Timberwind (schooner) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Timberwind (Schooner)
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 Location in Maine
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| Location | Thompson's Wharf, Belfast Harbor, Belfast, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1931 |
| Built by | Portland Engineering Co. |
| NRHP reference No. | 92000274 |
| Added to NRHP | March 26, 1992 |
The Timberwind is a special old schooner (a type of sailing ship). It used to be a pilot boat, helping big ships safely enter and leave Portland, Maine. Built in 1931, it was first called the Portland Pilot.
After many years, it became part of Maine's "windjammer" fleet. These are old ships that take tourists on fun sailing trips. The Timberwind is important because it's one of the few early 20th-century pilot boats that still looks much like it did when it was built. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992 because of its history.
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About the Timberwind
The Timberwind is a beautiful sailing ship with two masts. It has a wooden body and is about 70 feet (21 m) long. That's about the length of two school buses! It is also 14 feet (4.3 m) wide and goes 10 feet (3.0 m) deep into the water.
The ship's frame is made of strong oak wood. Its lower part is covered in yellow pine, and the upper part is oak. Even the deck, where people walk, is made of yellow pine. Today, it is set up as a schooner, but it has had different sail setups over the years. It also has two engines to help it move when there's no wind.
A Ship with a Job: Pilot Boat
What is a Pilot Boat?
Imagine a huge cargo ship trying to enter a busy harbor. The captain might not know the local waters very well. That's where a "pilot" comes in! A pilot is a special captain who knows the harbor's tricky currents and shallow spots.
A pilot boat like the Timberwind would take the pilot out to the big ship. The pilot would then guide the large vessel safely into the port. This job was very important for trade and safety.
The Portland Pilot in Action
In the early 1900s, a group called the Portland Pilot's Association was formed. They helped organize the pilots who guided ships into the Port of Portland. Their first pilot boat was built in 1906.
Because more and more big ships were coming to Portland, they needed a second pilot boat. So, the Portland Pilot (our Timberwind) was built in 1931. It started working in December of that year. Its design was based on the first pilot boat and a local fishing schooner.
The Portland Pilot served as a pilot boat until 1969. During World War II, it even helped the United States Coast Guard. It patrolled the outer parts of the harbor to keep everyone safe.
From Workboat to Windjammer
After 1969, the Portland Pilot got a new job. For two years, from 1969 to 1971, it was changed into a tourist boat. It moved to Camden and became a "windjammer."
As a windjammer, the Timberwind now offers fun daily cruises to tourists. People can enjoy sailing on this historic ship and see the beautiful coast of Maine. It's a great way to experience history on the water!
