Boat Building

July 7, 2014 by Man O War Heritage Museum 5 Comments

Man O War Cay has a long tradition of boat building, starting back in the 1800’s. In Fact, evidence of that tradition is in our harbour today. On one of our many spectacularly clear and beautiful days, we went out to take photos of the wooden boats in our harbour, 

This is the oldest one I saw, called the Yippee, (I wish I knew where some of these names came from) Its really not a good photo. Unfortunately it is way up in a boat shed down at the end of Eastern Harbour.

*She was built in 1948 in Mr. Morris’s boat shed.*

Everyone who knows me, knows I’m not as smitten with boats as my husband. But I have to admit, after today I had a new appreciation for them. Its a marvel how what starts out as a few tree branches and some boards becomes something so beautiful and useful.

I guess my attraction is in the craftsmanship and the history of these floating pieces of art. The artistry comes in the form of clean lines and subtle nuances in the way the wood is manipulated so that even a person with minimal boat building knowledge (like me) can appreciate it.

Boat building is an industry as old as these islands. One that was masterfully handed down from one generation to the next. I can only imagine what it must have been like as a young man working alongside a Father or Uncle, learning a craft mastered by these men. Long days honing a craft that would be admired by so many of that time and even more so in later years.

Here are a few we spotted in the harbour, bobbing in the gentle breeze, shinning like a new penny. (even if the paint was chippy) I must admit, I do have a “thing” for chippy paint and things formerly loved.

First, the William H. Albury, named after her builder.   You can learn more about her here on our Museum web site,   http://www.mowmuseum.com/William_H._Albury.html

Look at those wooden rings used for hoisting the sail.

The pirate on the side was put there by the former owner in Jamaica, who purchased her to give “pirate tours”. David Wright has since bought her and brought her home. You can read about his 26 day journey from Jamaica to Man O War on his facebook page here  www.facebook.com/svWmHAlbury

Next up,  Rough Waters

She was built approximately 1975 by Uncle Will in his boat yard, and is now owned by Matthew Janes.

If you would like to see her under construction, go to the Museum’s web site. It is full of great photos.   http://www.mowmuseum.com/Rough_Waters.html

Lively Lady was built at Edwins boat yard in the early 1960’s.

Lady Di was built by Sam Albury (date unknown) and is currently owned by David Wright.

 Sea Fever is currently owned by Jay & Jan Manni. It was originally built by Uncle Will for his own use in 1966,  Now this is the shinny penny I was talking about!!  She is beautifully taken care of.  I just wish I could have gotten a better picture.  Its hard to single out just one boat when it is tied to a dock. Jan is the daughter of Edwin and you can read more about Ewins boat yard and some of the boats built there  http://edwinsboatyard.com/Our_History.html

 Tribute, currently owned by David Wright……..I see a trend forming here 🙂  I think he told me he owns 6 boats!  Here is a little more information about her journey.  http://tomspock.com/Journey%20website/Tribute/Indextr.html

Caniption  I never could find anyone who knew when she was built.  I do know Mr. Morris build her for Vickie Judd and she passed it down to Lucas Albury.  She is currently at the Ferry dock, but I have it on good authority that she wont be at the ferry dock for long.

Check out the initials engraved in the name plate BMA, Benjamin Morris Albury

These two gals were built by Rowland & Hartley Albury about 35-40 years ago.  Thanks Irene & Second Chance

This last photo is of the original dingy for the William H. Albury.  Or at least thats my story and Im sticking to it.  I think.

Man O War Cay is the sum of all parts.  The history, heritage and people here make it all so special.  I learn something new almost every day.  Whether its learning to love wooden boats, or connecting the dots as far as family relations go or even learning the best Johnny cake recipe.     Family values run deep here and I am forever grateful that the Sojers have welcomed me into their family.