A Daysail In Rockland
Launching of the Prudence...
The Ketch Prudence was launched in 1987 from the Rockport Apprentice Shop. Her design was based on the traditional Quoddy Pilots also known as Eastport Pinkies. The only major modifications from the original working boats was the lenghening of her cabin to provide more space below, the use of two masts instead of one (making the sails easier to handle) and the addition of an auxiliary engine.
The Yankee Hero
The Quoddy fishing boat Yankee Hero at anchor near Eastport, Maine in 1882. Note the distinct sweeping sheer and pointed stern. These are the characteristics of the type. The idea was to build a boat shaped like a seagull. That way it could ride out any kind of sea.
At Work...
The captain of this unknown Quoddy Pilot boat loads baskets with the day's catch of sardines. They will be taken to the local cannery for processing. Photo circa. 1880.
Sardines and more sardines
The smaller Quoddy Pilots kept closer in shore. In this illustration two of the boats are underway while the third is hauling in net. Sardines, though small themselves, were big business. When the fish were brough aboard a couple were snapped open to see if they had just eaten. If so the whole school was cast back. Fish that had just fed would rot when canned.
Off to the fishing grounds!
This colorized postcard from around 1900 shows just how prolific the Quoddy Pilot was during that period. Out of so many, none of the originals remain...
