# Black Dog Tall Ships > Black Dog Tall Ships offers sailing experiences aboard the historic schooner Alabama from Martha's Vineyard, including day sails, sunset sails, special event cruises, private charters, and related updates. ## Booking Portal - [Booking Portal] (https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/theblackdogtallships/) : A FareHarbor-powered booking portal for Black Dog Tall Ships. ## Activities & Experiences - [Day or Sunset Sails] (https://theblackdogtallships.com/schooner-alabama-sail/) : Offers 3-hour day and sunset sails aboard the Schooner Alabama to experience the beauty of Vineyard Haven. Suitable for all ages with advance reservations recommended. - [Edgartown July 4th Fireworks Cruise] (https://theblackdogtallships.com/edgartown-fireworks-cruise/) : A 4-hour July 4th fireworks cruise to Edgartown aboard the Schooner Alabama. Described as one of the most sought-after cruises of the season and available by advance booking. - [Oak Bluffs August 21st Fireworks Cruise] (https://theblackdogtallships.com/oak-bluffs-fireworks-cruise/) : A 4-hour special fireworks cruise from Oak Bluffs aboard the Schooner Alabama. Promoted as a not-to-be-missed experience with reservations encouraged. ## Company - [Home] (https://theblackdogtallships.com/home/) : Introduces the Schooner Alabama as a historic vessel built in 1926 for the Mobile, Alabama Bar Pilots and later refitted as a sailing ship. Provides an overview of its service history and current role in passenger sailing. - [The Ship] (https://theblackdogtallships.com/the-schooner-alabama/) : Describes the Schooner Alabama’s design, construction, and significance as an authentic historic schooner. Includes background on its designer Thomas F. McManus and its service history. - [Our History] (https://theblackdogtallships.com/our-history/) : Shares the background of Captain Robert S. Douglas and the origins of Black Dog Tall Ships on Martha’s Vineyard. Explains how the tall ship experience and passenger sailing concept were developed. - [Charters] (https://theblackdogtallships.com/charters/) : Details private charter options on the Schooner Alabama, including day sailing and overnight capacities, catering availability, seasonal rates, and off-island departure/return ports. Highlights suitability for gatherings and special events. ## Contact - [Contact Us] (https://theblackdogtallships.com/contact-us/) : Provides information on how to get in touch with Black Dog Tall Ships and the location of the office on the Vineyard Haven waterfront. Notes the proximity to the Vineyard Haven Steamship Authority terminal and local transportation. ## Policies & FAQs - [Privacy Policy] (https://theblackdogtallships.com/privacy-policy/) : Outlines the website’s privacy practices and how user information is handled. ## Blog & Updates - [Blog] (https://theblackdogtallships.com/blog/) : Central hub for news and updates from Black Dog Tall Ships and the Captain’s Journal. Includes posts about sailing seasons, events, maintenance, and special announcements. - [Alabama Hi and Dry – Gift Certificates] (https://theblackdogtallships.com/blog/alabama-hi-and-dry-gift-certificates/) : Announces availability of gift certificates for sails aboard the Schooner Alabama and reflects on a completed sailing season. Encourages purchasing certificates online or by phone. - [Private events on Martha’s Vineyard’s historic tallship. Reserve your date…make a great memory.] (https://theblackdogtallships.com/blog/private-events-on-marthas-vineyard/) : Promotes private charters and events aboard the Schooner Alabama, including catering options and capacity for up to 49 guests. Emphasizes creating memorable Martha’s Vineyard experiences. - [Happy Holidays to All !!!! Looking ahead to great sailing in 2023] (https://theblackdogtallships.com/blog/happy-holidays-to-all/) : A holiday greeting from the Schooner Alabama highlighting her homeport mooring in Vineyard Haven. Looks forward to upcoming sailing experiences in the 2023 season. - [Martha’s Vineyard’s Tallship – Alabama Season Review…] (https://theblackdogtallships.com/blog/marthas-vineyards-tallship/) : Reviews a past sailing season on Martha’s Vineyard for the Schooner Alabama. Describes guest experiences, weather conditions, and the range of private charters hosted. - [Update 3/15/22] (https://theblackdogtallships.com/blog/update-3-15-22/) : Provides a maintenance update on the Schooner Alabama, including structural work, engine maintenance, and new marine toilets. Notes her location at Fairhaven Shipyard South Terminal during winter layup. - [Shenandoah 2020 Update] (https://theblackdogtallships.com/blog/shenandoah-2020-update/) : Announces the cancellation of the schooner Shenandoah’s 2020 season. Explains the operational challenges and planning efforts in response to the pandemic. - [“Creator’s Week” ~ July 7th – 13th, 2019!] (https://theblackdogtallships.com/blog/creators-week/) : Describes the “Creator’s Week” program aboard the schooner Shenandoah, combining a kids’ cruise camp with writing workshops and creative activities. Highlights the long-running collaboration with educators and writers. - [Thankful notes from the BDTS…] (https://theblackdogtallships.com/blog/thankful-notes-from-the-bdts/) : Shares reflections from Black Dog Tall Ships headquarters during the off-season on the Vineyard Haven waterfront. Notes seasonal changes and offers expressions of thanks. - [2014 Season Wrap-Up] (https://theblackdogtallships.com/blog/2014-season-wrap-up/) : Recaps the end of the 2014 sailing season, including ship layup, maintenance work, crew departures, and shorter daylight hours. Reflects on the season’s completion. - [Winter 2014 Down the Homestretch…] (https://theblackdogtallships.com/blog/winter-2014/) : Describes winter conditions around the schooners Shenandoah and Alabama and ongoing work between storms and cold weather. Mentions ice at the waterlines and steady ferry and tug operations.