100-year-old schooner Bowdoin sets sail for the Arctic

The beginning of time

In 1921, shipbuilder William Hand designed a two-masted schooner specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic exploration. The boat was named Bowdoin and became the only American schooner intended for Arctic travel. 

Photo: Boston Public Library 

Bowdoin first crossed the Arctic Circle on August 23, 1921. Since then, the boat has regularly made Arctic forays of varying durations. The yacht's crew was mainly engaged in delivering scientists, students, provisions and even adventurers.

When World War II began, Bowdoin entered service in the American Navy as the USS Bowdoin. Interestingly, the schooner was one of the few sailing boats that were found suitable for use by the US Navy.

Post-war Bowdoin era

From 1921 until 1954, Bowdoin made 26 voyages to the Arctic. It is noteworthy that the schooner spent the winter in the north four times, almost completely covered in ice.

In 1959, the schooner was moored in the port of Mystic, Connecticut. Bowdoin was put on display to the public, but for some reason the legendary Arctic schooner did not attract much attention from either the townspeople or tourists. Over time, small businessmen and thieves began to rob Bowdoin - it got to the point that even the masts of the yacht were broken.

Fortunately, the old Bowdoin crew came to the rescue and spent many trips aboard the schooner. Together they formed the Schooner Bowdoin Association, Inc., which set out to salvage the boat. Under the leadership of Dr. Edwin Morse, the last living member of Bowdoin's first expeditions to the Arctic, the boat was purchased and given to Captain Jim Sharp for repairs.

Jim restored almost everything on board. Bowdoin regained its former luster and beauty, and over time began to go on charter. The history of the schooner continued to live - its former popularity gradually returned.

By 1980, Bowdoin had already acquired legendary status - it was decided to carry out a complete restoration at the Percy & Small Shipyard. Nine years later, the boat was recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Since 1989, Bowdoin has been owned by the Maine Maritime Academy, USA.

Bowdoin's second wind

Having become part of the Maritime Academy, Bowdoin began to appear frequently at exhibitions and themed events. In 1990, the schooner set sail for Labrador Island, making its first voyage to the North since the 1950s.

Bowdoin also began to be used to train students at the Naval Academy. On board the legendary Arctic schooner, students not only took excursions, but also took part in management. Typically, Bowdoin and its students stayed in the maritime provinces of Canada.

A new Arctic expedition aboard Bowdoin was made possible thanks to a grant from LL Bean. Interestingly, LL Bean equipped the very first Bowdoin expeditions in the 1920s.

After 100 years, the two-masted schooner sailed north again with a crew of six crew and 16 students. During the expedition, the team will study the operation of sea vessels and marine technologies, marine biology, energy technologies and logistics management. Students, along with senior crew members, will stand watch and learn navigation.

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25.06.2024