Notes On Chesapeake Bay Skipjacks PDF Download

This book is about the Maryland State Ship, the Skipjack. They are working boats that work on the Chesapeake Bay. They were first built in the late 1800's with a fleet of 1500. Now there are less than 25. These Skipjacks dredge for oysters or "drudge" as the Captains call it. They make their living dredging and I never knew what hard work was involved or the upkeep expenses which explains why many ships are no longer working vessels. The scenes are centered on the Tangier Sound, where I was raised. My Dad and grandfather were waterman. My Dad had a severe injury on the Claude Somers, captained by Captain Zack Taylor, when his arm got caught in the winders that pull of the dredges that drag the bottom of the Bay. He survived but was unable to work on the water. I still remember that day. There are many small chapters in this book, information taken directly from surviving captains or their families. Each year the Skipjacks race in the Deal Island Chance Lion's Clubs Annual Skipjack Races. The Skipjacks are as old as 100 years. One of the Captains is 91 and the youngest is 41. They told me tales of close calls, of blinding storms and ice treachery. I found it to be fascinating, a heritage passed on to their families. This book is a keepsake for them to have forever.