What could be better than a morning spent sailing, oyster dredging, and spat planting aboard a historic Skipjack?
Join us for a hands‑on experience aboard the Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester as we explore oyster ecology and help plant oyster spat at a designated sanctuary. Both trip options include time with the crew as they dredge for oysters and demonstrate how spat is planted—one adds a tour of Horn Point Lab’s Oyster Hatchery, the other offers an extended sail on the Choptank River.
May 18: Hatchery Tour + Sail + Dredging & Spat Planting
Begin at Horn Point Lab with a one‑hour guided tour of the Oyster Hatchery, where experts will walk you through how spat is bred and prepared for restoration. Then board the Nathan for a short sail to a designated sanctuary site, observe oyster dredging, learn about oyster ecology, and assist the crew in planting spat before returning to Horn Point.
June 1: Extended Sail + Dredging & Spat Planting
Depart from Long Wharf for a longer sail on the Choptank River. Enjoy time on the water, learn about skipjack history and oyster ecology, observe oyster dredging, and assist the crew in planting spat at a designated sanctuary site before sailing back to Long Wharf.
What to Expect:
A memorable morning on the water aboard a historic skipjack, hands‑on learning about oyster restoration, and the chance to contribute directly to the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Dress for the weather – hat, sunscrean, jacket, soft soled shoes are always a good idea on a boat…
Feedback from past sails on the Skipjack Nathan and trips to Horn Pt:
“Graduate students who conducted the tour were knowledgeable and provided excellent information on the purposes of the lab.”
“I loved this – so interesting! Loved the tour, enjoyed hearing about their research.”
“We had a beautiful day to go out on a skipjack and many of us wished we could have stayed on the water longer. I highly recommend this expedition!”
“This was a well-planned excursion with great docents who provided many interesting and amusing insights into the history of oystering on the Chesapeake.”
Please note: your registration fee includes all fees and expenses plus a nominal Chesapeake Forum overhead contribution. **Seats for this program are giftable but not refundable unless there is someone on the waitlist to take the seat.**
A Choice between Monday | May 18 (from Horn Pt, 2020 Horns Pt Rd, Cambridge) OR Monday | June 1 (from Long Wharf, 2 Yacht Club Dr, Cambridge)| 10 – 12:30pm (*extended time)| IN PERSON | $65
