Sailing Through The Winter Solstice begins annually in November, when a number of boats, transformed through the “creative minds of many Frederick friends”, set sail on the Creek. The boats are anchored in Carroll Creek (50 Carroll Creek Way, Frederick, MD 21701), between Market Street and Carroll Street in Frederick County. The fleet includes gaff-rigged ketches, yawls, three-masted schooners, and pirate ships, moored with their sail outlines, rigging and decks lit up from dusk till dawn. This year, the experience launches on November 18th. Admission is free from 8am until midnight (a video of the experience is available below).
“It’s not just fun, it’s for a purpose. In addition to voting for your favorite boat ($1 per vote), many organizations are raising awareness and money for amazing causes. All proceeds raised during STTWS got to Color On The Creek and each boat’s designated charity. The event runs from launch week in November through the 1st Saturday in February’s traditional theme ‘Fire & Ice’.” Per Visit Frederick, “You can view the boats anytime day or night. In fact, you may want to take a look while it’s light out and again after it gets dark and the lights come on. Lights typically turn on at sunset, so this is a great time to see them both ways. Sailing Through the Winter Solstice is a fundraiser – visitors can vote on their favorite boat, with donations supporting local non-profit organizations. The 2022-23 season raised more than $130,000 for charities in Frederick County!”
