Tuesday, July 31, 2012

railways


Not only is Gloucester the oldest working seaport in America, but it is also home to the oldest working shipyard in America - the Gloucester Marine Railways Corp.  And I have the unique privilege of being a shareholder, and clerk on the Board of Directors.

This fishing vessel is 'hauled up on the rails' for servicing, which entails using a huge chain to pull ships up and onto a wooden dry dock. In this particular type of stern trawler, the net is lowered and raised up using the winches seen in the rear.   The 2 tall white 'spires' are then lowered out to the sides of the boat for stabilization.

Next to this boat is a wooden schooner on the second 'rail'. We are one of few remaining boatyards to maintain the skills to build and repair these older boats. In fact, one of the  three Boston Tea Party boat replicas was built here this past year, and is on display in Charlestown, Ma., near the USS Constitution.  The third will also be built here this coming year.

And here's another view from across the inner harbor....



linked to tinaspicstory; prompt: azure

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