A Golden Season on the Mystic Whaler

We sometimes forget that Mystic Whaler has a long and fascinating past!

The crew and staff of Mystic Whaler recently welcomed Allison Lewis and her family onboard. We are pleased to share Allison's reflections of her time on Mystic Whaler in 2000 here...

"I'm thrilled to share a look back from my golden season on the Mystic Whaler. It began in the summer of 2000, I was fresh out of college and looking for adventure. I signed on as a galley steward under the steady leadership of Captain John Eginton and his wife, Marelda. At the time, she was docked at the historic Mystic Seaport, and though I arrived with exactly zero sailing experience, I quickly learned the ropes, in every sense of the word.

Because I had just finished culinary school, the galley became my domain. While I was hired as a steward, I frequently got to swap my cleaning rags for a chef’s knife, trying my hand at lead galley duties. I lost count of the meals, but I certainly must have made thousands of pancakes. The first morning of every sail began with one of my favorite traditions: as we slipped under the Mystic Drawbridge, the passengers would line up on the starboard side to 'frisbee' fresh pancakes to the bridge tender, who’d be waiting with a fishing net outside his window.

When I wasn't in the galley, the pull of the deck was strong. I spent much of my time between meals pulling lines with the deckhands, discovering the unique magic of a ship under full sail. On days with clear seas and a stiff breeze, we’d fly. Once we hit about 9 knots, I’d duck into the Great Room just to hear the 'happy hum'—the sound of the propeller freewheeling in the current. It was the heartbeat of a perfect sail.

Our charts took us across the best of the Long Island Sound and beyond—from Greenport and Shelter Island to the rugged beauty of Block Island and the bustling docks of Newport and Martha’s Vineyard. We navigated by the sentinels of the coast, passing North Dumpling, Race Rock, and the iconic North and Southeast lighthouses on Block Island.

The atmosphere on board was occasionally set by the legendary Don Sineti. Having our local shantyman on deck, leading us in traditional sea songs, made the experience feel timeless. Of course, it wasn't always serious maritime tradition; our three-day 'Pirate Sails' were legendary. With the crew in full costume, the Jolly Roger at the masthead, and three days of high-seas hijinx, it was possibly the most fun you could have on the water.

The Mystic Whaler has a way of leaving an indelible mark on everyone who crosses her decks and I was no exception. That season ended in October of 2000, but the memories of the teamwork, the rhythm of the tides, and the joy of a well-cooked meal in a rolling galley have stayed with me ever since. It was far more than a job; it was the adventure of a lifetime."