Mystic’s favorite schooner Argia has returned to their original berth at Steamboat Wharf, south of the Bascule Drawbridge in Downtown Mystic. Sailing cruises begin May 5, 2017.Argia Mystic Cruises Returns to Steamboat Wharf
From 1974 to 2001 the two-masted topsail schooner docked and launched from Steamboat Wharf, river-side of the Steamboat Inn.
Then Steamboat Wharf owners Paul Connor, John McGee and Wes Maxwell built the Valiant, a 98 passenger event yacht with state rooms for overnight accommodations, and had to ask Argia to relocate. They operated the Valiant for 5 years.
“There wasn’t enough of a crowd here for that type of venture,” says McGee. Valiant was sold to a charter company out of New York Harbor, and the inn used the dock for transient guests until now.
Amy Blumberg, Captain of the schooner and General Manager of Argia Mystic Cruises, saw an opportunity and made her proposal. “We are thrilled to be back in our original spot, south of the drawbridge, in the heart of downtown,” says Amy. “We are able to be under sail for 20 minutes longer, and we won’t have to stress about timing.”
McGee points to the oil painting by Dan Truth that still hangs in the Steamboat Inn office, depicting the schooner in its original home. “We’re happy to have the Argia back,” he says.
The schooner begins sailing again May 5, but booking is open now. With the new berth, Mystic Argia Cruises now offers four public cruises a day. For more info visit www.argiamystic.com or call 860-536-0416, or visit the offices at 12 Steamboat Wharf, in Peacock Alley through the town parking lot. 
