Public sails start Wednesday Sept 7 in Newburyport, include a few days in Amesbury, and last trip is Tuesday Sept 13th.

Merrimack River Basin
Before the arrival of automobiles and trucks, Merrimack gundalows provided vital transportation links in the region’s economy.  In his book “The Piscataqua Gundalow: Workhorse for a Tidal Basin Empire”, Richard E. Winslow stated that the Merrimack River basin of Massachusetts ranked perhaps second to the Piscataqua in volume of gundalow traffic.  In the stretch between Haverhill and Newburyport gundalows were once a familiar sight on the river and nearby salt marshes.

In their prime, gundalows were employed to load and unload vessels in Newburyport harbor.   Also, they were essential for farmers of the lower Merrimack River Valley to bring in hay for their cattle and to ferry their products to Market.
 
Sails from Newburyport Waterfront Park
Wednesday September 7th
2:30-4:00pm Harbor Sail
5:00-7:00pm Sunset Sail
 
Thursday September 8th
2:30-4:00pm Harbor Sail
 
Friday September 9th
2:30-4:00pm Harbor Sail

Saturday September 10th
12:00-1:30pm Harbor Sail – ideal for families & kids
2:30-4:00pm Harbor Sail
5:00-7:00pm Sunset Sail

Sunday September 11th
11:30-1:00pm Harbor Sail
2:00-4:00pm Concert Cruise – Penhallow
5:00-7:00pm Sunset Sail

Monday September 12
2:00-3:30pm Harbor Sail
 
Sails from Lowell’s Boat Shop
Tuesday September 13th
12:00-1:30pm Amesbury Sail
2:30-4:00pm Amesbury Sail
5:00-7:00pm Amesbury Sunset Sail