J. & E. Riggin (schooner)

J. & E. Riggin
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark
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J. & E. Riggin (schooner) is located in Maine 7x7px
Location:	Rockland Harbor, Rockland, Maine
Coordinates:	44°6′26″N 69°6′23″W
Architect:	Stowaman's Shipyard
Governing body:	Private
Added to NRHP:	December 4, 1991
Designated NHL:	December 4, 1992
NRHP Reference#:	91002062

The schooner J. & E. Riggin, a National Historic Landmark, was built on the Maurice River in Dorchester, New Jersey in 1927. Charles Riggin had her built for his oyster dredging fleet and named her after his sons, Jacob and Edward. They all captained her at one time or another on the Delaware Bay. She was always known as a quick, light air vessel and her speed was proven in 1929 when she handily won the only official Oyster Dredging Race in the Delaware Bay. She was used for oyster-dredging until the 1940s, when the fishing regulations changed. The Riggin family sold her and she was converted to power to begin fishing for groundfish and mackerel in Cape Cod and Long Island Sound.^{[citation needed]}

In the early 1970s she was bought by Dave and Sue Allen and converted from a fishing vessel to a passenger carrying vessel which is what she remains. Her engine was removed and cabins added down below to create space for guests. The current owners bought her from the Allens in 1998.^{[citation needed]}

It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1992.

Present

The Riggin is part of the Maine Windjammer fleet, carrying 24 adventure vacationers and ecotourists on 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.^{[citation needed]} Much of her deck, underwater planking and frames are original.

She is currently owned by Jon Finger and Anne Mahle.

Statistics

The Riggin's sparred length is 120 feet, 89 feet on deck, 23 feet at the beam and draws 7 feet with the centerboard up. She is a bald-headed schooner with low sides and an elegant spoon 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.^{[citation needed]}

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 longer 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.^{[citation needed]}

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.^{[citation needed]}

See also

• List of schooners

External links

• J. & E. Riggin web site