We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Bert Rogers, the long-time Executive Director of Tall Ships America, who died of a heart attack. Our condolences to his family and all those who cared for him.
Bert’s seafaring career began in 1978 when he joined the brigantine Romance on which he sailed for almost three years and circumnavigated the globe. He would go on to serve as bos’n, rigger, mate, and captain aboard many future sailing school vessels including Regina Maris, Sea Cloud, Elizabeth II, Mayflower II, Lindo/Alexandria and the Spirit of Massachusetts.
In October of 2017, Captain Bert Rogers received the National Maritime Historical Society’s Distinguished Service Award. The video below, narrated by Captain Rogers, touches on his career and his vision for the tall ships community.
Captain Bert Rogers Receives NMHS Distinguished Service Award 26 October 2017
I first sailed with Capt. Rogers in 1982. He was between ships and helped build my post and beam house ( with a tower on the top 50 ft. In the air) . We were on my day sailer, a 20 footer on a lake in N.H.. I will miss him dearly. Fair winds and fallowing seas Capt.. Thank you for giving us the right course.