We had a spectacular turnout for the launching of the Tommy Cod "Revival" at the first High Tide Potluck BBQ of the season! Eighty enthusiastic folks turned out to hear some great speeches, watch the boat launched to musical fanfare and champagne, take it for a row and finally catch up with the rest of the Friday night potluck crowd over drinks and grill fare. Thanks to all who came, including Massachusetts Senate President Therese Murray!
May 29, 2009 at 4 pm
Join us to celebrate the launching of the first wooden boat built on the river in 50 years or more!
On Friday May 29th at 4PM we will be christening and launching the first wooden boat to be built at the Landing since at least the mid-seventies. The 14 ft sailing and rowing skiff was a built by twelve participants in a class led by Peter Arenstam, Captain of Mayflower II. We will celebrate bringing back boatbuilding and maritime traditions at Jones River Landing with a ceremony, fthoughts from invited guests, and we would be honored if you will be able to attend. The skiff, a design by boatbuilder Antonio Diaz, will be called "Revival".
Jones River Landing Environmental Heritage Center in Kingston is thought to be the "oldest continuously operating boatbuilding yard in the country" where building of tall ships began well before Kingston incorporated in 1726. The Jones River boatyards were famous throughout the centuries--the Brig Independence, the first ship commissioned by the Provincial navy was built here as was Mars another ship of the war for Independence. 276 merchant ships were built at "the Landing" after the Revolution and until 1896, when the railroad and industrialization changed the shape and need for tall ships. Since then relatively small vessels have been built by a string of noteworthy boatbuilders and master craftsmen including George Shiverick, Mike Linde, Mike MacKensie, and --the last was probably Zwicker building the 40 ft. yawl Whistle Wing, prior to construction of Rte 3 which made building tall masted ships more difficult because of the bridge. Since then, and until Jones River Landing was purchased by the Jones River Watershed Association, the yard was used to repair motor boats and as a marina. Many famous builders and inventors hailed from the Jones River boatyards, and at the Landing we are about continuing these traditions, as well as restoring the Jones River habitats.
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