Sail the Historic Schooner Mary E

75 Foot Authentic Clipper Built in 1906

The History of the Mary E

Built in Bath, Maine in 1906, the 73' clipper schooner Mary E is the lone survivor of more than 4,000 commercial wooden sailing ships constructed in that celebrated "City of Ships." Originally put into service as a commercial vessel traveling from Block Island to Providence, she operated as an official United States mail carrier, also transporting cargo and passengers. Unofficially she dodged many lawmakers during the Prohibition of Alcohol in the US. The Mary E was later engaged in the prosperous sword fishing industry. In the latter 1940s, her sailing rig was cut down and she was converted to a commercial motorized dragger working under several different owners.

During the fierce Thanksgiving Day hurricane of 1963 Mary E foundered in Lynn Harbor, Massachusetts. Raised by grandsons of the original builder, Thomas Hagen, she was towed back to Maine for restoration and conversion to passenger service under U.S. Coast Guard supervision. During the following years she operated as a passenger ship out of Booth Bay Harbor until 1974 when she was brought to City Island, New York where she operated under the auspices of the famed Seven Seas Sailing Club, and Captain Ted Charles.

In 1975 Mary E was the first schooner to sail from the South Street Seaport Museum. During the years of 1974 and 1975 she took part in the Sea Ventures program for the U.S. National Park Service. At Miami's Biscayne Bay, the Mary E provided marine educational programs for school children. In 1976, she proudly took part in the spectacular Op Sail in New York Harbor and in 1990 Captain Charles brought The Mary E to Greenport where her daily sails and charters have become a popular harbor attraction.

In 2006 the Mary E was purchased by Halyard Enterprises, LLC. The new owners are sailing enthusiasts dedicated to preserving this authentic ship in tip top condition and giving the public the opportunity to experience our maritime heritage. At present, the schooner Mary E continues her day sails and charters from Port Jefferson, Long Island.

If you would like the Schooner Mary E to come to a Maritime event please call Captain Eric at 631-332-0699