Then, in 2011, the Foundation hired a woodcraftsman named Eric Hedberg to start renovating her. Eric had over 25 years of experience working on a variety of boats including schooners, skipjacks, skiffs, yachts, and workboats. He has done everything from complete hull construction to marine repairs that have involved just about anything made out of wood. For a few years he even owned, used, and restored a buy boat built in 1914. Under his watchful eye the pilot house and decks were removed, the sides were patched, and slowly an empty hole in the water was reborn. To date, Peggy is 88 years old and remains a beautiful wooden deck boat with a tremendous history. That history turned a new leaf in October of 2013 when she was rechristened by the community that called her one of
their own. Over a hundred and fifty people braved the inclement weather to see her rebirth. Merchants donated their wares and their services in a silent auction. A bottle of champagne was cracked across her bow by one of Capt. Ed’s daughters. During the opening remarks, George Patagonis, a member of the Mathews Maritime Foundation, detailed the Foundation’s plans for the boat. “The Peggy belongs to this community. It is not going to be a workboat converted over for pleasure,” he said. “She is going to stay a symbol of the fishing business.” He intends to send Peggy to harbors and festivals all over the Bay to celebrate and educate people on the maritime history of the Chesapeake Bay. “The pound fishing business has almost become extinct, and I believe it is consistent with the role of the Mathews Mari-
time Foundation to show others how it was done,” George said. “In the end, life is about people” he said. “The Peggy is a symbol of the people who worked her over the years and a symbol of the man whose eye built her,” he added. Though she has now been rechristened, there is still work left to be done. The community raised more than $5000 at the rechristening that will go toward finishing her. The Maritime Foundation hopes that more money can be raised so they can install the mast, boom, and some other minor trim work. Then the Maritime Foundation will need continuing help to keep her going for years to come. It is not hard to imagine that in 12 years we will be around to help her celebrate her 100th birthday. I hope to see you there.
Tent A14 Bay Bridge Boat Show
(888) 230-7583
nic@msi-1.com - www.InflatableXperts.com
60 March 2014 PropTalk
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