Adventure (schooner)

Infobox_nrhp | name =ADVENTURE (schooner)|Right
nrhp_type =nhl


caption =
location= Gloucester, Massachusetts
lat_degrees = 42 | lat_minutes = 36 | lat_seconds = 56.35 | lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 70 | long_minutes = 39 | long_seconds = 14.75 | long_direction = W
area =
built =1926
architect= McManus,Thomas F.; James, John F. & Sons Shipyard
architecture= Hull: Wood; Rig: Gaff Topsail Schooner; Rig height: 110'; Sail area: convert|6500|sqft|m2|-1|abbr=on.; LOA: 122'; LOD: 122'; LWL: 109'; Draft: 13 ft 6 in; Beam: 24 ft 6 in; Tons: 130 GRT
designated= April 19, 1994cite web|url=http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=2079&ResourceType=Structure
title=ADVENTURE (Schooner) |accessdate=2007-10-11|work=National Historic Landmark summary listing|publisher=National Park Service]
added = December 11, 1989cite web|url=http://www.nr.nps.gov/|title=National Register Information System|date=2007-01-23|work=National Register of Historic Places|publisher=National Park Service]
governing_body = Gloucester Adventure, Inc.
refnum=89002054The 1926 schooner "Adventure" is one of the last of Gloucester, Massachusetts’ famous Grand Banks fishing schooners. She is one of only two "knockabout" fishing schooners surviving.

"Adventure" was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1994.citation|title=PDFlink| [http://pdfhost.focus.nps.gov/docs/NHLS/Text/89002054.pdf National Historic Landmark Nomination: ADVENTURE / Knockabout Schooner "Adventure"] |32 KB|date=November 1, 1993 |author=Kevin J. Foster |publisher=National Park Service and PDFlink| [http://pdfhost.focus.nps.gov/docs/NHLS/Photos/89002054.pdf "Accompanying photos, exterior and interior, from 1937, 1985, and 1989"] |32 KB]

History

Designed by Thomas F. McManus [Garland, Joseph E.: "Adventure: Last of the Great Gloucester Dory-Fishing Schooners", pages 29-36. Curious Traveller Press, 1985] of Boston, Massachusetts and built at the John F. James & Son Yard in Essex, Massachusetts, for Captain Jeff Thomas of Gloucester, "Adventure" was one of the last wooden sailing vessels of her kind built for the dory-fishing industry.

from her home port of Gloucester from 1926 to 1953 under Captain Jeff Thomas and later, Captain Leo Hynes. "Adventure" was considered a “highliner,” the biggest money-maker of all time, landing nearly $4 million worth of cod and halibut during her fishing career. When she retired, "Adventure" was the last American dory-fishing schooner in the North Atlantic. [Garland, Joseph E.: "Adventure: Last of the Great Gloucester Dory-Fishing Schooners", Curious Traveller Press, 1985]

In 1954, "Adventure" was sold to Donald Hurd, Dayton Newton, and Herbert Beizer and was refitted for the "windjammer" trade, carrying vacationing passengers up and down the Maine coast. The fish pens were converted into cabins and the engine was removed to make room for sleeping accommodations. Schooner "Adventure"'s grace, beauty, and prowess sailing in the Gulf of Maine earned her the nickname "Queen of the Windjammers."

In 1964 she was sold to Captain Jim Sharp [http://www.sharpadventures.com] of Camden, Maine, who sailed her as a windjammer for nearly twenty-four years. In 1988, Captain Sharp donated the "Adventure" to the people of Gloucester to be preserved as Gloucester's historic tall ship and to be used to inform and educate the public about the important role of fishing in American history.

In 1988, the non-profit group, Gloucester "Adventure", Inc., was formed to preserve the schooner as a monument to the history of Gloucester and for the education and pleasure of the public. The group is dedicated to preserving "Adventure" and operating her at sea, developing educational programs, and heightening public awareness of Gloucester's role in the development of the American fishing industry as well as the importance of maintaining and protecting the fisheries.

Through the efforts of the Gloucester "Adventure", Inc. and dedicated volunteers, "Adventure" is now a prominent destination site on the Essex National Heritage Area Maritime Trail [http://www.essexheritage.org] , is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated National Historic Landmark. In 1999, "Adventure" was honored to be selected as an Official Project of Save America's Treasures by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Restoration

Currently undergoing the final phase of hull restoration, "Adventure" aims to be sailing in 2008-09. More information about the restoration and educational programs can be found on their website. [http://www.schooner-adventure.org]

External links

* http://www.schooner-adventure.org
* http://archives.obs-us.com/obs/adventur/schooner/history/top.htm
* http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/travel/maritime/adv.htm
* http://www.sharpadventures.com

References