Ghost Ship Tabor BoyMonday, February 5, 2007
Bugeye Passed Over by Windjammer Blog
Due to excessive fatigue owing to playing Euchre on my pocket pc until 2:00 am this morning, I omitted one of the coolest daysailers in Maine. As Elizabeth quickly commented, Jenny Norman of Rockland is a must sail if you get the chance. If you don't have time then at least take an up close look.
"Jenny" is a fine 1980's replica of one of my favorite types of sailing work boats. The "Bugeye" was a Chesapeake Bay work boat used for oystering that combined some of the same features as the Northeastern coasters while being quite distinct.
The most unique features are deeply raked masts and the use of the "Leg o' Mutton" masthead rig popular on sailing sharpie skiffs. Like its cousin the Skipjack, most had "Bateau" hulls with pretty clipper bows that partially hide their rather blunt shape. Some had masts so raked as to look like cartoons that couldn't sail; They could.
Jenny Norman is being restored and sailed by Mike and Julie Rogers who formally crewed on Victory Chimes. See a photo.
Daysailers
There are several windjammer-like vessels who specialize in day sails in the midcoast maine region. All three windjammer home ports have at least one. Camden has several vessels. There are also a number of others throughout New England. Here are some good midcoast area ones.
- Schooner Olad in Camden
- Schooner Surprise in Camden
- Schooner Heron in Rockport
- Schooner Summertime in Rockland, Brooklin
- Schooners Wendameen and Bagheera in Portland
- Schooner Lazy Jack in Boothbay
Windjamming Book Selection
All of the Maine windjammers use the classic "Gaff" sail rigging configuration. This older, salty looking rig had many advantages when it was the dominant sail rig before WWII.
"The Gaff Rig Handbook" by John Leather provides a good overview of the history and workings of the rig that all the Maine schooners use. Even if you are not fascinated with the technicalities, you will get a good idea where everything is and the key parts involved. This will help in assisting the crew in sailing during your trip.
The book is available at Amazon, WoodenBoat Store, Borders and Barnes and Noble. It can be ordered at your local book store if you are still fortunate to have one in your community. Price is $29.95 retail and less at the online stores.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Featured Boat Shop: Malone Boatbuilding:
An excellent small boatbuilder that specializes in wood, located in Rockport. They currently have a small traditional wooden lobster boat under construction.
Malone Boatbuilding Inc.
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