2012 Cape Ann Guide – Experience Cape Ann…serving Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Rockport. Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.
Issue link: http://capeannguide.epubxp.com/i/133875
ON THE WATER & BOATING During that span, vessels small and grand were built at one of many boatyards that operated in several parts of the village. These ranged from the small Chebacco boats preferred by the local clammers and inshore fishermen to great whaling ships and the largest ship ever built in Essex, a 191 foot steam collier named the Vidette and measuring 810 gross tons. According to Essex shipbuilder and historian Dana Story, the Vidette was built at the James yard in 1881 for the Boston Metropolitan Coal Company, and required the combined efforts of two tug boats and several tide cycles to make the journey down the Essex River and out to Ipswich Bay. The schooners constructed to support the great Atlantic fishing industry based in Gloucester Harbor were by far the largest number of ships built in Essex. Included among these is the Effie M. Morrissey, a 120 foot schooner built in 1894 at the James yard, and which survives to this day as the Schooner Ernestina, official vessel the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Schooner Adventure, a 122 foot wooden dory fishing schooner, was also built in Essex in 1926, and like the Ernestina is preserved today as a National Historic Landmark. The Adventure is now berthed in the Gloucester Marine Railways at Rocky Neck where it is the final stages of a major restoration program. According to their website, schooner-adventure.org: "Once fully restored, Adventure will return to active sailing as a platform for multi-disciplinary, experiential educational programs." Harold Burnham's most recent creation, the Schooner Ardelle is a 55 foot Pinky schooner built in Essex and launched in July, 2011. It is now berthed at Maritime Gloucester, is Coast Guard certified to carry up to 49 passengers and sails daily from May to October. Opposite page: The Schooner Ardelle at Harold Burnham's shipyard. Above: adjusting the lines on the Schooner Ardelle. www.capeannchamber.com | www.capeannvacations.com | www.rockportusa.com 47