A U.S. Coast Guard plan to remove hundreds of navigation buoys in the northeast, including about 20 around the Vineyard, Woods Hole and Gosnold, has raised concerns with some Island mariners.
A new Massachusetts law requiring safety training for all powerboat operators is being hailed by Island boaters and the first responders charged with their protection.
A few weeks ago, in the parking lot at the Tisbury Wharf Company on Beach Road in Vineyard Haven, Ishmael, the 41-foot schooner, rested out of the water on blocks.
Harbor reservations are at an all-time high, ferries have robust bookings and the airport is bracing for its annual onslaught of private and commercial planes.
Manuel Swartz, the well-known boat builder, near Steamboat Wharf, has just built for Capt. Manuel Sylvia, of Nantucket, a fine large cat-boat, which is to be named the “Helen,” and will be sailed by Capt. Sylvia. The boat was measured by the custom-house here this week and is 30.8 long; breadth 13.6; depth 4.5, and is to be equipped with a 10 h. p. Victor gasoline engine, and all modern gear. The boat is in every respect a fine product of the boat-builder’s art.
With shipyards prohibited under the state stay-at-home order from launching boats, at least two harbors have delayed opening for the upcoming boating season.
On the Vineyard Haven waterfront you can see, smell and hear the bustle of activity. The town's boatyards are all party to boat building and launching. Anyone who walks the shores of the town will discover a wide variety of vessels undergoing extensive work. It was a busy winter and there is evidence everywhere.
Maciel Marine, Martha's Vineyard Shipyard and Gannon and Benjamin boatyards are witness to a resurgence in interest in Island built and restored vessels.
