Attendance to this event is free, and no RSVP is needed. This event is at Lowell’s Boat Shop in Amesbury, MA.

Atlantic Challenge USA, a non-profit based in Belfast, Maine, is part of an international global network of community boatbuilding, rowing and sailing programs in Bantry Bay gigs whose aim is to provide opportunities for personal development, community building, and intercultural understanding. Yes, traditional open boats still offer many benefits and brilliance in our modern times! 

Your speaker: Arista Holden, licensed USCG Captain and the Executive Director of Atlantic Challenge USA will share more about this unique seamanship program originally started by Lance Lee; the biennial Atlantic Challenge International Contest of Seamanship; and the upcoming summer programs available to the public in Penobscot Bay in 2025. 

Bantry Bay gigs are designs from the 18th century French navy. Just over 38’ long, equipped with ten rowing stations and three dipping lug-rigged sails, they were traditionally used for transporting the ship’s Admiral from ship to ship or ship to shore. There are more than 85 Bantry Bay gigs that have been built for use in Atlantic Challenge around the globe since 1986.