Deltaville Maritime Museum to honor Tim Blackwood on Saturday
on Tuesday March 7, 2006 09:47AM
In the spring of 1607 the first English settlers arrived in Jamestown with three large vessels and a knocked down and disassembled boat. This 30 barge was completed on the shore and immediately put in service exploring the myriad tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. In the course of this exploration and mapping, Capt. John Smith was fatally stung by a Stingray off present day Stingray Point. Quick work by the ships surgeon (not Pocahontas, sorry Walt) saved his life.
To commemorate our first unhappy tourist the Deltaville Maritime Museum will construct what we believe is an authentic replica of Captain John Smiths Explorer.
This 30 open boat, propelled by oars and sail will be constructed with white oak and other woods using boat building and fastening techniques typical of the period. Actually wooden boat building has changed remarkably little in 400 years. One concession to modernity will be the use of non corrosive fastenings throughout.
Our Boat Shop crew and designer Jim Thimsen will begin the construction on March 11th (Saturday) at 1:00 pm with the ceremonial laying of the keel. Plans will be displayed, Rip Radcliffes build model should be on hand, and our eager volunteers will answer any questions about historical research and construction techniques.
This volunteer effort is being funded by corporate sponsors, shareholders (oarsmen) and contributions from interested parties. Initially our war chest of approximately $15,000 should cover basic materials with the remaining $70,000 still to be raised. As the Explorer takes shape, your much needed contributions of time and money will become pivotal as the Jamestown 400 celebration nears.
Our little Museum is off to a great start with ambitious projects such as the Apprentice, F. D. Crockett, and John Smiths Explorer. These vessels and others down the road will insure the continuation of Deltavilles reputation as the boat building capital of the Chesapeake.