A Commemorative Look at Schooners- the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race

America 2.0 at the beginning of the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, 2011.
Photo by Joe Elder aboard the Schooner Spirit of Independence.

     Olde Towne Portsmouth once again hosted the finale of the 23rd Annual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race  from Baltimore Mayland with 37 participating schooners. Here is a photographic study of these exceptional sailing vessels docked along Olde Towne's waterside. Enjoy!

An 18th century cannon stands sentinal  in front of the schooner "Mystic Whaler"
docked along side the High Street basin. Photo by Joe Elder.

HISTORY

Schooner "Adventurer" figurehead.
Photo by Joe Elder.

Schooner racing on the Chesapeake Bay is rooted in the trade rivalry between Baltimore, Maryland, at the northern end of the Bay, and Portsmouth/Norfolk, Virginia, at the southern end. The fastest sailing vessels delivered goods and people to their destinations and often garnered the best price for their cargo by beating slower schooners into port. Over the years, commercial schooner designs evolved for the bay's routes — taking into consideration shallow waters, local crops and regional needs, with speed being a primary concern to beat competitively loaded vessels into port. These schooners also played a critical role in our nation's early wars. While there are no cargo-hauling schooners now working the Bay, there are a considerable number of schooners still in use as cruising vessels and privately owned boats.

Wheel  from the schooner
"Liberty Clipper".
Photo by Joe Elder

In 1988, when the City of Baltimore launched her flagship modeled on those earlier vessels, Captain Lane Briggs of the TugantineNorfolk Rebel — the world's only sail-powered schooner-rigged tugboat — challenged the Pride of Baltimore II to a race from Baltimore to Norfolk, reviving an historic rivalry between schooners, captains and cities on the Bay. With the challenge accepted, the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race (GCBSR) was born.

In 1990, a weekend in October was set aside for what had become an annual event, and yacht clubs at the northern and southern ends of the race volunteered to support the schooners and crews in their efforts.

Schooners  at the High Street basin, Olde Towne Portsmouth. Photo by Joe Elder.

Bowsprit of the "Liberty Clipper".
Photo by Joe Elder.

Over the 21 years of the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, there have been some incredible races with schooners going to the wire to win. Harsh weather conditions in some of the races have tested the mettle of the vessels, crews and captains. As many as 56 schooners have signed up for a single race, and more than 150 — with vessels from as far away as California - have enjoyed the fall race on the Bay. The 2007 race was the fastest race in this long series. With strong following winds, several schooners set new records for both elapsed and corrected time. The schooner Virginia set a new time to beat of 11 hours, 18 minutes and 53 seconds, beating the previous record of 12 hours, 57 minutes and 51 seconds set by Imagine...! in the 2005 GCBSR.

Skylight binnacle and wheel  from the schooner "Adventurer".  Photo by Joe Elder.

Belaying pins. Photo by Joe Elder.

With the growth of the event and the resulting focus on these vintage sailing craft, the organizers and sponsors elected soon after the start of the event to maximize the value of the race in very special ways. The race brings focus to the maritime traditions of schooners on the Chesapeake and brings attention to the environmental issues facing the Chesapeake. All net proceeds of the race are donated to support youth education efforts aimed at saving the bay. This is why the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race is proud to say that we are "Racing to Save the Bay!"  History taken from the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race website.

Carved and gilded figurehead  of the schooner "Lady Maryland". Photo by Joe Elder.

Port light. Photo by Joe Elder.

Line wrapped around a belaying pin. Photo by Joe Elder.

Hawse pipe and  line. Photo by Joe Elder.

Schooner "Virginia" flies the  American flag from her stern. Photo by Joe Elder..

Deck view of the "Pride of Baltimore II". Photo by Joe Elder.

Ships bell of the schooner "Lady Maryland". Photo by Joe Elder.

Wheel of the tugantine "Norfolk Rebel".  Photo by Joe Elder.

Bow of the "Pride of Baltimore II". Photo by Joe Elder.

Skipjack Nautical Wares storefront is fronted by the bowsprit of the "Mystic Whaler."
Photo by Joe Elder.

Thank you to all of the participants and volunteers that make this such a memorable event. We hope to see you all again next year and until then, calm seas and following winds. From the staff at Skipjack Nautical Wares and all of us from Olde Towne  Portsmouth. Cheers!

Schooners of all types and sizes will be docked along Portsmouth's riverside Saturday,
October 13, 2012 as part of the 23rd Annual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. Photo by Joe Elder

They're schooners here, there and just about everywhere along our riverside and you won’t want to miss it. That’s right, this Saturday, October 13, 2012, the City of Portsmouth, Virginia hosts the 23rd Annual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race post race celebration. The world’s largest gathering of schooners will race again from Annapolis, Maryland to Portsmouth, Virginia, with nearly 40 entries in this year's race. They'll be schooners of all types and sizes docked along Portsmouth’s waterfront for you to view, with some open to the public.

The 23rd Annual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race from Annapolis, MD
to Portsmouth, VA. Photo by Joe Elder

 We also invite you to stop by (we'll, we're only a few steps away) and see all of the great new inventory here at Skipjack including ships wheels, new, vintage and antique lamps, lanterns and maritime lighting, WWII era U.S. Navy instruments, and all types maritime antiques. We've also received a large assortment of great nautical decor items including fish nets, netted colored glass jugs and float balls, brass cleats, bell ropes and sailor marlinspike knives from Myerchin. And, our classic Skipjack long sleeve shirts, crewneck and pullover hooded sweatshirts are available in all sizes and new colors too! You can check out some an assortment of our new arrivals by following the link here to Skipjack's NEW! JUST IN! section on our webstore.



Stefan Edick Skippers the "Schooner Virginia"
in appropriate yachting attire!  Photo by Joe Elder.



For more information, follow the link here to the 23rdAnnual GCBSR Official Race Program and here’s the link to the Great ChesapeakeBay Schooner Race website. Hope to see you here!

Wildlife Carvings from California Artist Greg Pezzoni at Skipjack

Carved and painted yellowfin tuna by Greg Pezzoni.

Raised in Santa Barbara, on California's southern coastline until his early teens. Greg was exposed early to both fresh and salt water angling. Half day boats in the Santa Barbara channel and full day excursions to the city's famous wharf introduced him to numerous species, such as bonita, halibut, sheep head, sharks, rock fish and kelp dwellers of all kinds. A small lake within walking distance instilled his passion for largemouth bass fishing, while supplying mixed bags of bluegill, crappie and catfish. With back packing trips to the nearby Santa Ynez and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, Greg then added California's numerous trout species (including the coveted golden trout, California's state fish) to his fishing "have caught" list. Relocating to Kentucky, then North Carolina, enabled him to fish waters he had only read about. Carolina's famous outer banks, the Dan and New rivers of Virginia, and the TVA impoundments of the Smokey Mountains added striped & small mouth bass, bluefish, Spanish & king mackerel to the list. Having excelled in art since an early age, he has combined that gift with his love of the outdoors and angling, to create these highly realistic wooden relief carvings. Greg now resides just outside of the small town of Linden, Ca. on the Calavaras River, where he lives with the catch of his lifetime.

You can visit a selection of Greg's marine-wildlife carvings on our website by following the link here to Greg Pezzoni. at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery. We currently have a great selection of his whales to choose from including humpback, sperm and gray whales. These life-like relief carvings will certainly be highly collected and a perfect accompaniment to your coastal home. Shown above: A large white sperm whale and below, a humpback whale.

 

 

Carved from kiln dried pine, the pectoral and pelvic fins  are carved separately and added on to give the impression of a full bodied mount. Each piece is then sealed, primered, painted and then finished with several coats of high quality varnish. Greg uses high quality species correct taxidermist glass eyes in most of my carvings. The back is flat with a custom designed mounting bracket that allows you to angle the mount in any direction with only one hanging point. It also extends the mount out away from the wall giving it a more rounded three dimensional look.There are felt pads that allow this feature with no damage or scratches to your wall.

Greg's wildlife carvings is a great example of the type of marine art that you will find at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery. Here is a link to the marine art gallery department at Skipjack.

U.S. Navy Binnacle & Engine Order Telegraph From the Liberty Ship "JOSEPH PULITZER"

U.S. Navy Binnacle & Engine Order Telegraph from the bridge of the Liberty Ship "JOSEPH PULITZER"

In 1973, the Liberty Ship SS "JOSEPH PULITZER" was under tow, transferred from the James River to a salvage yard near Cape Henry, Virginia.  A survivor of WWII, the "JOSEPH PULITZER" was one of 200 Liberty ships that on  June 6, 1944 took part in the D-Day landings. Today, only a few parts and pieces of the ship survive to tell the story. The ship's binnacle compass and engine order telegraph from the bridge were removed from the ship before salvage and are now on display at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery in Portsmouth, Virginia.

From the previous owner- "The telegraph and binnacle were a gift from the captain of the Polish salvage tug that towed the liberty ship "JOSEPH PULITZER" (the vessel from which they came) to the salvage yard in 1973. Her hull number was #0644, her keel was laid August 1942 and she was delivered in September 1942. She was active throughout the war in Europe and was laid up in the James River idle fleet after decommissioning at the end of WWII. I was the pilot that piloted the salvage tug towing the Joseph Pulitzer from the ghost fleet in the James River to Cape Henry, Virginia in 1973. Captain L.D. Amory III"

A typical Liberty ship crosses the ocean carrying cargo to a foreign destination. Photo from the Library of Congress.

As published in the book "THE LIBERTY SHIPS from A (A.B. Hammond) to Z (Zona Gale)" written by Capt. Walter W. Jaffee, the Liberty ships were the backbone of the Allied supply lines in World War II. Millions of tons of war material were needed on battlefronts around the world. The full might of U.S. industrial power was brought to bear and, “built by the mile and chopped off by the yard,” 2,710 Libertys sailed out of American shipyards to deliver the goods. From Murmansk to the great D-Day invasion; in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of war; from Iwo Jima and the Leyte landings to the invasion of Okinawa, Libertys were the “bridge of ships” that helped the Allies win the war. Only two operational Liberty ships, the SS John W. Brown and the SS Jeremiah O'Brien, remain. 

Merchant Marine Heroes: Meritorious Service Medals Awarded "for Conduct or Service of a Meritorious Nature" during World War II

Bramble, Walter W. [H]  Able Seaman, SS Joseph Pulitzer 

In 1943, the SS Joseph Pulitzer, in which Bramble (then able seaman) was serving, transported troops, vehicles and Army supplies from a North African base to Gela, Sicily. This vessel, and others in the convoy, were subjected to many strafing and bombing attacks by enemy planes and also to bombardments from shore based artillery. During one of these attacks fragments from an anti-personnel bomb wounded all eight of the crew of the after three-inch gun, some so seriously that it was necessary to transfer them to a naval vessel for treatment. In this emergency, Bramble, who had some previous gunnery experience, volunteered and received permission to form a new gun crew composed of merchant seamen and Army personnel. For four days and nights this amateur crew performed valiant service in driving off enemy planes. It was credited with one plane shot down. Bramble's fine spirit, leadership and skill contributed materially to the safety of the ship and were in keeping with the high standards of the United States Mrchant Marine. [Bramble was from Baltimore, MD] Sep. 12, 1946.  http://www.usmm.org/msm.html

Also noted:

A couple of hours after the Robert Rowan sank, four German planes attacked with fragmentation bombs, one of which wounded eight men inthe Joseph Pulitzer's 3-inch gun crew. The Pulitzer had a former Navy gun pointer in her civilian crew, so Captain Kingdon S. Thomas made him gun captain of a merchant seaman gun crew which "did some fine shooting." The new gun crew was drenched by water that night when raiding dive-bombers gave them some near misses. The third mate merely ended the log for the 8-to-12 watch with, "Army stevedores discharging cargo between bombs, bullets and barges." Walter Bramble.

Follow the link U.S. Navy Binnacle & Engine Order Telegraph From the Liberty Ship "JOSEPH PULITZER" for a complete description and images of these exceptional surviving instruments.

Classic Nautical T-shirts by Skipjack

DESIGNED FOR FUN IN THE SUN

Skipjack's new "Don't Give Up the Ship" nautical T-shirt.

New from Skipjack in celebration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. Skipjack's new "Don't Give Up the Ship" T-shirt with graphic artwork on back designed after a Bellamy carved eagle and in celebration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 with the famous quote by Captain James Lawrence. The front is non-pocketed and features the Skipjack Nautical Wares logo. Available in three colors; patriot red, navy blue and driftwood grey. Men's sizes medium through 2XL. Skipjack's Nautical Apparel.

Tradition has it that Captain James Lawrence said these heroic words after being mortally wounded in the engagement between his ship, the U.S. frigate Chesapeake, and HMS Shannon on 1 June 1813. As the wounded Lawrence was carried below, he ordered "Tell the men to fire faster! Don't give up the ship!"

Although Chesapeake was forced to surrender, Captain Lawrence's words lived on as a rallying cry during the war. Oliver Hazard Perry honored his dead friend Lawrence when he had the motto sewn onto the private battle flag flown during the Battle of Lake Erie, 10 September 1813. 

 Skipjack's new "Don't Give Up the Ship" T-shirt  in patriotic red,  driftwood grey and  navy blue.

Skipjack's "UNDERWAY" classic nautical T-shirt.

By popular demand-  Skipjack has brought back its classic "Underway" nautical T-shirt in red, white and blue in celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812. Available in100% cotton pre-shrunk garment-dyed T-shirt in sun-bleached red and Olde Towne blue and our standard T-shirt in white featuring the Skipjack "Underway" silkscreen design on the back and the Skipjack Nautical Wares logo on the front.

Skipjack's Nautical Apparel.

Great for fun in the sun. The racing Skipjack nautical  embroidered short sleeve T-shirt.

Featuring our original "Racing Skipjack" embroidered logo design on 100% super soft, breathable cotton except heather gray which is 90% cotton and 10% polyester.Comfort cuffs that hold their shape, built to minimize shrinkage. Skipjack Nautical Apparel.

Our embroidered "Racing Skipjack" nautical T-shirt.

Complete your great nautical look with Skipjack's top selling nautical code signal flag belt in red, white and blue. This cotton web ribbon belt for all seasons has full grain drum-dyed leather billet and buckle ends accentuated by the solid brass buckle. This belt is available with your choice of white, red or navy webbing as a background to the signal flag ribbon. MADE IN THE USA! Skipjack Nautical Apparel.

Nautical code signal flag belt and matching key fob.

Skipjack has also added a selection of nautical hats for fun in the sun- perfect for days on your boat or out on the town.  Our lightweight Boonie hat is a great choice for warm days out on the boat or just to shade your face and head. The microfiber material is rated at 50+ UPF protection. Trim: 3 1/2 inch brim, chin cord, antique brass grommets and mesh lining. Available in khaki, olive and navy in sizes medium, large and x-large. Skipjack Nautical Apparel.

Our lightweight Boonie hat is a great choice for warm days on the boat or out on the town. 

OpSail 2012 Virginia Brings Tall Ships & Special Events

Hampton Roads is featuring an extraordinary event for the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, the writing of the Star Spangled Banner, planned together with the spectacle of OpSail 2012. OpSail 2012 Virginia is collaboration between Operation Sail Inc. (OpSail) national, the United States Navy, Norfolk Festevents, Portsmouth PortsEvents, and the 36th Annual AT&T Harborfest events, and hundreds of national, state and local organizations

June 8-10, 2012, the Port of Virginia will once again host an impressive fleet of tall ships, navy and military war ships representing the world. OpSail 2012 Virginia and Harborfest is planned to illuminate the community with spectacle and festivity, and will place our Commonwealth front and center on the world stage.

Tall ship 'KALMAR NYCKEL' will be participating in OpSail 2012 and along the
Portsmouth, Virginia waterfront. Photo by Joe Elder.

This will truly be a memorable maritime event, with exciting activities taking place throughout the region. OpSail 2012 Virginia is a $65 million production, projected to have an attendance of 1.5 million people during the 12 days. In addition, 4000 U.S. and foreign officers, cadets, crew and diplomats will be in town. Though the largest concentration of the ships will be available for boarding along the Norfolk waterfront, the City of Portsmouth will host the tall ship 'GAZELA' located next to the High Street Landing and in front of Skipjack Nautical Wares as well as the tall ships "HMS BOUNTY' and 'KALMAR NYCKEL' just a short walk down the seawall at Ocean Marine. Also, the USCG Cutter, the 'WILLIAM TATE' will docked along the seawall near the High Street Landing.

The tall ship 'GAZELA' will be next to the High Street landing and in front of
Skipjack Nautical Wares during OpSail 2012. Photo by Joe Elder.

Some of Skipjack's marine artists will be on hand, Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10 to demonstrate different maritime skills, such as scrimshaw carving, knot-tieing, wood carving and other sailor and folk art skills. Selected work of art celebrating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 will also be on display during this spectacular event.

Original 19th century folk painting of "the Battle of Lake Erie" is part of Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Galleries annual folk art show titled "DON''T GIVE UP THE SHIP" celebrating the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and OpSail 2012 Virginia. Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery is located on Portsmouth, Virginia's waterfront next to the High Street Landing. Photo by Joe Elder.

OpSail 2012 Virginia is the perfect opportunity to visit Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery where you'll discover one of the finest collections of marine artwork, nautical antiques and decor, Chelsea marine clocks, authentic ship salvage, nautical lamps, lighting and furnishings, marine instruments as well as our own Skipjack Nautical Wears yachting apparel and jewelry. Skipjack is also the best place for nautical gifts too!

Skipjack's "Underway" Garment-Dyed Short Sleeve T-shirt in Red or Blue.

New for OpSail Virginia and in celebration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. Skipjack's new "DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP'  cotton T-shirts in Red, Navy and ash grey. All standard sizes available. Great for father's Day too!

For a listing of OpSail 2012 Virginia events to be held along Portmouth's downtown/Olde Towne seaboard, go to http://www.opsail2012virginia.com/events-schedule/portsmouth . For information about OpSail 2012 Virginia, go to http://www.opsail2012virginia.com/.

The tall ship 'KALMAR NYCKEL' during the parade of sail. Photo by Joe Elder.

We hope that you will come and be a part of this historical maritime event. While you are in the area, please stop by and peruse through our exceptional new art and diverse nautical inventory. We wish you fair winds and following seas. From the staff at Skipjack.

Skipjack nautical Wares & Marine Gallery is an Official OpSail 2012 Virginia Certified Business. http://www.skipjacknauticalwares.com.

The Skipjack "Underway" Short Sleeve Nautical T's

The Skipjack "Underway" nautical short sleeve T's now available in red, white and blue.

The casual ease of a t-shirt combined with the comfort of soft cotton is the perfect blend for a day on the water and Skipjack's classic fit "Underway" nautical T's is the perfect choice for the boating enthusiast.  Select from our 100% cotton pre-shrunk T-shirt in white featuring the Skipjack "Underway" silkscreen design on the back and the Skipjack Nautical Wares logo in navy blue on the front.

The Skipjack "Underway" nautical short sleeve T in white.

New for 2012!  We've added 100% cotton pre-shrunk garment-dyed T-shirts in two new colors. Choose between sun-bleached red and Olde Towne blue with the Skipjack Nautical Wares logo in white on the front. These great T's will soon become a favorite that you'll enjoy wearing over and over again!

The Skipjack "Underway" nautical short sleeve garment-dyed T's in sun-bleached red and Olde Towne blue.

Garment dyed shirts are cut and sewn first from an optic white fabric and made into a larger spec. The shrinkage occurs during the dye process because of the extreme heat and the shirts shrink to the proper size (hence the term "pre-shrunk"). As a result of garment dyeing the shirts will come out softer and feel more vintage.