Maryland Dove docks in Crisfield

CRISFIELD, Md. – The Maryland Dove is out sailing the sea and it made a stop in Crisfield, to give ship lovers an immersive experience.

Eventgoer James Hinman spent the afternoon on the ship, and he said it was an experience like no other.

I’m very impressed, because everything looks identical to how the actual ship looked,” Hinman said.

Sailing from port to port to provide a learning playground for youngsters, Mariluz Fermaint Gonzalez said the modernized replica of the 1634 Maryland Dove is the real deal when it comes to ships.

“The Maryland Dove creates a very unique opportunity to take the history of the first capital of Maryland and take it all around the Bay,” Fermaint Gonzalez said.

The ship’s home port is in St. Mary’s City. When it’s out on voyages, Fermaint Gonzalez said the craft is the perfect traveling ambassador to educate people on the rich history of Maryland’s first capital.

“There’s not a lot of people who can say they go around teaching history on an actual historical vessel,” Fermaint Gonzalez said. “The Dove creates this opportunity to take parts of history and take it through the Bay, to anybody.”

When Hinman got word the ship was docking in his hometown, he knew he couldn’t miss his chance to see it in the flesh, channeling his passion for sailing.

“It’s inspiring because I want to learn how to be a nice captain,” Hinman said. “It’s really nice to see how the old ships work.”

Captain William Gates says it’s a must-see educational masterpiece.

“The 17th century technology that’s embodied in this ship makes it special,” Captain Gates said. “It’s an opportunity for us to learn how a ship this type was handled, because this particular type of rig hasn’t been used for 300 years or more.”