Maritime Museum News

Portland Show is a Sure Sign of Spring

Portland, ME – The 2008 edition of the annual Maine Boat Builders Show was held at the waterfront warehouse/shop of Portland Yacht Services March 14-16. This event is unique in the world of commercial boat shows in drawing a unique blend of exhibitors and visitors. The show attracts people who extend and preserve the traditions and heritage of boat building that are rooted in New England’s working craft. This year’s show highlighted the three “R’s” of restorations, replicas, and re-invention.

Tops on my list for restorations was Rockport Marine’s rebuilding of Bernice. She is a P-Boat designed in 1916 to race to the Universal Rule. She came from the drawing board of George Owen, an MIT professor of naval architecture. Originally, Bernice sported a large gaff-sloop rig. Owen later proposed a sizeable high-aspect ratio Marconi rig with a minimal foresail. The boat’s interior was quite Spartan in keeping with her racing pedigree. She is narrow with long, graceful overhangs. Bernice has new owners and a new role as a cruiser. A cut-down yawl rig will facilitate handling by a small crew. She now has a re-designed and beautifully appointed interior. Rockport Marine has exhibited beautiful craftsmanship inside and out. Bernice’sbronze fittings, stanchions, engine controls and deck hardware are breathtaking and the topside brightwork reflects the era of opulence and

craftsmanship in which she was conceived. They have done a great job at bringing a thoroughbred to the top of her form.

There were several other restorations in various stages to discuss at the Show. The Pendleton Yacht Yard of Isleboro brought a restored lobster boat/cruiser. They are also working on refitting the rig of Marilee, Herreshoff New York Yacht Club 40 footer. Portland Yacht Services is working on a total rebuild of Tar Baby, a beautiful John Alden schooner yacht originally launched in 1929. Finally, we got talking with Todd French of French & Webb in Belfast ME about their restoration of three Herreshoff Buzzard’s Bay 30’s. These boats were built in 1902 for Beverly Yacht Club. They are expected to be re-launched in mid-June.

There was more discussion on the replica side as well. Although they weren’t at the show, Taylor & Seedier are finishing three Columbia lifeboat dinghies for French & Webb’s Buzzard’s Bay 30’s. There were two Herreshoff Coquinas. The first, built by the late Dave Cochrane, is a masterful rendition. The second Coquina was built by a young but very talented boatbuilder, Timm Schleiff. Two exhibitors showed their continuing work, not really reproductions. Beetle, Inc. was on hand demonstrating their continuous construction of the classic daysailor Beetle Cat and talking about a custom job to build a Herreshoff Alerion. The Pert Lowell Company showed their continuing construction of the classic daysailor the Town Class. Finally, Essex shipbuilder Harold Burnham has been consulting on the design of a new gundalow for Great Bay.

Re-Invention is the best way to describe the ongoing work of many small shops building sailing and rowing craft based on traditional forms. Larger companies at the Show, such as Morris Yachts and Ellis Boat Company are creating new designs that have evolved from traditional working and pleasure boat designs that grace the coast of Maine.

A regular part of the Portland Show is opportunity to talk with people from maritime museums, craftspeople, schools, and other maritime nonprofit groups. The Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport ME will be rolling out a new exhibit of folk art this summer. Lowell’s Boat Shop in Amesbury MA was on hand to talk about their programs. Woodcarver Lou Carreras was showing his latest work. The International Yacht Restoration School welcomed visitors to explore their programs that keep the boats and the skills of traditional boatbuilding alive. Finally, the Island Institute and the Maine Island Trail were on hand to talk about the issues and the opportunities for sustaining the beautiful coastline of Maine.

Modern Marine Masters

The 29th Annual Modern Marine Masters Exhibition will open April 26, 2008 at theMaritime Gallery at Mystic Seaport.

The exhibition will feature the work of many of the world’s most prominent contemporary marine artists, including Ian Hanson, Donald Demers, Victor Mays and William P. Duffy.

Because the Maritime Gallery at Mystic Seaport does not charge admission, anyone can visit and discover the many works of contemporary marine art on display at any given time. “People can learn a lot by coming into the gallery,” said Jeanne Potter, Maritime Gallery director. “We're like our own mini-museum, and the staff is ready to help either a seasoned buyer or a newcomer interested in the field of marine art.”


Homeport Portland Show is a Sure Sign of Spring Portland, ME – The 2008 edition of the annual Maine Boat Builders Show was held at the waterfront warehouse/shop of Portland Yacht Services March 14-16. This event is unique in the world of commercial boat shows in drawing a unique blend of exhibitors and visitors. The show attracts people who extend and preserve the traditions and heritage of boat building that are rooted in New England’s working craft. This year’s show highlighted the three “R’s” of restorations, replicas, and re-invention. Tops on my list for restorations was Rockport Marine’s rebuilding of Bernice. She is a P-Boat designed in 1916 to race to the Universal Rule. She came from the drawing board of George Owen, an MIT professor of naval architecture. Originally, Bernice sported a large gaff-sloop rig. Owen later proposed a sizeable high-aspect ratio Marconi rig with a minimal foresail. The boat’s interior was quite Spartan in keeping with her racing pedigree. She is narrow with long, graceful overhangs. Bernice has new owners and a new role as a cruiser. A cut-down yawl rig will facilitate handling by a small crew. She now has a re-designed and beautifully appointed interior. Rockport Marine has exhibited beautiful craftsmanship inside and out. Bernice’sbronze fittings, stanchions, engine controls and deck hardware are breathtaking and the topside brightwork reflects the era of opulence and craftsmanship in which she was conceived. They have done a great job at bringing a thoroughbred to the top of her form. There were several other restorations in various stages to discuss at the Show. The Pendleton Yacht Yard of Isleboro brought a restored lobster boat/cruiser. They are also working on refitting the rig of Marilee, Herreshoff New York Yacht Club 40 footer. Portland Yacht Services is working on a total rebuild of Tar Baby, a beautiful John Alden schooner yacht originally launched in 1929. Finally, we got talking with Todd French of French & Webb in Belfast ME about their restoration of three Herreshoff Buzzard’s Bay 30’s. These boats were built in 1902 for Beverly Yacht Club. They are expected to be re-launched in mid-June. There was more discussion on the replica side as well. Although they weren’t at the show, Taylor & Seedier are finishing three Columbia lifeboat dinghies for French & Webb’s Buzzard’s Bay 30’s. There were two Herreshoff Coquinas. The first, built by the late Dave Cochrane, is a masterful rendition. The second Coquina was built by a young but very talented boatbuilder, Timm Schleiff. Two exhibitors showed their continuing work, not really reproductions. Beetle, Inc. was on hand demonstrating their continuous construction of the classic daysailor Beetle Cat and talking about a custom job to build a Herreshoff Alerion. The Pert Lowell Company showed their continuing construction of the classic daysailor the Town Class. Finally, Essex shipbuilder Harold Burnham has been consulting on the design of a new gundalow for Great Bay. Re-Invention is the best way to describe the ongoing work of many small shops building sailing and rowing craft based on traditional forms. Larger companies at the Show, such as Morris Yachts and Ellis Boat Company are creating new designs that have evolved from traditional working and pleasure boat designs that grace the coast of Maine. A regular part of the Portland Show is opportunity to talk with people from maritime museums, craftspeople, schools, and other maritime nonprofit groups. The Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport ME will be rolling out a new exhibit of folk art this summer. Lowell’s Boat Shop in Amesbury MA was on hand to talk about their programs. Woodcarver Lou Carreras was showing his latest work. The International Yacht Restoration School welcomed visitors to explore their programs that keep the boats and the skills of traditional boatbuilding alive. Finally, the Island Institute and the Maine Island Trail were on hand to talk about the issues and the opportunities for sustaining the beautiful coastline of Maine. Back to Top Modern Marine Masters The 29th Annual Modern Marine Masters Exhibition will open April 26, 2008 at theMaritime Gallery at Mystic Seaport. The exhibition will feature the work of many of the world’s most prominent contemporary marine artists, including Ian Hanson, Donald Demers, Victor Mays and William P. Duffy. Because the Maritime Gallery at Mystic Seaport does not charge admission, anyone can visit and discover the many works of contemporary marine art on display at any given time. “People can learn a lot by coming into the gallery,” said Jeanne Potter, Maritime Gallery director. “We're like our own mini-museum, and the staff is ready to help either a seasoned buyer or a newcomer interested in the field of marine art.” Back to Top
Whaling National Historical Park Schedules Volunteer Open House The following call has gone out from the New Bedford Whaling National Park: Do you have a passion for local history? Do you enjoy working with the public? Do you have a few extra hours to spare? If you answered “Yes” to any one of these questions, then please join us for a Volunteer Open House Saturday, April 19, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center, 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford. Representatives from local cultural organizations including the National Park Service, the New Bedford Historical Society, the New Bedford Port Society, the New Bedford Whaling Museum, and the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum will be on hand to discuss volunteer opportunities and a very exciting spring volunteer training program. Some of the volunteer positions available: walking tour guide, museum guide, information desk staff, research assistant, and office assistant. We especially welcome educators, residents of many of the area’s diverse communities, and those seeking to re-enter the work force and increase their skill sets. Time commitment and work schedule varies by organization and position. Uniform (if applicable) and training is provided. For more information in advance of the Open House, please contact Emily Prigot, Volunteer Coordinator, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park by phone at 508.996.4095 ext. 105 or by email at emily_prigot@nps.gov New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was established by Congress in 1996 to help preserve and interpret America’s nineteenth century whaling industry. The park, which encompasses a 13-block National Historic Landmark District, is the only National Park Service area addressing the history of the whaling industry and its influence on the economic, social, and environmental history of the United States. Back to Top