Esperanto (schooner)
The Esperanto was a fishing schooner based in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
Esperanto was designed by Tom McManus of Boston and built by Tarr and James Shipbuilders of Essex, Massachusetts. She was launched on June 27, 1906 and measured 107 feet in length, 25 feet in beam, and a draft of 11 feet with gross tonnage of 140.
The Esperanto was used in several races and is one of only two undefeated champions at the International Fishing Vessel Championship.
International Fishing Vessel Championship, 1920
Under command of Captain M. Welch, Esperanto became the first winner of the International Fishing Vessel Championship on November 1, 1920 when she beat the Canadian fishing schooner Delawana under command of Capt. T. Himmelman.
Her crew included:
Capt. Martin L. Welch, R. Russell Smith, Isaiah Gosbee, George E. Roberts, Harry P. Christianson, George Young, Benjamin W. Stanley, Roy P. Patten, Raymond McKenzie, James McDonald, Wallace Bruce, John Batt, John F. Barrett, Thomas Smith, Michael J. Hall, Stephen F. Whitney, Hugh Young, Benjamin H. Colby, James B. Connolly, John J. Matheson, Thomas S. Benham, Leon G. Murray, Lawrence F. Percival, Ernest Hendrie, Robert W. Sawtell, Morril Wiggins
Sinking
On 30 May 1921, Schooner Esperanto struck a submerged wreck near Sable Island and sank. The crew was rescued.
