Brooklin (Maine): Dramatized Sequence of Original Poems on the History of the Bantry Bay Gig

Come to WoodenBoat’s Brooklin campus where Mick Delap, a writer (in retirement after a career in journalism at the BBC), historian and avid sailor, and The Apprenticeshop founder Lance Lee will host “Bantry Bay from 1796 and the original Bantry Long Boat to today’s Atlantic Challenge Gigs and the yearly Regattas,” a dramatized sequence of original poems from “Opening Time,” by Delap (pub. Arlen House, Dublin, 2015), from 7 to 9 p.m.

Delap, with a cast of actors, will perform a theatrical version of important moments in the gigs’ history accompanied by a duo from Belfast, Maine, who will play Irish music on authentic instruments.

Following that, Lee will describe the modern history of the gig after it was “rediscovered” in 1944 and he’ll talk about the beginnings of Atlantic Challenge and its mission to further international camaraderie among sailors. Following his presentation, he will invite the audience for a close look at a model of a gig that he will bring for the Q&A session.