Community Corner

The Onrust Is Back In Essex For Another Season of Excursions

Juxtaposing history with leisure, the 52-foot Onrust sailboat is back in port at the Connecticut River Museum, ready for another season.

(Karena Garrity)

ESSEX, CT— What is considered to be "America's first Yacht" is back at port in Essex for another season of history lessons, leisure and fun! The Onrust, a historical replica of the first-ever European vessel to enter the waters of the Connecticut River is once again in place and ready to welcome visitors aboard.

Coming from its home in the Hudson River, New York, this massive 52-foot sailboat, complete with a 14-foot beam, is the pinnacle of history meeting modern-day. Outfitted with an engine in case of bad weather, this vessel offers on-the-water history lessons like no other, telling the stories and woes of Dutch explorer Adriaen Block (who Block Island is named after).


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Journeys on board this magnificent boat bring passengers up and down the Connecticut River following the original route the 1614 vessel traveled.

Traditionally beginning in June and running through October, three cruises are offered daily Thursday through Monday and dockside tours are offered daily from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The boat is also available for private charters. For more information, go to www.ctrivermuseum.org.

Find out what's happening in Essex-Chester-Deep Riverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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