Who: All Mariner Class Association members, friends and family. You are strongly encouraged to participate with your Mariner, but if you can’t, you are invited to find overnight accommodations nearby and come by car!
What: This annual gathering is meant to be a fun get-together for Mariner sailors. As always, this is a rain or shine event.
Boat and Skipper = $200. This fee includes dock space for two nights; Wi-Fi; 24-hour access to showers, bathrooms, and laundry facilities.
Each Crewmember = $20.
Each Coming by Car = $20.
For those able to show up to the Niantic River Boat Launch on Thursday afternoon, we’ll sail in the Niantic River and eat dinner at nearby restaurants. Once everyone arrives by Friday morning, we’ll head westward and then north up the Connecticut River, arriving in the afternoon at Safe Harbor Essex Island where floating slips will be waiting for us.
On Saturday morning, sailors will have a chance to sail upriver as a group and motor through the narrow, incredibly picturesque, Everglades-like Selden Creek. Those coming by car are welcome to come early that morning and join in the fun as a guest aboard someone else’s Mariner! The rest of the day can be spent sailing the Connecticut River, perusing the shops up and down Main Street, taking a tour of the nearby Connecticut River Museum, or simply enjoying all the marina has to offer, which includes a swimming pool, outdoor games, and even a playscape for children. We will also have our own tent-covered, private deck area where we can sit and relax.
At 5:00 pm, we’ll have our “Open Boat” time to check out all the docked Mariners and share drinks and snacks amongst ourselves. After a group picture at 6:00 pm, we’ll split up and go off on our own to get dinner at any number of local restaurants, including the nearby Siren Kitchen and Bar, Griswold Inn, Black Seal, Carlson’s Landing, or Abby’s Place. On Sunday morning, we’ll sail back down the river and head home, arriving in Niantic mid-afternoon.
When: The event begins Thursday evening or Friday morning for those coming with boats; those coming by car are encouraged to meet the rest of the group in Essex early Saturday morning.
Where: We launch from the Niantic River Boat Launch; Google directions for “2nd Street, Waterford, CT, 06385.” Our destination is Safe Harbor Essex Island, 11 Ferry Street, Essex, CT, 06426.
Why: Because it’s fun!