Eastern Shore Sailing

09/11/2024

On the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, America’s maritime industry pauses to remember the nearly 3,000 Americans who lost their lives, and also to acknowledge the inspiring bravery shown by first responders and everyday citizens on that tragic day.

One of the most notable acts of valor was the maritime evacuation of Lower Manhattan – the largest water evacuation in American history – in which 500,000 people were transported to safety by hundreds of vessels which answered a call from the U.S. Coast Guard to converge on New York Harbor to aid in the evacuation. This extraordinary rescue was memorialized in the 2011 short documentary film Boatlift, in which narrator Tom Hanks noted that “for the first time in over one hundred years, boats were the only way on or off the island of Manhattan.”

“America’s domestic maritime fleet plays a crucial role in transporting the nation’s commerce every day and in ensuring our nation’s resilience during times of emergency,” said Tom
Allegretti, President & CEO of the American Waterways Operators. “The Boatlift heroes truly lived up to one of the U.S. Merchant Marine’s oldest mottos, ‘acta non verba,’ or ‘deeds not words.’”

“Longstanding maritime traditions of selflessness and concern for the welfare of others guided the heroes of the September 11 Boatlift. Often, we take our American maritime industry for granted as it works in quiet anonymity to keep our country and our economy moving. But, for those who are familiar with this proud industry, these acts of heroism came as no surprise,” Mr. Allegretti stated.

“Now more than ever, domestic maritime supports U.S. economic, homeland and national security. American tugboat, towboat and barge operators are the eyes of ears of the nation’s inland waterways, coastlines and critical harbors, ready to respond at a moment’s notice to a natural disaster or security threat.”

09/10/2024

The engine is out! Yesterday Corey and a couple of friends lifted the engine out of Windsong, swung it to the dock with the main boom, and got it loaded up to take home.

Today we're putting the down payment on the new engine and starting the process of swapping the transmission and prepping the new engine for installation and operation. The new engine is refurbished with 0 hours, and so needs to be lubricated and turned over by hand to get oil in all the places it needs to be before we start it for the first time.

Once enough funds from the GoFundMe transfer over to pay for the engine we'll transport it and start installing it on Windsong; we're really close to that point so please keep sharing our donation link to anyone and everyone who might be willing to help us out!

https://gofund.me/9bc3f3a2

Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce Cape Charles Main Street VISIT Eastern Shore, Virginia Eastern Shore Sailing Schooner Windsong Cape Charles Virginia's Cape Cape Charles Tiny Livin Bay Creek Visiting Cape Charles Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA Visit Virginia Beach Virginia is for Lovers

09/09/2024

Thank you to everyone who has contributed and shared so far! We still have a long way to go, but this is a great start!

Please continue to share this with anyone and everyone who might be willing to help us out and get Windsong back to sharing the wonders of sailing and the Chesapeake Bay with our guests.

https://gofund.me/9bc3f3a2

❤️ Corey and Bronwyn

Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce Cape Charles Main Street VISIT Eastern Shore, Virginia Schooner Windsong Eastern Shore Sailing Cape Charles Virginia's Cape Cape Charles Tiny Livin Bay Creek Cape Charles Brewing Company Cape Charles Vacation Rentals Virginia is for Lovers Visit Virginia Beach Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race Visiting Cape Charles AJ’s Bar & Grill Virginia Beach: Social Bulletin

09/08/2024

*Vulnerability Post* Giving it all we've got*

For those of you who don't know us here's a little history about our boat and business and who we are. We are a small husband and wife owned and self funded, part time business with a passion for sailing and sharing that with the community. Particularly in the traditional sailing and historic tall ship world.

We have been operating for more or less 3 years and have not made a profit as we have simultaneously poured back into the business and have been restoring this older wooden classic vessel ourselves and with the help of our friends and family. While we do run charters for profit we also frequently participate in fundraising events every year to support other local organizations and also donate our time and sailing trips and experiences to various non profits, kids camps and fundraising groups in the community.

We came to Cape Charles with a dream of running our own business with our own boat and living the dream together in a peaceful seaside town. Bringing sailing and recreation to the community would allow us to do what we love and share it with others in the hopes that one day we could grow the business and expand in a way we could quit our full time jobs and live the dream. Many people probably have similar dreams right? But If you've ever tried to start a small business in a small town it can be for lack of a better word ...tough. While we have shown some consistent growth year after year it just has not been enough lately to cover some of our repairs and operating costs. With a relatively short seasonal window for operating, every day/week/month can make a BIG difference. For example, shutting down for two weeks in June for an engine refit, and then again in September for the same. We are not just looking at the cost of an engine, we are having to refund guests for trips we can no longer accommodate, we have employees that can no longer work, the cost of getting the boat lifted and a yard period and every day at the dock not working is more money going out then in. While we do hope that our little dream can continue to grow, the first few years of operating as a small family owned business is daunting.

I hear and appreciate any and all concerns around crowdfunding for a for profit business because this was never our first choice but it has simply become our last resort.

We do hope you consider donating or sharing or booking a trip with us in the future to help support our dreams and this beautiful boat.

Thank you for any and all support on the matter ❤️

https://gofund.me/9bc3f3a2

-Bronwyn and Corey

VISIT Eastern Shore, Virginia Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce Cape Charles Main Street Schooner Windsong Eastern Shore Sailing Cape Charles Virginia's Cape Cape Charles Tiny Livin Bay Creek Baycreek Golf Club Cape Charles Brewing Company Cape Charles Vacation Rentals Virginia is for Lovers Visit Virginia Beach Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA Visiting Cape Charles The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race Virginia Beach: Social Bulletin AJ’s Bar & Grill Virginia Events and Festivals

09/07/2024

*Vulnerability Post* Giving it all we've got*

For those of you who don't know us here's a little history about our boat and business and who we are. We are a small husband and wife owned and self funded, part time business with a passion for sailing and sharing that with the community. Particularly in the traditional sailing and historic tall ship world.

We have been operating for more or less 3 years and have not made a profit as we have simultaneously poured back into the business and have been restoring this older wooden classic vessel ourselves and with the help of our friends and family. While we do run charters for profit we also frequently participate in fundraising events every year to support other local organizations and also donate our time and sailing trips and experiences to various non profits, kids camps and fundraising groups in the community.

We came to Cape Charles with a dream of running our own business with our own boat and living the dream together in a peaceful seaside town. Bringing sailing and recreation to the community would allow us to do what we love and share it with others in the hopes that one day we could grow the business and expand in a way we could quit our full time jobs and live the dream. Many people probably have similar dreams right? But If you've ever tried to start a small business in a small town it can be for lack of a better word ...tough. While we have shown some consistent growth year after year it just has not been enough lately to cover some of our repairs and operating costs. With a relatively short seasonal window for operating, every day/week/month can make a BIG difference. For example, shutting down for two weeks in June for an engine refit, and then again in September for the same. We are not just looking at the cost of an engine, we are having to refund guests for trips we can no longer accommodate, we have employees that can no longer work, the cost of getting the boat lifted and a yard period and every day at the dock not working is more money going out then in. While we do hope that our little dream can continue to grow, the first few years of operating as a small family owned business is daunting.

I hear and appreciate any and all concerns around crowdfunding for a for profit business because this was never our first choice but it has simply become our last resort.

We do hope you consider donating or sharing or booking a trip with us in the future to help support our dreams and this beautiful boat.

Thank you for any and all support on the matter ❤️

https://gofund.me/9bc3f3a2

-Bronwyn and Corey

VISIT Eastern Shore, Virginia Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce Schooner Windsong Cape Charles Main Street Cape Charles Virginia's Cape Eastern Shore Sailing Cape Charles Tiny Livin Bay Creek Visit Virginia Beach Cape Charles Brewing Company Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA Virginia is for Lovers AJ’s Bar & Grill Visiting Cape Charles Cape Charles Vacation Rentals Baycreek Golf Club The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race Virginia Beach: Social Bulletin Virginia Events and Festivals

09/06/2024

Just 24 hours into this and we're already over $1400 toward our $10,000 goal to replace our engine and get back to taking people out to experience the beautiful water of the Chesapeake Bay. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far!

Today we removed the galley countertop and supports from around the engine, disconnected everything, and lifted the engine to examine the bottom. We also cleaned out the bilge and tested the ability to swing the engine out of the cabin and onto the dock using mostly the ship's own rigging; it looks like that will work no problem, so engine removal will come next once another chain fall is obtained.

A replacement engine that has been refurbished by a well regarded local shop, with 0 hours on it, has been sourced locally. We have confirmed our intent to purchase with the seller and are working on the next steps there.

Please keep sharing this with anyone and everyone who might be willing to help us out. This means the world to us!

https://gofund.me/9bc3f3a2

-Bronwyn and Corey

Visiting Cape Charles VISIT Eastern Shore, Virginia Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce Cape Charles Virginia's Cape Cape Charles Main Street

09/05/2024

Schooner Windsong needs your help!

Schooner Windsong is a 70-year-old Nova Scotia-built schooner that is family-owned and operated as a charter vessel in Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Recently, Windsong has run into a fair amount of engine bad luck. In June, just a few weeks into our season, our beloved original 1954 Thornycroft diesel ran her last cruise. After two weeks on the hard and nearly $12,000 later, we had installed a replacement engine and put her back in the water to continue our season.

The replacement engine was working perfectly until it suddenly failed on Labor Day weekend. A mechanic came to inspect the engine the next day and verified it needs to be rebuilt or replaced. The replacement engine was used and is outside of its guarantee period, and other avenues of finding the funds we need to replace the engine haven't worked out.

Given the circumstances, we are asking for help with the costs of our second engine replacement this season. Every little bit will help us get back to sailing and be able to finish our season strong. Please go take a look at our GoFundMe link, help us financially if you are able, and share and help us spread the word!

https://gofund.me/9bc3f3a2

Thank you to all of our friends and supporters of Schooner Windsong!

-Captain Corey and Bronwyn

Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce Cape Charles Main Street Schooner Windsong VISIT Eastern Shore, Virginia Bay Creek Cape Charles Tiny Livin Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA Virginia is for Lovers Visit Virginia Beach Cape Charles Vacation Rentals The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race Virginia Beach: Social Bulletin Cape Charles Brewing Company Visiting Cape Charles Cape Charles Virginia's Cape AJ’s Bar & Grill

08/30/2024

***It's Labor Day weekend and we still have a few Days Sail spots available!***

Visit us at www.schoonerwindsong.com or call the captain at 757-912-9270 to book your spot today!

Can't make it this weekend? We also have daytime and sunset trips available through Oct this year! BOOK NOW * SAIL LATER!

Schooner Windsong Cape Charles Virginia's Cape Cape Charles Main Street VISIT Eastern Shore, Virginia Visiting Cape Charles Visit Virginia Beach Bay Creek Cape Charles Tiny Livin Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA Cape Charles Vacation Rentals Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce Virginia Events and Festivals Virginia Beach: Social Bulletin Cape Charles Brewing Company Eastern Shore Sailing Virginia is for Lovers
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/RSKM2M1bjLbYrQX3/?mibextid=xfxF2i

08/30/2024

***It's Labor Day weekend and we still have a few Days Sail spots available!***

Visit us at www.schoonerwindsong.com or call the captain at 757-912-9270 to book your spot today!

Can't make it this weekend? We also have daytime and sunset trips available through Oct this year! BOOK NOW * SAIL LATER!

Schooner Windsong Cape Charles Virginia's Cape Cape Charles Main Street VISIT Eastern Shore, Virginia Visiting Cape Charles Visit Virginia Beach Bay Creek Cape Charles Tiny Livin Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA Cape Charles Vacation Rentals Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce Virginia Events and Festivals Virginia Beach: Social Bulletin Cape Charles Brewing Company Eastern Shore Sailing Virginia is for Lovers
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/RSKM2M1bjLbYrQX3/?mibextid=xfxF2i

Eastern Shore Sailing is the home of Schooner Windsong sailing tours and charters, operating out of Cape Charles, on Virginia's Eastern Shore!

08/25/2024

$3485.64!!

Thank you to everyone who donated to the Vessel Disposal and Reuse Foundation through our Virtual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race fundraiser!

That brings our three year total raised for VDRF to $8701! This money goes directly to removing abandoned and derelict vessels from our Chesapeake Bay waterways.

The 12 schooners that participated in this year's race raised a total of $55,038 for various Chesapeake Bay non-profit organizations.

Visiting Cape Charles VISIT Eastern Shore, Virginia Cape Charles Main Street Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce

08/24/2024

We're in the final stretch of the 2024 Virtual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, and so far have raised over $3400 toward our $5000 goal! This is an online fundraiser for Chesapeake Bay schooners to "race" to raise money for various area nonprofits. Donations are open until 3pm today!

For the third year in a row we are partnered with the Vessel Disposal and Reuse Foundation from Virginia Beach. They identify, fundraise, and remove abandoned and derelict vessels from our waterways, and work to educate people on the issue.

We raised $2191 in 2022, $3025 in 2023, and this year our goal is to raise $5000 for VDRF!

You can donate and share at the link in our bio! Help us help out a great Chesapeake Bay nonprofit this week!

08/23/2024

This is day 3 of the 2024 Virtual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, and we're at just over $1700 toward our $5000 goal! This is an online fundraiser for Chesapeake Bay schooners to "race" to raise money for various area nonprofits. Donations are open until 3pm Saturday!

For the third year in a row we are partnered with the Vessel Disposal and Reuse Foundation from Virginia Beach. They identify, fundraise, and remove abandoned and derelict vessels from our waterways, and work to educate people on the issue.

We raised $2191 in 2022, $3025 in 2023, and this year our goal is to raise $5000 for VDRF!

https://gcbsr.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/gcbsr/campaign.jsp?campaign=49&fundraiser=2331&

You can donate and share at the link above! Help us help out a great Chesapeake Bay nonprofit this week!

VISIT Eastern Shore, Virginia Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce Schooner Windsong Cape Charles Main Street Virginia is for Lovers Bay Creek Cape Charles Virginia's Cape Visit Virginia Beach The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race

08/22/2024

*LIKE, SHARE AND DONATE*

Good morning on day two of the 2024 Virtual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race! This is an online fundraiser for Chesapeake Bay schooners to "race" to raise money for various area nonprofits. Donations can start at noon today, and are open until 3pm Saturday!

For the third year in a row we are partnered with the Vessel Disposal and Reuse Foundation from Virginia Beach. They identify, fundraise, and remove abandoned and derelict vessels from our waterways, and work to educate people on the issue.

We raised $2191 in 2022, $3025 in 2023, and this year our goal is to raise $5000 for VDRF!

You can donate and share at the
link.https://gcbsr.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/gcbsr/campaign.jsp?campaign=49&fundraiser=2331&

Help us help out and a great Chesapeake Bay nonprofit this week!

VISIT Eastern Shore, Virginia Virginia is for Lovers Cape Charles Main Street Virginia Beach: Social Bulletin Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce Eastern Shore Sailing Eastern Shore Community Events Schooner Windsong

08/21/2024

Today is the start of the 2024 Virtual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race! This is an online fundraiser for Chesapeake Bay schooners to "race" to raise money for various area nonprofits. Donations can start at noon today, and are open until 3pm Saturday!

For the third year in a row we are partnered with the Vessel Disposal and Reuse Foundation from Virginia Beach. They identify, fundraise, and remove abandoned and derelict vessels from our waterways, and work to educate people on the issue.

We raised $2191 in 2022, $3025 in 2023, and this year our goal is to raise $5000 for VDRF!

You can donate and share at the
link.https://gcbsr.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/gcbsr/campaign.jsp?campaign=49&fundraiser=2331&

Help us help out and a great Chesapeake Bay nonprofit this week!

VISIT Eastern Shore, Virginia Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce Cape Charles Main Street Eastern Shore Sailing Schooner Windsong

08/16/2024

*End of summer sale*

*10% off for any booking made in August!*

We have had absolutely fantastic sailing so far this summer, with much more to come! Book today and get out on the water with us to experience this unique perspective of Cape Charles.

Amazing sunsets, dolphins, birds, boats, and history. You'll experience a little bit of everything out on the water with us.

Check out the link in our bio to book your sailing trip today!

Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce Cape Charles Main Street Visit Virginia Beach VISIT Eastern Shore, Virginia Cape Charles Vacation Rentals Cape Charles Tiny Livin Bay Creek Cape Charles Brewing Company Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA Cape Charles Virginia's Cape