Christeen facts for kids

Christeen (sloop)
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark
Location	Oyster Bay, NY
Built	1883
Architectural style	40 foot gaff-rigged sloop
NRHP reference No.	91002060
Quick facts for kids Significant dates
Added to NRHP	December 4, 1991
Designated NHL	December 5, 1992

The Christeen is a very special boat! It is the oldest oyster sloop still around in the United States. A sloop is a type of sailboat with one mast. Because it is so old and important, the Christeen was named a National Historic Landmark in 1992.

This amazing boat was built way back in 1883 in Glenwood Landing, New York. It was designed as a gaff-rigged sloop, which means it had a specific type of sail. Over the years, the Christeen traveled to different places, including Essex, Connecticut. But in 1992, it came back home to Oyster Bay, New York. People worked hard to raise money to fix it up. After seven years of restoration, the Christeen was relaunched in 1999. Today, it works as a floating museum! It offers fun and educational tours of Oyster Bay and also private trips through the WaterFront Center.

History of the Christeen

The Christeen was built in 1883 for a person named Captain William Smith. His job was to harvest oysters in Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor. Oysters are shellfish that live in the water. The Christeen helped him collect them. This boat worked in many different waters, including Greenport, Southhold, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Captain Smith named the sloop after his 13-year-old wife, Christeen.

From Oyster Boat to Cargo Ship

In 1914, an engine was added to the Christeen. This changed its job! It started to carry cargo, like potatoes, between Long Island and New London. It also moved furniture and other items between New York City and the eastern part of Long Island. So, it became a busy transport boat.

Rescue and Restoration

From 1958 to 1976, the Christeen was used as a pleasure yacht, which is a boat for fun and relaxation. But by 1989, it was left alone and almost sank in New London, Connecticut. Luckily, a group called Tradewinds Education Network saved it! They then gave the Christeen to a non-profit group in Oyster Bay called Friends of the Bay. In 1991, the boat finally returned to its original home.

The restoration of this historic oyster sloop was finished in 1999 at Jakobson Shipyard. After that, the Christeen joined the WaterFront Center at Oyster Bay. Its new mission was to help people connect with the water. The Christeen is incredibly strong! It has survived 16 major hurricanes, many big storms called nor'easters, and even being neglected for a long time.

Christeen Today: A Floating Classroom

Now, the Christeen is a "floating classroom." It teaches students of all ages about how old boats work. It also teaches them about protecting the ocean environment in Oyster Bay and Long Island Sound. The Christeen often works with other local non-profit groups. It also offers both public and private trips through the WaterFront Center.

Christeen Boat Details