I used to crew and do maintenance on the engine and electrical systems for Capt Teddy Charles when he owned her. Pretty sure the external Ballast keel was lead, as I don't recall any of the typical rust issues of an iron keel when hauled out for annual maintenance and CG inspection. There was internal ballast in bilge, at least back then. Sailed out of Greenport plenty of times in winds like Willin' reports, and a bit stronger. Never even managed to bury the rail. One of the news articles that I just saw had a statement from the museum saying it was a knockdown. I don't see that happening to the Mary E short of either loss of the keel or some incredible wind gust.
Schooner Mary E Sinks
- Thread starter Willin'
- Start date
billy backstay
Backstay, never bought a suit, never went to Vegas
Many years ago, when I was a teenager or maybe younger, Mom and her Yacht Brokerage business partner's Alden Schooner, "Windigo" IIRC, popped a garboard plank just off of Pt. Judith, on the way to Newport, and she went down very fast. All aboard got off safely, thankfully!!
Mrleft8
Super Anarchist
Willin'
Super Anarchist
- Thread starter
- #24
I'd just come home from lobstering on the next river over when I saw the report on TV. The afternoon winds were blustery from the NW and there were small rain cells here and there, but nothing that would have produced a microburst capable of knocking her down like that. Of course I wasn't there on the Kennebec so don't really know what happened
I also kinda wondered if perhaps some internal ballast may have shifted as she listed preventing righting.
Hopefully the investigators are working over the weekend.
Bump-n-Grind
Get off my lawn.
Pertsa
Member
Work of refloating seems to be well underway. I just cannot see article as I am from another side of pond.
https://www.wmtw.com/article/passengers-crew-rescued-after-historic-schooner-capsizes-on-kennebec/37184674
https://www.wmtw.com/article/passengers-crew-rescued-after-historic-schooner-capsizes-on-kennebec/37184674
billy backstay
Backstay, never bought a suit, never went to Vegas
I posted this before, but must have not completed it?? I am sure there are many boats with that name. This one was an Alden Schooner.....
Willin'
Super Anarchist
- Thread starter
- #32
Well, I just cruised by the Maritime Museum. I'd seen a photo earlier where she looked to be standing upright but still in the mud but when I got there she was floating at the dock. I didn't renew my membership this year, of course, and didn't feel like paying for admission, but we could see from the dogpark dock 1/4 mile upriver that there was still lotsa activity going on. Forgot to take my camera, dammit.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/coast-guard-works-with-sea-tow-to-refloat-capsized-historic-schooner/ar-AAMLC08
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/coast-guard-works-with-sea-tow-to-refloat-capsized-historic-schooner/ar-AAMLC08
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Mrleft8
Super Anarchist
You gotta print yourself a "PRESS" pass and laminate it in plastic. That and an "Event Security". vest will get you lots of places you shouldn't be...... (DAMHIK)
I have one vest that says "ZAMBONI CREW".... No one ever questions it, anywhere.
Willin'
Super Anarchist
- Thread starter
- #34
Unfortunately, some of the staff and admin know my face if not my name. At exhibit opening festivities they used to serve a lovely, strong, Fish House Punch to the assembled members. A few years ago they dropped that for just beer and wine. I swear I don't know why.
SloopJonB
Super Anarchist
That explains it.
Mrleft8
Super Anarchist
So some obese passenger went from amidships to the port companionway as they were experiencing a flying jibe due to unpredictable gusty winds, and the fat passenger then went further to port exacerbating the situation..... The skipper tried, but with the rudder now completely out of the water, let fly..... but it was too late..... (BTW Where was BJ Porter that day?Gasp! I just noticed, in this photo the companionway looks to be offset to port!
I repeat! GASP!
)
When the Mary E was in Greenport we chartered her for a sunset cruise for my brothers bachelor party. At the last moment a couple of friends, females, abandoned ship after checking it out. On the way out the mate kept pouring buckets of water down the hatch to cool the engine. As the fog rolled in the mate yelled out to us " Get down the Captain has to think". We all hit the decks and nobody spilled their drinks. ARRRR...
Mrleft8
Super Anarchist
"Get down, the captain has to think"? That's one of the oddest orders I've ever heard.
"Get down, the captain has to piss over the larboard rail!" I'd more or less understand but.....
