NEWBURYPORT — A 126-foot-long, 94-foot-tall reminder of Newburyport's maritime past gently rolled into port yesterday as dozens of people watched, taking cell phone photos to mark the occasion.
Guided by members of the city's Harbor Patrol, the Black Dog's schooner Alabama was secured against the city's municipal dock around 5:30 p.m., having completed its five-plus-hour trip from Gloucester.
"We're just extraordinarily lucky," Agnes Manning, a Nock Middle School art teacher, said, as she and her neighbors, Lisa, Emma and Sadie Riordon of Newburyport, watched the boat sail into the harbor.
Thomas Law of Plaistow, N.H., said he was struck by the ship's sailing lines and the emblems placed on the boat's stern.
"You just don't see them around that often," Law said.
The Alabama, owned by the Black Dog clothing store company, which has a shop downtown in Market Square, is expected to be in Newburyport today and tomorrow. During its stay, people can tour the ship, free of charge, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors will get to meet the Black Dog pups and enjoy storytelling and demonstrations.
The tall ship's roots can be traced back to 1926 when it was designed by Thomas McManus and built by the Pensacola Ship Building Co. in Florida. Robert Douglas bought the Alabama in 1995 and then rebuilt it to its original design, based on a Gloucester fishing schooner.
Alabama captain Ian Ridgeway said he and his crew of four were pressed for time, so they didn't use sails during the trip from Gloucester. The reason for the rush was because by 7 p.m., the vessel was to be part of a fundraiser for the Newburyport Maritime Society.
Maritime Society board member Bev Connolly said the fundraiser included drinks on board the Alabama, followed by a catered dinner outside the Custom House Maritime Museum and then a silent auction inside the museum. Guests were also expected to enjoy the first public display of the newly acquired 1772 Marine Society of Newburyport broadside.
"It works out great because we're oriented around the water," Connolly said.
It is hoped the fundraiser will generate as much as $15,000 for the museum. Connolly said proceeds would be used to expand current exhibits, purchase volumes for its research library and pay for museum events and programs.
Tonight, the Alabama will be the setting for another fundraiser, this one benefiting the Newburyport Art Association. The art association's fundraiser will be held exclusively on the boat and feature food, cocktails and a celebrity guest captain. Proceeds will support the art association's outreach programs benefiting schoolchildren and special needs adults in Greater Newburyport.
For tickets or information, call the art association at 978-465-8769 or visit: newburyportart.org.
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