Biloxi Schooners in Biloxi, Mississippi are a tell tale sign of the way that many fishermen spent their lives. These schooners were used to bring in the oysters, up and down the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Today, you can see and enjoy the same experience that many of these men had by enjoying a trip on one of the Biloxi Schooners. Called the "White Winged Queens," these ships were often used in the 1800s and through the first part of the 1900's. Once marine engines were introduced, though, and laws changed the way that oysters could be harvested, they quickly fell out of use.
The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum is an ideal place to visit to learn the history of the Biloxi schooners and the history of maritime in general. The location is an educational museum that tells the story of the famous Glenn L Swetman and Mike Sekul, who used the schooners to produce a career for themselves. The schooners themselves can be rented out for special events, chartered or used in other ways, depending on what you would like.
Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina did damage the entire area of Biloxi heavily. In fact the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum was completely destroyed. The only good news is that the Biloxi schooners were recovered with only minimal damage. During the rebuilding process that is currently underway, the schooners will be repaired and back out onto the Gulf quickly.
Visitors should contact the company prior to arrival to make sure that the Biloxi schooners are up and running and that they can be reserved for their trip or exploring.
