Pride of Baltimore and National Park Service Partnership Will Bring Pride of Baltimore II to More Families Around the Chesapeake Bay

Pride of Baltimore II off Fort McHenry, March 24, 2020, courtesy of Jeffrey G. Katz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2020

Contact: Erica Denner, 410.539.1151
erica@pride2.org

BALTIMORE, MD – Pride of Baltimore, Inc. (Pride, Inc.) is proud to announce a partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) that will enhance the experience for visitors at select Chesapeake Bay ports along the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail (Trail). While Pride, Inc. has worked collaboratively with the NPS in the past — first as an officially designated Chesapeake Bay Gateway and then on interpretive programming at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine — a recently signed cooperative agreement with the Trail will expand that collaborative programming to sites throughout the Chesapeake.

“We are very much looking forward to working in partnership with the National Park Service and the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail in 2021. The free programming that will be available to underserved communities throughout the Chesapeake Bay along the Trail will strengthen our efforts to be more accessible to everyone,” said Jeffrey Buchheit, executive director of Pride, Inc. “We can think of no better partner than the National Park Service and we hope to work with them for years to come.”

“We are excited to launch this relationship and collaboration with Pride, Inc. to more meaningfully engage with families along the Trail,” said Shaun Eyring, acting superintendent of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Hampton National Historic Site, and the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. “Together we will develop new interpretive programs and a traveling exhibit to connect with underserved communities and expand recreational opportunities throughout the Bay.”

The tall ship Pride of Baltimore II (Pride II) will serve as a sailing Trail ambassador that will engage visitors in the history of the people and places in the Chesapeake during the War of 1812. The experience will assist in building a foundation for future stewards of the Trail, as well as of the natural and cultural resources of the Bay. Visitors will be able to tour Pride II dockside and enjoy the full experience of a free day sail on Maryland’s world-renowned tall ship.

Pride of Baltimore II is uniquely suited to serve as a Trail ambassador since it is the only historically evocative reproduction of a War of 1812-era privateer that homeports on the Bay. Capturing public imagination through unique worldwide voyages of discovery, Pride II honors Maryland seafarers of all eras and, wherever she sails, shares the innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and patriotism that forged and continues to define Maryland’s maritime identity.

A full schedule of port visits will be available in early 2021 at pride2.org.

About Pride of Baltimore II

Baltimore Clippers, sleek, fast, and maneuverable vessels, gained fame as privateers during the War of 1812. Their success in capturing British merchant ships provoked the Royal Navy to attack Baltimore in 1814. Francis Scott Key, seeing the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry after the 25-hour British bombardment, was inspired to pen the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

Pride of Baltimore II, like her predecessor, Pride of Baltimore, is a historically evocative reproduction of one of the most famous of these privateers, Chasseur. For more than four decades, these modern-day prides of Baltimore have promoted historical maritime education, fostered economic development and tourism, and represented the people of Maryland in ports throughout the world. Since her commissioning in 1988, Pride II has sailed over 275,000 nautical miles and visited more than 200 ports in 40 countries.

To learn more about Pride of Baltimore II, please visit pride2.org

About the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is a 560-mile land and water route that tells the story of the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake Bay region. The trail traces American and British troop movements, introduces visitors to communities affected by the war, and highlights the Chesapeake region’s distinctive landscapes and waterways. It connects historic sites in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia and commemorates the events leading up to the Battle for Baltimore, the aftermath of which inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem. Congress established the Star-Spangled Banner Trail in 2008. The trail is one of 19 national historic trails administered by the National Park Service and one of 30 trails in the National Trails System. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/stsp.

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Pride of Baltimore II to Remain at the Dock this Season

Sailing under the Key Bridge, May 14, 2020, courtesy of Mark Hergan

Sailing under the Key Bridge, May 14, 2020, courtesy of Mark Hergan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2020

Contact: Erica Denner, 410.539.1151
erica@pride2.org

BALTIMORE, MD – Due to the uncertainty that we are all facing in the midst of these challenging times, Pride of Baltimore, Inc.’s board of directors has decided to close Pride of Baltimore II to the general public for the remainder of the 2020 season. Even though the ship won’t be sailing, Pride staff will continue working to prepare for a strong 2021 sailing season. The decision to tie up Pride II for the season was based on a number of very important factors, including the safety and well-being of our crew, the public, and our office staff, as well as an attempt to shore up our finances for our long-term sustainability. This unfortunate, but necessary, move will allow us the greatest flexibility to once again serve as a sailing ambassador for Baltimore and Maryland once the worst of this crisis is behind all of us.

We fully recognize that the need for social distancing will continue to play out in the weeks and months ahead. Without the ability to safely welcome guests and visitors on board, we are unable to generate any earned revenue — a critical part of the diverse mix of revenue streams needed to make our operations sustainable.

Making the decision was heartbreaking, since we were coming in to the 2020 season “on the crest of a wave.” The 2019 season was a huge success for us. We welcomed more than 58,000 visitors on board as we traveled the Great Lakes during the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Great Lakes 2019. In a partnership with Visit Baltimore, our crew distributed Baltimore Visitor Guides in ports of call. Thanks to a state grant from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, we were able to partner with Pixilated, which allowed us to capture visitor contact information in a fun and creative way. We were also bolstered by the completion of our Strategic Business and Action Plan that was delivered to the state legislature in late November — a clear guide to success to build a sustainable nonprofit dedicated to the support of Pride of Baltimore II.

“Although the decision to tie up for the remainder of the 2020 sailing season was a difficult one to make, we feel that the safety of the crew, as well as of the general public, is paramount,” said Jeffrey Buchheit, executive director. “The future is bright and we will get through this. We just have to be strong and stay the course. There will be a time to sail again with the public on board. That time just isn’t now.”

Pride II has not been sailing much over the past few months, but our captain, staff, and crew created an engaging virtual voyage and a weekly live social event, “Coffee with the Captain,” both presented on our Facebook page. These efforts will continue even as Pride II remains at the dock for the remainder of this season. One of the most popular virtual voyage posts reached over 20,000 unique individuals, had 100 shares and 750+ post likes, and engaged 2,080 people.

“The board is proud that Pride can still serve as a goodwill ambassador even in quarantine! We very much look forward to being a part of a great Maryland tourism comeback story and continuing to serve as a tourism ambassador for Baltimore and Maryland in the years ahead,” said Jayson Williams, chair of the board of directors. “We can’t thank enough our state and local partners, donors, volunteers, crew, and staff for all of their hard work and support to keep us ‘virtually’ sailing.”

In the meantime, even though Pride II will remain at the dock for the season, we want to stay connected! Our friends can

We would also like to ask friends, who can afford to do so, to donate so that we can continue to prepare, without interruption, for a strong season next year!

About Pride of Baltimore II

Baltimore Clippers, sleek, fast, and maneuverable vessels, gained fame as privateers during the War of 1812. Their success in capturing British merchant ships provoked the Royal Navy to attack Baltimore in 1814. Francis Scott Key, seeing the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry after the 25-hour British bombardment, was inspired to pen the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

Pride of Baltimore II, like her predecessor, Pride of Baltimore, is a historically-evocative reproduction of one of the most famous of these privateers, Chasseur. For more than four decades, these modern-day prides of Baltimore have promoted historical maritime education, fostered economic development and tourism, and represented the people of Maryland in ports throughout the world. Since her commissioning in 1988, Pride II has sailed over 275,000 nautical miles and visited more than 200 ports in 40 countries.

To learn more about Pride of Baltimore II, please visit pride2.org.

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Pride of Baltimore II Racing in 2020 Mustang Survival Annapolis to Bermuda Ocean Race

Pride of Baltimore II in Hamilton Harbor, Bermuda, June 1, 2017, courtesy of Theresa Airy

Pride of Baltimore II in Hamilton Harbor, Bermuda, June 1, 2017, courtesy of Theresa Airy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2020

Contact: Erica Denner, 410.539.1151
erica@pride2.org

BALTIMORE, MD – Pride of Baltimore II (Pride II or Pride) will be racing in the 22nd running of the Annapolis to Bermuda Ocean Race (A2B) in June for the first time in the race’s history! Her entry in the A2B has been made possible through a partnership between the Eastport Yacht Club, the race host in Annapolis, and Pride of Baltimore, Inc.

“We are excited to be working with the Eastport Yacht Club and the Bermuda Ocean Race team in Annapolis to have Pride II race! The visuals, a traditional wood tall ship in a fleet of modern racing vessels, will be extraordinary,” said Jeff Buchheit, executive director, Pride of Baltimore, Inc.

2020 Mustang Survival Annapolis Bermuda Ocean Race LogoStarted in 1979, the A2B covers 753 miles, making it one of the longest ocean races on the east coast of the U.S. The challenging course combines inshore and offshore racing tactics down the Chesapeake Bay, across the Gulfstream, and on to Bermuda. The race is Maryland’s only international sailing race and allows sailors to fulfill a lifelong ambition of a blue water passage to an island well-known for its soft coral beaches and hospitality. The 2020 race is sponsored by Mustang Survival, a respected marine technical and apparel company that has been at the forefront of marine safety for more than 50 years.

Pride represents the true sailing heritage of Maryland and will be a welcome addition to the fleet,” said Michael Lehmkuhl, chair of the Bermuda Ocean Race Association, which organizes the event. “Racing to Bermuda on Pride will recreate some history, set some records, and awaken an old rivalry or two!”

A number of class divisions ensure a competitive experience for both seasoned racers and more casual cruisers. Pride of Baltimore II will be in the newly-created Privateer class.

“In 2017, Pride II raced from Charleston, South Carolina, to Bermuda in conjunction with the Rendez-Vous 2017 tall ships event. The winds were strong and favorable. It was a very fast trip with Pride averaging nearly 10 knots, making Bermuda in just three days and a few hours. Hopefully, she will have a similar trip to Bermuda in the A2B this year!” said Captain Jan Miles, Pride of Baltimore II.

Those not fortunate enough to be on Pride II or another vessel for the A2B will be able to track Pride and the rest of the fleet in real time.

The race is hosted by the Eastport Yacht Club in Annapolis and the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club in Bermuda. For more information about the 2020 Mustang Survival Annapolis to Bermuda Race, please go to bermudaoceanrace.com.

About Pride of Baltimore II 

Baltimore Clippers, sleek, fast, and maneuverable vessels, gained fame as privateers during the War of 1812. Their success in capturing British merchant ships provoked the Royal Navy to attack Baltimore in 1814. Francis Scott Key, seeing the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry after the 25-hour British bombardment, was inspired to pen the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

Pride of Baltimore II, like her predecessor, Pride of Baltimore, is a historically evocative reproduction of one of the most famous of these privateers, Chasseur. For more than four decades, these modern-day prides of Baltimore have promoted historical maritime education, fostered economic development and tourism, and represented the people of Maryland in ports throughout the world. Since her commissioning in 1988, Pride II has sailed over 275,000 nautical miles and visited more than 200 ports in 40 countries.

To learn more about Pride of Baltimore II, please visit pride2.org.

About the Eastport Yacht Club

The Eastport Yacht Club (EYC) has established a sound reputation on the Chesapeake Bay as a “do something” club. Its heritage and pedigree come from the everyday people and workers of Annapolis and Eastport. Members share camaraderie and great times, on and off the water, with racing, cruising, social events, and community involvement.

Current members will tell you how satisfying it is to be a part of a diverse group of friends. EYC members are a family — bonded by common interest and a love of the water. The clubhouse offers members a million-dollar view: the historic Annapolis skyline, Severn River, U.S. Naval Academy, Bay Bridge, Eastern Shore, and, of course, the Chesapeake Bay. The EYC calendar is full of social activities and worthwhile, high visibility events — most associated with fun on the water, yet not one requiring the ownership of a boat or yacht.

Go to eastportyc.org to learn more about the Eastport Yacht Club.

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Pride of Baltimore II to Make 2019 Season Debut in Baltimore Escorting Stad Amsterdam

Stad Amsterdam - Pride of Baltimore II

Stad Amsterdam (left), Pride of Baltimore II (right)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2019

Contacts:
Pride of Baltimore
Erica Denner, 410.539.1151
pride2@pride2.org
Sail Baltimore
Nan Nawrocki, 410.522.7300
info@sailbaltimore.org

BALTIMORE, MD – Pride of Baltimore II‘s 2019 season debut in Baltimore will offer a great photo opportunity! She will escort the 249’ three-masted Dutch clipper Stad Amsterdam in to Baltimore the morning of Thursday, March 28. Pride of Baltimore is partnering with Sail Baltimore to produce this event.

Pride of Baltimore II, Baltimore, Maryland’s tall ship, after returning from her season debut in Annapolis on Maryland Day, will meet Stad Amsterdam around 9 a.m. off Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. The two tall ships will then sail in company to the Inner Harbor, where Stad Amsterdam will dock on the West Wall at approximately 10 a.m. Pride II will dock on Pier 1 and open for free deck tours from noon to 4 p.m.

Stad Amsterdam, the first visiting tall ship of the season for Sail Baltimore, will open for free deck tours on Saturday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On the upper deck, visitors will feel like they have boarded an actual nineteenth-century clipper ship. The beautiful chart house, original rigging, and excellently maintained teak woodwork are all exactly as they would have been in days gone by.

Points on the waterfront from Fort McHenry, which will open at 9 a.m., to the Inner Harbor will be prime locations to see the two magnificent vessels sailing in to the Inner Harbor.

About Pride of Baltimore II 

Baltimore Clippers, sleek, fast, and maneuverable vessels, gained fame as privateers during the War of 1812. Their success in capturing British merchant ships provoked the Royal Navy to attack Baltimore in 1814. Francis Scott Key, seeing the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry after the 25-hour British bombardment, was inspired to pen the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

Pride of Baltimore II, like her predecessor, Pride of Baltimore, is a reproduction of one of the most famous of these privateers, Chasseur. For nearly four decades, these modern-day prides of Baltimore have promoted historical maritime education, fostered economic development and tourism, and represented the people of Maryland in ports throughout the world. Since her commissioning in 1988, Pride II has sailed 250,000 nautical miles and visited more than 200 ports in 40 countries.

To learn more about Pride of Baltimore II, please visit pride2.org.

About Sail Baltimore

Sail Baltimore brings ships — glorious tall ships, high-tech naval warships, and other ships of historic, environmental, and educational interest — from around the world to Baltimore. Since 1976, Sail Baltimore has hosted more than 750 ships, providing millions of Baltimore residents and visitors a thrilling firsthand look at some of the world’s greatest seagoing vessels.

To learn more about Sail Baltimore, please visit sailbaltimore.org.

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Jeff Buchheit Taking the Helm as Pride’s New Executive Director

PRIDE II in Green Bay 2016 by Larry Janssen

Pride of Baltimore II in Green Bay 2016 captured by Larry Janssen.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2018
Contact: Erica Denner
410.539.1151; erica@pride2.org

BALTIMORE, MD – Pride of Baltimore, Inc. (Pride), the nonprofit that manages the tall ship Pride of Baltimore II (Pride II), is pleased to announce that Jeff Buchheit has been chosen as the new executive director of the nonprofit.

“I could not be more excited to take on this new role as executive director for Pride of Baltimore. After almost 30 years in the nonprofit world, I am honored to use everything I have learned and all of the relationships that I have built in the city of Baltimore and the state of Maryland to chart Pride’s future course in partnership with Pride’s board of directors and staff. We are going to work very hard and have a lot of fun doing it,” said Jeff.

“After interviewing a dynamic and well-qualified slate of candidates, we selected Jeff to serve as executive director,” said Jayson Williams, the new chair of the board. “Throughout his career, and in particular his 11-year tenure with the Baltimore National Heritage Area, he has moved organizations steadily forward, making them profitable and relevant to the communities they serve. That experience, combined with his business, government and nonprofit relationships, made him the clear choice. Pride II turned 30 this year and the entire board is eager to work with Jeff to ensure that she sails for at least another 30.”

Rick Scott, who has served as Pride’s executive director since 2013, was recruited by an international nonprofit based in Baltimore. Rick is still strongly committed to the success of Pride and will remain involved as an advisor to the board and to Jeff.

Earlier this year, the organization announced a commitment of funding from the State of Maryland for $500,000 per year for the next five years. While the renewed state and local funding is critically important, Pride of Baltimore is focused on expanding its outreach and partnerships with the business community, foundations, nonprofits, individuals, and other sources to secure operational funding each year, implement a strategy for long-term transformational gifts, and integrate Pride II into communities everywhere in a meaningful way.

More About Jeff Buchheit

Jeff is coming to Pride after serving as the executive director of the Baltimore National Heritage Area for 11 years. Prior to 2007, he served as the assistant director of the Museum Assessment Program at the American Association of Museums and as executive director of the Historical Electronics Museum in Baltimore. Jeff began his career interning at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Miami University and a Master of Public Administration from Southern Illinois University.

About Pride of Baltimore II

Baltimore Clippers, sleek, fast, and maneuverable vessels, gained fame as privateers during the War of 1812. Their success in capturing British merchant ships provoked the Royal Navy to attack Baltimore in 1814. Francis Scott Key, seeing the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry after the 25-hour British bombardment, was inspired to pen the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

Pride of Baltimore II, like her predecessor, Pride of Baltimore, is a reproduction of one of the most famous of these privateers, Chasseur. For more than four decades, these modern-day prides of Baltimore have promoted historical maritime education, fostered economic development and tourism, and represented the people of Maryland in ports throughout the world. Since her commissioning in 1988, Pride II has sailed 250,000 nautical miles and visited more than 200 ports in 40 countries.

To learn more about Pride of Baltimore II, please visit www.pride2.org.

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Pride of Baltimore Names Jayson Williams as New Chairman of the Board

Pride of Baltimore II sailing off Annapolis, September 29, 2017, by Charlotte Faraci

Pride of Baltimore II sailing off Annapolis, September 29, 2017, by Charlotte Faraci.

Plans to build dynamic, strategic board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2018
Contact: Erica Denner
410.539.1151; erica@pride2.org

BALTIMORE, MD – Pride of Baltimore, Inc. (Pride), the nonprofit that manages the tall ship Pride of Baltimore II (Pride II), is pleased to name Jayson Williams, founder, president, and CEO of MD Strategic Consulting, as the new chairman of the nonprofit entity.

Pride of Baltimore II evokes extremely positive memories from my childhood, so I was excited to be invited to join the board in 2016. It is an honor to be asked to serve as board chair,” said Williams. “I am looking for dynamic, strategic thinkers to join us as we expand our board of directors and ensure that Pride II continues to sail well into the future. Pride has always represented revitalization, excitement, and goodwill for Baltimore City and the State of Maryland. We look forward to engaging people to remind them of that.”

Captain Eric Nielsen, president of the Association of Maryland Pilots, recently completed his second three-year term as chairman. “Jayson has brought a high level of energy and enthusiasm to the board, and I think that he will bring even more energy as chair.” Captain Nielsen was instrumental in stewarding the organization through some challenging financial times. He will remain on the board of directors as immediate past chairman.

Earlier this year, the organization announced a commitment of funding from the State of Maryland for $500,000 per year for the next five years. While the renewed state and local funding is critically important, Pride of Baltimore is focused on expanding its outreach and partnerships with the business community, foundations, nonprofits, individuals, and other sources to secure operational funding each year, implement a strategy for long-term transformational gifts, and integrate Pride II into communities everywhere in a meaningful way.

More About Jayson Williams

Jayson founded MD Strategic Consulting to support businesses, nonprofits, and government entities in business development, marketing and communications, public relations, and political relations.

A proud graduate of St. Mary’s College of Maryland, he has worked for local, state, and federal government entities, as well as major labor unions in the D.C. area. Prior to launching MD Strategic Consulting, Jayson worked for Maryland State Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, and Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III. He was also vice president for strategic alliances for the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation, where he spearheaded major government public private partnerships and played a key role in enabling the development of the $1.2 billion MGM National Harbor.

About Pride of Baltimore II

Baltimore Clippers, sleek, fast, and maneuverable vessels, gained fame as privateers during the War of 1812. Their success in capturing British merchant ships provoked the Royal Navy to attack Baltimore in 1814. Francis Scott Key, seeing the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry after the 25-hour British bombardment, was inspired to pen the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

Pride of Baltimore II, like her predecessor, Pride of Baltimore, is a reproduction of one of the most famous of these privateers, Chasseur. For nearly four decades, these modern-day prides of Baltimore have promoted historical maritime education, fostered economic development and tourism, and represented the people of Maryland in ports throughout the world. Since her commissioning in 1988, Pride II has sailed 250,000 nautical miles and visited more than 200 ports in 40 countries.

To learn more about Pride of Baltimore II, please visit www.pride2.org.

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