Tall Ships Come To Annapolis For July 4, Skipjack Tours Available

MARYLAND — Summertime is here, and so is the nautical fun. Tall ships are coming to Annapolis for Independence Day weekend. Plus, the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park offers tours on its skipjack.

Patch recently partnered with several local organizations to bring you their latest news. This guest contribution comes from National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy. Here's what Jody Hedeman Couser submitted to help you explore the Chesapeake Bay:

"Tall Ships in Annapolis for July 4th

The fourth of July weekend celebration kicks off with a Welcome Party and Parade of Tall Ships at the Annapolis City Dock on July 2. The public is invited to welcome Pride of Baltimore II, Wilma Lee, and Providence. On Saturday and Sunday tours of the ships will be available throughout the day and on Saturday, July 3 there will be a Conversations with the Captains talk at Susan Campbell Park. Fireworks are [at] 9:00 pm on the 4th. There will be an information booth at Annapolis City Dock from Friday afternoon at 4:00 pm until Sunday at 8:00 pm for tour tickets and info. More information.

Eagle Fledge Celebration

Celebrate the coming of age of Baltimore’s only documented nesting bald eaglets! Hone your skills in bird ID when you try to catch a glimpse of the juvenile bald eagles that call Masonville Cove home. Enjoy nature exploration and free, family-friendly activities. July 1, 10:00 am, Masonville Cove, Baltimore. Registration and more information.

120 Grams of Fury: The American Kestrel

At 9-12 inches long, with a 20-24-inch wingspan, the American Kestrel is North America’s littlest falcon. Join the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to learn about these amazing little falcons and the research efforts going on to try and help their declining populations. This meeting will be held on Zoom and a temporary recording will be provided to all registrants. A live transcript will be available via Zoom. June 30, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. More information and registration.

Set Sail on Wilma Lee

The Annapolis Maritime Museum’s Wilma Lee is one of only a few remaining Chesapeake Bay Skipjacks. Public cruises are available from April through October and include an opportunity to view the Wednesday Night Races, fireworks, trips to Thomas Point Lighthouse, sunset cruises, and a chance to experience Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay like never before on a guided two-hour heritage cruise. More information and reservations.

Explore the Current, Weather and Captain John Smith's Historic Voyage with CBIBS!

Head out on the water and learn firsthand the experiences of Captain John Smith's Voyage on NOAA's Chesapeake Bay interpretive Buoy System. CBIBS provides real time weather and environmental information, as well as a glimpse into living Chesapeake Bay History. You can also download the app for your Android or iPhone from the website. Note: some buoys may be offline with no data currently available.

Chesapeake Trail Riverview

Take a virtual tour of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail from your computer or mobile device! To help you plan your trip before you go, the Chesapeake Conservancy partnered with Terrain360 to bring you virtual tours of the trail’s great rivers. Sit back and virtually explore the Elk, James (sponsored by the James River Association), Nanticoke, Northeast, Patapsco, Patuxent, Potomac, Rappahannock, Sassafras, Susquehanna, and York rivers. Check out some of the Chesapeake’s special places like Werowocomoco, Fones Cliffs, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and Mallows Bay. We hope to eventually bring you a virtual tour of the entire Chesapeake Trail! Explore the Chesapeake's great rivers on our website."

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