Nation's oldest coal-fired steamboat returns to Mystic River

The Sabino, billed by the Mystic Seaport maritime museum as the nation's oldest coal-fired steamboat in regular operation, resumed public cruises Wednesday from the maritime museum.

"To feel the moist heat on your face as you are approaching the engine, to smell the coal fire and feel the relatively quiet smooth operation of the original steam engine is exciting," said Quentin Snediker, the director of the museum's preservation shipyard.

The more than $1.1 million restoration was paid for with public and private grant money, including $172,125 from the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office, $149,318 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and a National Maritime Heritage Grant of $199,806 administered by the National Park Service in partnership with the U.S. Maritime Administration.