Sail on the Ardelle at the Battle of Gloucester
JOIN THE BATTLE. TAKE YOUR PLACE IN HISTORY.
On June 20 & 21, 2026, the Battle of Gloucester returns to Stage Fort Park for an epic two-day reenactment of one of the earliest naval engagements of the American Revolution.
In August 1775, the citizens of Gloucester stood their ground against the British warship HMS Falcon and achieved a remarkable victory from shore. Nearly 250 years later, this dramatic story comes to life with schooners under sail, small boats, militia forces, townspeople, cannon fire, troop landings, and a full-scale maritime reenactment.
For a very limited number of guests, there is an opportunity unlike any other.
Step aboard the Schooner Ardelle and become part of the reenactment itself. While other vessels offer excellent viewing opportunities, Ardelle is the only vessel where passengers participate as part of the battle narrative. With only a handful of tickets available for each sailing, this exclusive experience places you at the center of the action and provides the most immersive way to witness the Battle of Gloucester.
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2026
MORNING BATTLE & MARITIME CHASE
8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Take your place aboard the Schooner Ardelle as the battle begins.
Your experience starts with a scenic sail through Gloucester Harbor with renowned shipbuilder and captain Harold Burnham and the Ardelle crew. As the reenactment unfolds, Ardelle and the Schooner Lewis H. Story come under pursuit by the Schooner Denis Sullivan, portraying the British warship HMS Falcon.
The chase begins outside Gloucester Harbor and moves toward Cressy Beach off Stage Fort Park. Amid cannon fire and mounting tension, Ardelle is captured as a prize vessel and joins the British forces in their pursuit of the Lewis H. Story.
From your position aboard a participating vessel, you’ll enjoy unparalleled views of the maritime engagement, including the chase, cannon exchanges, vessel capture, and attempts by British forces to land troops ashore.
This is more than a sightseeing cruise—it’s a front-row seat inside the battle itself.
Event times are subject to weather and sea conditions. The reenactment will proceed rain or shine whenever possible. If weather conditions require cancellation of the sailing, a full refund will be issued.
Saturday, June 20, 2026 – Morning Sailing. Buy your Tickets HERE!
AFTERNOON BATTLE & TROOP LANDING
12:45 PM – 3:15 PM
Continue the story aboard the Schooner Ardelle as the conflict moves from sea to shore.
Begin with a sail through Gloucester Harbor before taking your position within the reenactment fleet. From aboard Ardelle, you’ll witness the dramatic troop landing at Cressy Beach as British forces attempt to march on Gloucester and burn the town.
Watch as landing parties come ashore, militia units engage the invaders, and the battle unfolds along the waterfront. Positioned within the maritime action, you’ll experience the troop movements, small-boat operations, and shoreline combat from a perspective unavailable to the general public.
This exclusive sailing is the only ticketed opportunity aboard a reenactment vessel during the afternoon engagement.
When the smoke clears, you’ll have witnessed one of the most unique Revolutionary War experiences available anywhere in New England.
Event times are subject to weather and sea conditions. The reenactment will proceed rain or shine whenever possible. If weather conditions require cancellation of the sailing, a full refund will be issued.
Saturday, June 20, 2026 – Afternoon Sailing. Buy your Tickets Here!
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2026
MORNING BATTLE & MARITIME CHASE
8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Take your place aboard the Schooner Ardelle as the battle begins.
Your experience starts with a scenic sail through Gloucester Harbor with renowned shipbuilder and captain Harold Burnham and the Ardelle crew. As the reenactment unfolds, Ardelle and the Schooner Lewis H. Story come under pursuit by the Schooner Denis Sullivan, portraying the British warship HMS Falcon.
The chase begins outside Gloucester Harbor and moves toward Cressy Beach off Stage Fort Park. Amid cannon fire and mounting tension, Ardelle is captured as a prize vessel and joins the British forces in their pursuit of the Lewis H. Story.
From your position aboard a participating vessel, you’ll enjoy unparalleled views of the maritime engagement, including the chase, cannon exchanges, vessel capture, and attempts by British forces to land troops ashore.
This is more than a sightseeing cruise—it’s a front-row seat inside the battle itself.
Event times are subject to weather and sea conditions. The reenactment will proceed rain or shine whenever possible. If weather conditions require cancellation of the sailing, a full refund will be issued.
Saturday, June 20, 2026 – Morning Sailing. Buy your Tickets HERE!
AFTERNOON BATTLE & TROOP LANDING
12:45 PM – 3:15 PM
Continue the story aboard the Schooner Ardelle as the conflict moves from sea to shore.
Begin with a sail through Gloucester Harbor before taking your position within the reenactment fleet. From aboard Ardelle, you’ll witness the dramatic troop landing at Cressy Beach as British forces attempt to march on Gloucester and burn the town.
Watch as landing parties come ashore, militia units engage the invaders, and the battle unfolds along the waterfront. Positioned within the maritime action, you’ll experience the troop movements, small-boat operations, and shoreline combat from a perspective unavailable to the general public.
This exclusive sailing is the only ticketed opportunity aboard a reenactment vessel during the afternoon engagement.
When the smoke clears, you’ll have witnessed one of the most unique Revolutionary War experiences available anywhere in New England.
Event times are subject to weather and sea conditions. The reenactment will proceed rain or shine whenever possible. If weather conditions require cancellation of the sailing, a full refund will be issued.
Saturday, June 20, 2026 – Afternoon Sailing. Buy your Tickets Here!