Mildred Belle is an authentic Chesapeake Bay "buy boat" operated by Living Classrooms Foundation. Buy boats are an important part of. the Bay economy. They serve as "middlemen" on the bay, purchasing fish, crabs, and oysters directly from the fishing vessels working under sail, and then transporting the catch to market. This allows the sailing fleet to continue to work
Originally built in Odd, Virginia in 1948, Mildred Belle worked the Bay for many years hauling fish, crabs, and oysters to market, dredging for crabs in the winter, trawl fishing and even pioneering sport fishing off the Virginia Capes and Cape Hatteras, NC. Having been rebuilt and certified to carry passengers, she continues to work the Chesapeake Bay, sailing as a "living classroom" for the Living Classrooms Foundation. From March until November, she runs single day and weeklong educational programs with students of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. These programs provide students with unique hands-on learning opportunities and focus on the history, economics, and ecology of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay.
Length 54'
Gross Tonnage 23 tons
Draft 4'5"
Beam 15'
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