Isaac H. Evans (schooner)

From SpottingWorld, the Hub for the SpottingWorld network...

100px

100px


ISAAC H. EVANS (Schooner)
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark
Location: Rockland Harbor, Rockland, Maine
Coordinates: 44°6′32″N 69°6′32″W / 44.10889°N 69.10889°W / 44.10889; -69.10889Coordinates: 44°6′32″N 69°6′32″W / 44.10889°N 69.10889°W / 44.10889; -69.10889
Built/Founded: 1886
Architect: Vannaman,J.W.,& Brother
Architectural style(s): No Style Listed
Governing body: Private
Added to NRHP: December 4, 1991[1]
Designated NHL: December 4, 1992[2]
NRHP Reference#: 91002061

Isaac H. Evans, formerly known as Boyd N. Sheppard, is a two-masted schooner in Rockland, Maine. It is a Maine windjammer.

It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1992.[2][3]

Present

The Evans is part of the Maine Windjammer fleet and member of the Maine Windjammer Association, carrying 22 adventure vacationers and ecotourists on 1-, 3-, 4- and 6-day sailing trips in Penobscot Bay, Maine. Her homeport is Rockland, Maine and her sailing grounds range from Boothbay Harbor, Maine to Bar Harbor, Maine.[4]

She is currently owned by Captain Brenda and Brian Thomas.[5] Captain Thomas purchased the vessel from Capt. Edward Glaser in 1999 after working as a crew member for several years. Brenda and Brian married in May of 2008 and continue to offer sailing adventures through their business; Maine Boating Adventures, LLC. They specialize in family trips and are the only schooner that welcomes children as young as age 6 on all of their cruises. [6] }

Statistics

The Evans' sparred length is 99 feet, 65 feet on deck, 20 feet at the beam and draws 6 feet with the centerboard up. She is a two-masted gaff-rigged topsail schooner with low sides and an elegant clipper bow, using a yawl boat for auxiliary power as one might a small tug boat to maneuver the vessel on and off the dock and when she is becalmed.[7]

History of the Maine Windjammer Fleet

When the great age of sail was passing and the new steam engines were gaining in popularity, there were still some captains from the steam vessels would see the sailboats with a bone in her teeth and say, "look at her jamming her cargo to windward." This phrase eventually became known as "windjammer." When sailing vessels at last stopped carrying cargo, they still continued carrying passengers, although on a much smaller scale. The term currently means any large, traditionally-rigged sailing vessel used to carry guest on overnight excursions.

Frank Swift was the first entrepreneur to look at what was then becoming a decrepit fleet of vessels, struggling to make a living in competition with the faster steam vessels, and see opportunity. In 1936 he bought his first schooner and by 1939 he had three schooners and a waiting list of "rusticators" who were looking forward to their sailing adventure. The fleet still lives today and sails from Camden, Rockport and Rockland, Maine.[8]

Sailing grounds

Penobscot Bay has been known for centuries for its beauty and bounty. The fishing industry thrived here for decades until over fishing ended many segments of the industry although lobstering is still a thriving business. It's a popular retreat and vacation destination for visitors looking for a pristine and rugged landscape.[9]

External links

See also

References