The schooner True Love's 100th anniversary will bring two days of free waterfront activities to Watkins Glen on Sept. 25 and 26, including public boat tours, maritime demonstrations and a classic sailboat regatta.
Watkins Glen Promotions and the vessel's crew are organizing the True Love 100-Year Sailabration at Seneca Harbor Park. The event will also highlight Seneca Lake's sailing history, with other classic boats on display throughout the weekend.
Built in 1926 in Wiscasset, Maine, the 67-foot wooden schooner has sailed on Seneca Lake since 2008. It appeared in the 1956 film “High Society,” which starred Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra.
Terry Stewart, who has owned the True Love since 2021, said the anniversary is an opportunity to introduce new generations to the area's maritime heritage.
Friday's arrivals, music and film
Classic sailboats are scheduled to arrive Friday afternoon and tie up at the Village Marina dock behind Lucky Hare Brewing. Visitors can walk the guest dock to see the vessels up close.
Uncle Joe & Fiddlin' Renee will perform sea shanties and old-time music from 5 to 7 p.m. A screening of “High Society” is planned outdoors at dusk.
Saturday's tours and regatta
Saturday's program includes artisan and specialty vendors, live music, interactive maritime demonstrations, and wine and beer tastings. The True Love crew will offer free public tours of the schooner, while other classic sailboats remain on display.
The Schuyler County Historical Society will present Seneca Lake history walking tours. A True Love question-and-answer panel will bring together past and present owners to discuss the boat's history.
A Classic Sailboat Regatta is scheduled for 1 p.m., with viewing from the pier, shoreline and harbor breakwall. The Analogue Sons will perform from 5 to 8 p.m. to close the celebration.
Admission is free. Organizers said festival sponsors and a Tourism Assistance Program grant through Schuyler County and the Watkins Glen Chamber of Commerce are supporting the event. The complete schedule is available from Watkins Glen Promotions at watkinsglen.com.
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