Skipjack Story: Skimming stalwart history in Maryland's state boat
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"Nothing better represents the way of life of Maryland watermen than the historic Chesapeake boat known as the Skipjack," noted the Maryland General Assembly in 1985 when legislators serving at the time voted to designate the skipjack as our state's official boat.
The Skipjack is just one of Maryland's 23 official state symbols that range from a state dog, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever; a state cat, the Calico; to even an official state dinosaur, the Astrodon johnstoni.
The name "skipjack" is taken from fish – such as skipjack herring – that leap in and out of water, seeming to play along its surface. With a reputation for speed, skipjacks can at times resemble these fish, coming about quickly and making repeat passes, or "licks," above oyster beds.
Skipjacks are the last working boats under sail in the United States. Here on the eastern side of Maryland, the skipjack dates to the 1890s, and was once better known as a small two-sail bateau featuring a V-hull. The craft gradually evolved into a larger build, powerful in light winds. Ranging from 25 to 50 feet in length, these boats have shallow drafts with centerboard, and carry a single mast, two-sail sloop rig.
In 1957, more than 80 skipjacks sailed the Chesapeake's waters. By 1985 (when the vessel received its state boat honor), fewer than three dozen licensed skipjacks remained. Today, the prevalence of powerboats – among other factors – present an uncertain future for surviving commercial skipjacks. Despite restoration efforts, the fleet has diminished sharply in recent years, with only a few operating skipjacks enduring – aside from those strictly invested in the tourism trade.
We can only hope that the skipjack's allure never ceases to captivate, as it so gracefully sails the waters that granted its legacy.
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Community: Staff return to roadside in year's first Adopt-A-Highway pick-up
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Our ongoing stewardship of the environment lead several Haven Harbour Marina Resorts staff yesterday morning to the shoulders of MD-20 to pick up litter as part of our third year participating in the Maryland State Highway Administration's Adopt-A-Highway program.
Staff placed their eight bags of collected litter at one of our two Adopt-A-Highway markers for SHA employees to load and appropriately dispose. Among the intriguing finds were countless alcohol miniatures.
Those who lent a helping hand included Haven Harbour Marina's Walter Elburn and Sam Perry, Haven Harbour South's Wesley Johnson and Marketing Manager Sawyer Cornelius. The task was completed thoroughly in under two hours.
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Slipholders: Reserve your spot on our hurricane haul-out list
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It is never too early to reserve your spot on our hurricane haul-out list. As a slipholder of Haven Harbour Marina or Haven Harbour South, there is no fee or charge to be placed on our emergency hurricane haul-out list. You may have your vessel added at any time by sending us an email request to [email protected], or by visiting our marine store locations.
In the case of a hurricane, the haul-out list will be activated and vessels will be placed on land according to their order of sign-up date. Those who wait to sign-up for the list during the onset of a potential storm may risk not being hauled in time.
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Weekend Support: Here for your service needs
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We now have a service manager and technician on duty each day throughout every weekend. If you would like to discuss service to your boat, please visit us at either marine store location so that a member of our team may get you in touch with those skilled and on duty for that particular day.
If you have an issue with your boat, please contact the marine store so that our team may attempt to resolve your issue, and keep you boating. While we may not be able to resolve all issues over a weekend, we will do our absolute best. We understand how limited your time can be while here, and are standing by to ensure you have a great boating experience – all season long.
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PASSAGES BAR & GRILL THIS WEEKEND
Passages Bar & Grill at Haven Harbour Marina is open! Check out the menu.
Today, June 10:
2:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Tomorrow, June 11:
2:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 12:
11:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Greg Shinn performs tonight from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Keep up-to-date by liking Passages Bar & Grill on Facebook.
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ADMIRALS BEACHSIDE BAR THIS WEEKEND
Admirals Club Beachside Bar at Haven Harbour South is open! Check out the menu.
Today, June 10:
2:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Tomorrow, June 11:
2:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 12:
11:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Rick Sommers performs tomorrow evening from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Keep up-to-date by liking Admirals Club Beachside Bar on Facebook.
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YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND PATIENCE ARE APPRECIATED
The worldwide labor shortage and soaring costs in the restaurant industry are very real and challenging. Please be patient with our teams at Passages Bar & Grill and Admirals Club Beachside Bar, and keep in mind that prices are indicative of these extraordinary times. We are doing our best to delight you.
If you have a concern, please reach out directly to Managing Director Charlie Petosa who will be happy to meet with you in person.
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SUPPORTING ROCK HALL VOLUNTEER FIRE CO.
RHVFC has been serving Rock Hall and surrounding communities for 95 years. The organization is also a key player in ensuring that this year's Third of July Fireworks are the best ones yet. Consider making your secure, tax deductible donation online today.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
RHVFC Guardian of Pearl Rockfish Tournament:
Tomorrow, June 11–Sunday, June 12.
Rock Hall Garden Tour:
Tour local gardens. Event happening (rain or shine) Saturday, June 18, from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Rock Hall Flat Five Race:
The nearly five-mile loop around Rock Hall on July Fourth morning, organized by Haven Harbour South's Dockmaster Denny Herrmann, has become an annual community tradition. Registration fee is $15. Day-of registration accepted and happens at race's start in front of the Municipal Building.
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YOGA & FITNESS
This year's on-site yoga and fitness programs have begun. We offer training classes Thursday, Friday and Sunday mornings beginning at 9:00 a.m., as well as two yoga sessions happening Saturday mornings at both Haven Harbour Marina and Haven Harbour South.
For details on our fitness offerings and information on our experienced and certified instructors, please visit us online at havenharbour.com/fitness.
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WEEKLY DEALS
Mid-Week Special:
Book any stay Monday–Wednesday for the Inn at Haven Harbour and receive a third night free. Offer subject to availability and does not include holidays.
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FUEL PRICES
Gasoline: $6.39/gal.
Diesel: $6.19/gal.
Rates include tax, subject to change and are eligible for quantity discounts.
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JOIN OUR CREW
Haven Harbour is seeking to fill multiple full- and part-time positions. See all current job openings (and to apply) at Indeed.com. Contact us with questions.
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SPREAD THE WORD
Have a friend, colleague or family member interested in receiving weekly Haven Harbour updates? Send them our way to be added to the exclusive News @HHMR email list.
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