Schooner Hindu to Celebrate 100th Anniversary

The historic vessel, Schooner Hindu, will celebrate her 100th anniversary on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the foot of Margaret Street, in the Key West bight.

Designed by William Hand, built in East Booth Bay, Maine, and first launched in 1925, the wooden Schooner Hindu has recently emerged beautifully from a four-year restoration project. The hull and the bulwarks gleam like fine furniture. The gold filigree sparkles. After this four-year hiatus, the captain and crew are eager to again sail in Key West, Hindu’s winter home for twenty years.

Hindu’s history includes a stint sailing to India to purchase spices for trade in Boston. Along the way, the vessel was christened “Hindu,” and the name stuck. Later, during World War II, Hindu was commandeered by the Navy to serve as a scout for German U-boats along the eastern seaboard. With a machine gun mounted to her foredeck and sonar below, the then gray-painted hull was lined with depth charges. After her WWII service she was purchased by Al Avellar, a storied captain who launched the first whale-watching trips in Provincetown under her billowing sails. She has summered in Provincetown ever since. Whether in Key West or Provincetown, Hindu offers day sails, sunset sails, weddings and private charters to a discerning clientele who appreciate its rarity, beauty and history.  

The centennial celebration will include live music starting at 11 a.m. by local favorites like Rich McKay and the Sundogs, Skipper Kripitz, the End of the Road Ukulele Gang, Nancy 3 Hoffman, Cayman Smith-Martin, and the dynamic Les Greene of Patrick and the Swayzees, recently returned from touring the world with the Daybreaker community, appearances on “America’s Got Talent,” and more. Les will re-create his musical Key West beginnings, when he sang for tips to the guitar of Robert Pirtle at Mallory Square. More musical artists will be announced.

Music will feature songs of the sea, including originals like “The Ballad of the Atocha,” and traditional sing-alongs and sea shanties. Surrounding restaurants like the Half Shell Ray Bar, the Boathouse, and specialty food trucks will offer fine fare and drink. Artists and craft vendors will present their wares. On-board tours of the 85’ Hindu will be available at Dock C.  After the sun sets over the Historic Seaport, bring a chair to watch a sea-faring film to be shown on the raised sail of the Hindu. And of course, tickets will be available for future sails
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Hindu is owned and operated by “Sail as You Are,” a non-profit organization fostering a vibrant and diverse maritime culture that celebrates history while setting an example for the future. More information is available at SailAsYouAre.org. Tickets for future sails on the Hindu and Argo Navis, the luxury catamaran in the Hindu fleet, and the last boat to be built on Stock Island, may be purchased at the event, online at SailArgoNavis.com, or by calling 305-509-1771.