kicked off with a near perfect sail for the fleet, transitioned to a foot stomping night in the village, and was capped off by a great fireworks show over the Chester River.

Again, thanks to Michael Wootton for tuning these photos around so quickly.

A great new view of Downrigging captured by Godspe

A great new view of Downrigging captured by Godspeed Captain Eric Speth, who said it reminded him of some of the "Street Of Ship" images from New York and San Fransisco from the age of sail. A fantastic photograph.

@JYFMuseums

Taken at dawn Friday by Michael Wootton

Taken at dawn Friday by Michael Wootton

Early morning on the waterfront this morning. Look

Early morning on the waterfront this morning. Look at the yards!

Great time at the crew party last night. Thanks to

Great time at the crew party last night. Thanks to our party's co-sponsor Tall Ships America. Nice to see a lot of old friends back in town.

A few pictures of the waterfront this afternoon co

A few pictures of the waterfront this afternoon courtesy Michael Wootton!

The first half of our Saturday Downrigging lineup

The first half of our Saturday Downrigging lineup will include incredible music starting with The Plate Scrapers at 11:00am, followed by Rick Franklin at noon and Jakobs Ferry Stragglers at 1:00pm

As for today, almost all the ships have loaded into the harbor, with just VIRGINIA, LYNX, and SIGSBEE still in transit. We will post photos as able.

While the big boats might get the attention, we al

While the big boats might get the attention, we also have great selection of small boats making their way into the harbor for Downrigging. Shown here is SPARTINA. Her owner launched her in Cambridge in late September and they have been making their way north to Chestertown and Downrigging ever since.

In just over 48 hours the waterfront of Chestertow

In just over 48 hours the waterfront of Chestertown will look something like this. KALMAR NYCKEL is set to arrive Wednesday, with PRIDE II, VIRGINIA, LYNX, GODSPEED, MARYLAND DOVE, and SIGSBEE all arriving Thursday.

The High & Wides, with special guest Fredy Granill

The High & Wides, with special guest Fredy Granillo, will kick off our Downrigging music just after 4:00pm this Friday. These guys had a lot to do the new format of Downrigging and we're excited to welcome them back.

Also performing Friday are Delaware's own Kid Davis & Co (making their third appearance) and Charm City Junction (who we are super excited to see).

Forecast for Friday . . . partly cloudy, high in the low 60's, and 2% chance of rain . . . nice!

@thehighandwides
@charmcityjunction
@fredygranillo
@kiddavisandthebullets

Thanks to Downrigging's Artistic Director, Rousby

Thanks to Downrigging's Artistic Director, Rousby Quesenbury, we have some great new bands lined up for 2022, including Asheville-based Fireside Collective. Several members of the Downrigging team caught a blistering set by these guys over the summer and are excited to see them again in Chestertown. Fireside Collective will play two sets in the Village on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 29).

A standing ovation for Michael Wootton who capture

A standing ovation for Michael Wootton who captured this image at Downrigging 2007. Look at that moon!

This year's fireworks will launch at 8:00pm sharp, Friday, October 28 (Saturday rain date).

Our recommendation? Come early to the Village; grab a beer, sit by the fire; take in sets by the High & Wides (with Fredy Granillo), Charm City Junction, and Kid Davis & Co; and end the evening with the fireworks bursting right over your head.

Sounds like a good night to us . . .

We are excited to partner with Sumner Hall for two

We are excited to partner with Sumner Hall for two events for Downrigging Weekend, including a 1:00pm talk on Saturday, October 29 by Imani Black - founder of Minorities in Aquaculture and a woman who has made a big impact in a short amount of time. Check downrigging.org for details.

#downriggingweekend #chestertown #sultanaeducationfoundation #firesidecollective #franksolivananddirtykitchen #countrycurrent #theplatescrapers #jacobsferrystragglers #kiddavisandthebullets #rickfranklin #thehighandwides #prideofbaltimore #schoonerlynx #kalmarnyckel #tallshipsamerica #schoonervirginia #marylanddove #jamestownsettlement #ccwbra #chestertownmarina #sumnerhall #riverpacket #chestertownriverarts #modernstoneagekitchen
#twigsandteacups #imaniiiblackkk

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Press

The Chestertown Spy – Haul the Sails: Downrigging a Grand Success | November 2021

The Bluegrass Chronicle – Soggy Weather Doesn’t Dampen the Fun at Sultana Downrigging Festival | November, 2021

YouTube

Photos by Michael Wootton

Photos by Tyler Campbell

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Downrigging 2019

Photos by Chris Cerino