2023 is an historic sailing season for the pinnace Virginia, and Boothbay Harbor’s Windjammer Days is her debutante ball. There is much to discover about how to sail a 17th century rig, and Maine’s First Ship is eager to explore these new elements of this historic ship. Vessel handling and crew training will be the focus of 2023, and a much anticipated shakedown cruise to Windjammer Days on Monday, June 26 will kick off a season of discovery. 

The Maine’s First Ship volunteers are eager to share Virginia, a work in progress and a labor of love, with residents of and visitors to Boothbay Harbor during Windjammer Days. The pinnace Virginia was built by a core of volunteers to tell the story of the Popham Colony, which was established at the mouth of the Kennebec River in 1607. Virginia is a reconstruction of the vessel that was built at that site in 1607-08, and she will likely be the first 17th century-style vessel to grace the Harbor for this decades-old event hosted by another robust volunteer community, Friends of Windjammers, a nonprofit community with a “passion for the sea and for keeping traditions alive for future generations.”

Virginia’s crew will be setting sail for the first time and welcoming visiting captains Graham McKay and JB Smith to lead the ship through her debut at Windjammer Days. “I’m looking forward to joining this auspicious event,” said Smith. The Maine’s First Ship Executive Director, Kirstie Truluck, says, “I’m excited to share the Boothbay Harbor Town Dock with schooners Thomas E. Lannon and When & If as well as the pirate ship the Must Roos.”

Virginia will arrive in Boothbay Harbor on Monday, June 26 and depart for her homeport in Historic Downtown Bath on Friday, June 30. Virginia’s participation in Boothbay Harbor’s 2023 Windjammer Days is supported by Edward J. Knight insurance. This installment of the Maine’s First Ship Visiting Captain Series, and the journey to Boothbay Harbor is made possible by First Federal Savings.

About: Maine's First Ship strives to use our reconstruction of the 1607 pinnace Virginia to immerse the public in an exploration of the region's early history, craftsmanship, and relationships, and their impact on our community and environment today. The visitor center is located in the Bath Freight Shed at 27 Commercial Street in Bath.