Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Oyster Sloop Christeen

In an ideal world, other coastal towns would follow the example set by Oyster Bay and their magnificent Waterfront Center. The non-profit organization offers a slew of activities ranging from kayak and sailboat rentals, to educational programs, as well as providing coastal access to Oyster Bay Harbor. The flagship of the Waterfront Center is the Christeen, a 40 foot gaff rigged oyster sloop. The Christeen was built in 1883 and is the oldest oyster sloop in North America. After surviving two sinkings and severe neglect, the Christeen was brought home to Oyster Bay in 1992 to undergo a seven year restoration. She is now available for harbor tours, sunset cruises, private charters, and educational sails. Oyster Bay Waterfront Center Christeen: Video Clip New York Times: A Link To The Past Thomas Cardone: Paintings Map

12 comments:

WeSailFurther said...

That is such a beautiful boat.

I used to live around the corner from the Waterfront Center back when the Waterfront Center was Jacobsen's shipyard and they made tugboats. I distinctly remember the big white M of a Moran tug built there.

And.

I'm going to spend three days this weekend at the Waterfront center taking a US Sail Keelboat Instructor class. Looks like it's going to be great weather, too. I'll definitely be taking some pictures...

Unknown said...

I Am they restored that boat, but i understand that they are dead in the water as far as oysters and clams are concerned.

Unknown said...

RedWing,
Yeah, Oyster Bay is a great place. It was pretty cold when I was there so nobody was sailing. I took a bunch of shots also of the Nantucket Lightship, and the Ida May which is a 1925 oyster boat they are going to restore soon.
There is plenty to photograph there.

Unknown said...

Whitemist,
There are some working oyster boats in the harbor, but I have no idea how they are doing.
This morning however, I read this about lobsters:

http://www.thissphere.blogspot.com/

Mark Kreider said...

Her beautiful lines were well worth restoring

Jeannette StG said...

These are the kind of boats I like to paint - so romantic (I know, only when you don't live/work on it:) )

Unknown said...

Mark & Jeannette,
Agreed! The photos almost don't do it any justice. It was midday and there was a lot of glare.

Regan Tausch said...

I am a artist from the Oyster Bay area. I see the Christeen frequently during my walks along the Bay. I am currently painting a folk art scene featuring this antique sloop. It's very nice to come across this blog.
Regan T

MustangU said...

Lovely boat. My grandfather used to love taking me to the water and walking the docks out on the bay. Brings back fond memories.

Anonymous said...

This is my grandfathers sloop. I use to go with my dad to see him work on it. This was in NJ in the 1960's. His name was Martin Isaksen from Norway. Brings back fond memories.

Unknown said...

Anonymous,
Thanks for visiting, and sorry for the slow response.
They have done a great job restoring her. I remember reading that the boat spent many years in NJ.

Sildenafil Citrate said...
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