Isaac H. Evans facts for kids
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Quick facts for kids History |
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| Name | Isaac H. Evans |
| General characteristics | |
| Length | 99 ft (30 m) LOA |
| Beam | 20 ft (6.1 m) |
| Draft | 6 ft (1.8 m) (centerboard up |
| Sail plan | Gaff-rigged topsail schooner |
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Isaac H. Evans (Schooner)
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Rockland Harbor, Rockland, Maine |
| Built | 1886 |
| Architect | Vannaman, J.W.,& Brother |
| NRHP reference No. | 91002061 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | 4 December 1991 |
| Designated NHL | 4 December 1992 |
The Isaac H. Evans is an amazing old sailing ship called a schooner. It's currently docked in Rockland, Maine. This ship is a special kind of Maine windjammer. Today, it takes tourists on fun sailing trips.
This schooner was built way back in 1886 in Mauricetown, New Jersey. It's one of the oldest oyster schooners still around! These ships were used to harvest oysters along the coast of New Jersey. Because of its important history, the Isaac H. Evans was named a National Historic Landmark in 1992.
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Meet the Isaac H. Evans: A Historic Schooner
The Isaac H. Evans is a two-masted gaff-rigged topsail schooner. This means it has two tall masts and a specific type of sail setup. The ship is 99 feet (30 m) long from end to end. Its main deck is 65 feet (20 m) long. The ship is 20 feet (6.1 m) wide. It draws 6 feet (1.8 m) of water with its centerboard up. With the centerboard down, it draws 13 feet (4.0 m).
The ship has a graceful, pointed front, like old clipper ships. It uses a small boat called a yawl boat for extra power. This helps it move around docks or when there's no wind. The ship's frame is made of strong oak wood. It was originally held together with wooden pegs called treenails. Now, spikes are also used. Its outer layer is also made of oak planks.
Sails and Design
The Isaac H. Evans has several sails. These include a mainsail, maintopsail, foresail, staysail, and jib. Even though the ship's inside area (the hold) has been changed for passengers, it still has its original wooden parts. This shows how it looked when it was first built.
From Oyster Harvesting to Tourist Cruises
The Isaac H. Evans was built in 1886. It was constructed at the J. W. Vannaman and Brother shipyard in Mauricetown, New Jersey. Its first name was Boyd N. Sheppard. A group of owners, including Harrison and Frank Sheppard, first owned it. Later, Harrison Sheppard owned it all by himself.
The ship was based in Mauricetown. Harrison Sheppard used it to work in the oyster beds of Delaware Bay. He would then ship his harvested oysters to New York City. In 1909, he sold the ship to the three sons of Isaac H. Evans. In 1919, they renamed the ship after their father.
The Isaac H. Evans continued to work in the oyster trade using only its sails until 1946. After that, its masts were removed, and a motor was put in. After World War II, fewer ships like this were used for oystering. Many old schooners were either taken apart or left to rot.
Restoration and New Life
In 1971, a couple from Rockland, Maine bought the Isaac H. Evans. This ship was one of the first new vessels to join the Maine windjammer fleet. This fleet started around 1940. The ship spent two years being carefully restored. During this time, it was changed back to how it looked and sailed originally.
Sailing Today: Maine Windjammer Fleet
Today, the Isaac H. Evans is an important part of the Maine Windjammer fleet. It's also a member of the Maine Windjammer Association. The ship carries up to 22 adventure travelers and ecotourists. They go on sailing trips that last 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6 nights. These trips explore the beautiful Penobscot Bay in Maine.
The ship's home port is Rockland, Maine. Its sailing area stretches from Boothbay Harbor, Maine to Bar Harbor, Maine. It offers a unique way to experience sailing history and the beauty of the Maine coast.
