Grace Bailey (schooner) facts for kids
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Quick facts for kids History |
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| Name | Grace Bailey |
| Launched | 1882 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 58 (gross) |
| Length | 118 ft (36 m) LOA |
| Beam | 28 ft 5 in (8.66 m) |
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Grace Bailey
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Camden, Maine |
| Architect | Oliver Perry Smith |
| NRHP reference No. | 90001466 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | 1 October 1990 |
| Designated NHL | 4 December 1992 |
The Grace Bailey is a special old ship. It's a two-masted schooner that calls Camden, Maine its home. This ship was built way back in 1882 in Patchogue, New York. For many years, people knew her by a different name: Mattie.
The Grace Bailey is very important because it's one of only four two-masted wooden schooners still around today. These types of ships used to be very common for carrying goods along the American coast. In 1939, she became one of the first ships in the famous "Maine windjammers" fleet. These ships now offer fun cruises in Penobscot Bay and along the beautiful Maine coast. The Grace Bailey was carefully restored between 1989 and 1990. Because of her long history and importance, she was named a National Historic Landmark in 1992.
Contents
What is the Grace Bailey?
The Grace Bailey is a type of sailing ship called a two-masted schooner. This means it has two tall masts that hold its sails. The main deck of the ship is about 80 feet (24 meters) long. From front to back, the whole ship measures about 118 feet (36 meters).
How the Grace Bailey Sails
This historic ship uses four main sails to move across the water. It has a large mainsail, a foresail, and two smaller sails at the front called headsails. The Grace Bailey does not have an engine of its own. Instead, it travels with a small boat that has a diesel engine. This smaller boat helps the schooner move when there isn't enough wind.
What is the Grace Bailey Made Of?
The main body, or hull, of the Grace Bailey is made of strong wood. It has a frame and outer planks made from oak wood. The deck, where people walk, is made of pine. When the ship was first built, its wooden parts were held together with wooden pegs called treenails. During its restoration, these wooden pegs were replaced with strong galvanized ship spikes. Inside the ship, there are now comfortable cabins. These cabins are for the passengers and crew who enjoy sailing on the Grace Bailey.
A Long and Useful Life
The Grace Bailey was built in 1882 by a shipbuilder named Gilbert Smith. The first owner was Edwin Bailey. He named the ship after his daughter, who was born in the same year. In 1906, the ship was rebuilt and given a new name, Mattie. It sailed under this name for many years until its big restoration in 1989-1990.
From Cargo to Cruises
For a long time, the Grace Bailey (then Mattie) worked in the "coasting trade." This meant it carried goods and supplies along the coast. Smaller ships like her were very important. They brought things to places that were hard to reach by road back then. She spent her last twenty years in this job along the Maine coastline.
By 1939, sailing ships were not making much money carrying cargo anymore. That's when a man named Frank Swift had a great idea. He thought these beautiful schooners could be used for passenger trips instead. He rented the Grace Bailey for these trips and found it was a big success! The very next year, he bought the ship. Since then, the Grace Bailey has been part of the "windjammer" fleet. She continues to offer wonderful sailing cruises to people who want to experience life on a historic ship.
