After mustering with the ships entering New Bedford Harbor outside in Buzzards Bay at the "BB" Buoy, Ernestina led the way for Barquentine Gazela of Philadelphia, Schooner Bluenose II, Lewis H. Story and the 'Tugantine' Norfolk Rebel. Coming out to meet the ships were the Pico and Faial, New Bedford-built Azorean Whaleboats recently launched.

The chart shows the maneuverings of the Ernestina before lining up to enter the harbor and dock at State Pier. The sight from shore was reported to be spectacular as Ernestina sailed through the hurricane wall with topsails flying and plenty of canvas up for the Gazela not far behind.

Special thanks goes to Ed Mathieu who runs the pilot boat out of New Bedford for taking a Channel 4 (WBZ) film crew out to get shots of the parade of sail from the water and the deck of the Ernestina. Ed also put Larry Palmer of the Northeast Pilot's Association aboard the Bluenose II.

Thus begins Summerfest with an upcoming opening of the newly renovated New Bedford Whaling Museum with a large Blue Whale skeleton hanging overhead for all to view and a parade to the waterfront by Vinnie Lovegrove and Miracle Fish Puppet Theater.

The Wind: NE'ly Force 1, rising to 4 midday and diminishing in the afternoon.
Visibility: Fair

Captain: Willi Bank
Program Coordinator: Crista Mellican