The schooner "Nathaniel Bowditch" is a steel hulled vessel, design by Merrit Walter, originally launched as the "Blackbeard" in 1992. The vessel was bought by Captain Rex Walley in February 1997. At that time he hauled down the "Jolly Roger" and renamed the vessel "Nathaniel Bowditch" in honor of the "father of scientific navigation" who had lived from 1773 till 1838. Since that time Capt. Rex has enjoyed the company of around 70,000 passengers.

The "Bowditch" is 54 feet in length and weighs 20 tons, she carries 1,050 sq. ft. of sail, and on one occasion attained a sailing speed of 10.4 knots. For her style she is a fine sailer, with a soft, dry ride in an active sea. She is a tough boat, and once faced winds of over 80 mph under full sail in a summer storm.