Sailing into 50…..
So, I happen to live next to some really wonderful neighbors, who helped me pull of an unforgettable surprise party for my partner TJ’s 50th birthday.
I wanted something memorable that the whole family could enjoy, that wasn’t just renting out space at a restaurant, so I decided to book a private sail on the Schooner Fame.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with her, The Fame is a full-scale replica of the original War of 1812 privateer that set sail from Salem—and carved out a fierce reputation on the high seas. The original Fame was a nimble, roughly 50–70-foot fishing schooner, built in Annisquam and repurposed as a privateer when the War of 1812 broke out. Owned by 25 Salem men—captains, merchants, and shipowners—she captured more than 20 enemy vessels before meeting her fate in the Bay of Fundy around 1814.
The replica of the FAME, launched in 2003 from the Burnham Boatyard in Essex, MA, is owned and operated as a locally owned family business. Construction began in early 2002, and by June 2003, FAME was launched after months of intensive, traditional boatbuilding—from keel laying to planking, rigging, and final preparations - My neighbor Bernie, was very hands on during this process and has been a dedicated crew member who has sailed with her since the keel was first laid in 2002!
Booking a private Charter on the Fame couldn’t have been easier. Melissa was my primary contact, and she made sure to cover every detail with me beforehand so that everything would be “smooth sailing” on the day of the event!
On the day of the sail, my nephew and niece, Ben and Eva, were the perfect co-conspirators. They helped convince TJ to head over to Pickering Wharf to “ check out the boat that Bernie helped build.”
When TJ walked up to the dock, he immediately spotted a boat full of waving hands and smiling faces. The confusion on his face was priceless — especially when he realized that his mother was already aboard the vessel! That’s when it clicked: this wasn’t just any casual visit, it was his surprise 50th birthday party. We hopped aboard and joined the rest of our family for a 2-hour sail.
As we sailed, Captain Mike and Bernie shared stories about the original FAME, the process of building the replica, and the history of the surrounding coastline. We learned about landmarks like Winter Island/Waikiki Beach, weaving together local lore with maritime adventure. Their storytelling brought the harbor to life in a way that was as entertaining as it was educational.
One of the best parts of the FAME experience is how interactive it is. Our family didn’t just sit back and watch — we got to help raise and lower the sails, trim the jibs, and feel what it was like to be part of the crew. The kids especially loved lending a hand, steering the boat and firing the cannon!
Sailing past the harbor islands with everyone together on deck, it was more than just a birthday party. It was a reminder of how special moments are when you blend a little creativity, a lot of love, and the timeless beauty of Salem Harbor.
The FAME departs from Pickering Wharf Marina which is right in the heart of downtown Salem, within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and historic sites. They offer public sales from May through October and they even offer themed sails — such as sunset cruises, fireworks sails on the 4th of July, or Rum & Revolution cruises with live music and storytelling. It’s an experience I’d highly recommend while in Salem.
