boats and boating

From the Wheelhouse Loafer Come Some Seagoing Silhouettes

Joseph Chase Allen

It is inherent in the human soul to be thrilled by the sight of wind-hardend canvas, even if it is only a picture. There are tales and traditions of men who have been highly successful master mariners, yet who were born and spent boyhood and youth far, far from salt water or even lakes where boats might have been seen, but who had studied a picture from early childhood of a ship in a seaway and carrying sail.

Portrait of an Artist Who Chose Boats

John M. Leavens

Note: Mr. Leavens - visited M. S. Roberts and made notes of their talk. He had intended to write this interview as an article in the third person, but Mr. Roberts’ own personality so clearly emerged from the written memoranda that the author decided to write the interview in the first person, following as closely as possible the ideas and modes of expression of the man who sat for the portrait.

Edgartown’s Master Shipbuilder

Vineyard Gazette

Generations have taken pride in the reputation of the Edgartown shipbuilder, master constructor of barns, barges and binnacle boxes, Manuel Swartz. Known in every civilized country of the globe for the skill with which he constructs caskets, catboats and checkerboards, he might easily have won a place for himself in world history but for the deteriorating effects of modern milk-and-water mildness inspired by unhampered pacifism.

Ketch Ayuthia Makes Maiden Passage Beneath New Lagoon Pond Drawbridge

Steve Myrick

Ayuthia, an 80-year-old wooden sailing vessel, made the first official passage through the new Lagoon Pond drawbridge Saturday morning.

Unicorn Leaves Her Home Port, This Time for Good

Alex Elvin

The legendary dragger has left her berth in Menemsha Harbor for the last time. Owner Greg Mayhew and his son Todd motored the 75-foot Unicorn over to New Bedford, where it will likely be salvaged for parts.

Officials Brace for Increased Boat Traffic on Menemsha Pond

Alex Elvin

As Menemsha Channel is dredged for first time in decades, Chilmark and Aquinnah officials are protecting Menemsha Pond from increased boat traffic.

Going to the Sea, One Page at a Time

Virginia Crowell Jones

As I do every year I’ve selected a pile of maritime books which may engage your imagination.

From the Erie Canal to Menemsha, a Magical Wooden Boat Trip

Alex Elvin

After a 440-mile journey that began in upstate New York in July, an old wooden boat named Majic has found a new home on the Vineyard. The fully restored 1957 Richardson sedan cruiser came to port at Menemsha Harbor on August 6.

A Dragger and Her Captain, Soon to Part Ways

Alex Elvin

Without any federal or state permits, the Unicorn is likely nearing the end of her long residency in Menemsha harbor. Capt. Greg Mayhew recently sold his groundfish permit — the last on the Vineyard — to The Nature Conservancy.

Gannon and Benjamin Launches Sleek New Design

Katherine Scott

The Gannon and Benjamin boatyard on the Vineyard Haven harbor was the scene of a festive launch Monday for a new design created by the venerable wooden boat yard. The Sheldrake is a gaff sloop daysailer and Nat Benjamin’s 85th original design.

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