Black Dog Tall Ships

This 2 Mast Scooner is Amazing. .the Alabama is a wonderful, beautiful boat that provided a beautiful evening here in Martha’s Vinard. The crew was amazing, we had a beautiful assortment of cheese and crackers on board, we also brought our own beverages and snacks to enjoy our sunset cruise. The entire experience from end to end was superior. We enjoyed ourselves very very much

August 3,2011.
This was our first trip to MV with family 6 adults and 2 small kids. We wanted something fun to do in the evening and noticed that there were signs for a special «Black Dog Tall Ship race» in the harbor that afternoon from 4pm-​7pm. 3 hours. Two ships were competing the Alabama and Shenandoah. What a unique and fun thing to do… NOT!
We called and made reservations at 11am that morning and arrived for the boarding process. We observed that many families had bottles of wine and snacks as if it was a picnic on the high seas… To our HUGE surprise, we then found out there would not be any food or beverages aboard the boat. For $ 70 per person and $ 50 per kid (two 6 year olds). We were horrified at this, and if we had known, would have made food and beverage plans in advance, especially since this is a dry town and alcoholic beverages are not sold retail.
We boarded the skiff to take us to the Alabama boat and got a short informational class on the age, history and uniqueness of the ship. The crew was polite and small kids were encouraged to help roll up the ropes to leave port.
The captain welcomed us and pointed out the other ship we would be competing against. We finally left and 10 minutes into the sail we DEAD stopped. No wind No race. No attempt to“motor” (it had a back up motor).
Everyone on the boat was eating the food they brought and just sat, and kids walked around making friends and going below deck to the restroom& check out the bunks. If you have not maneuvered up and down a tall narrow ladder, or need any physical accommodations this is not for you. Bathrooms are down, down down.
The captain made light of the situation by explaining with (his girlfriend beside him) about the kids summer camp & other Black Dog Tavern history. We were soon hoping to get the «race» started or at lease slowly motor along the shore. We had a 3 hour tour to NOWHERE! After 45 minutes several other passengers were asking the captain what the «plan» was. We were just sitting and doing nothing except looking at the brick building of the local hospital in the bay. This must be how the «Dead-man’s Float» got its name.
He responded by saying something to the effect that he had no control over the weather but we were on course to get back in at 7pm.
The other boat we were competing against was a bit farther back. Shenandoah boat was a kids pirate boat tour which had pizza.
After repeated requests to bring the boat in, the captain docked us early
reminding everyone at least 3−4x during the sail to «leave a tip» for the crew.
My tip to them would be to remind people to bring a lunch or snack, post a sign on the walkway as you enter, and clearly POST it on your web page. We understand that you have no control over the weather conditions, but a little marketing and fun for the kids would go a long way.
This event did not deliver on what it had promised, and I would only recommend it to those who have a historical interest in tall ship history and sailing techniques. I hope this is helpful to those who are not familiar. Spend your money elsewhere but not at the Black Dog Tall Ships.