Copyright 2008, by Land And Sea Collection, All Rights Reserved
Presented is an exceptional Chesapeake Bay Skipjack model which is offered in completed form at an unusually reasonable price. She is built using plank on bulkhead wood construction in the same manner as the original, plank by plank, and then finished in seven coats of high gloss enamel and varnish. And, this is an incredible price for this quality.
Our replica of the original Minnie V features a Marconi main and clubfooted jib with carefully stitched sails with reef points. Everything is done properly to make this an incomparable model. It has a beautifully enameled white hull with forest green cap rail, two white deckhouses, and painted decks. Measurements are 29 1/2 LOA", 28" high (base to the top of mast) by 6 1/4 wide. Its stitched sails, and enameled hull paint, and detailing are exceptional.
If you've been browsing the boat models offered on th internet, you will be hard pressed to find something that represents boats that are North American in design, and are executed as finely overall. You can spend a lot more money for so called museum quality detailing, but you can get the same satisfaction from our new line of low cost models high quality models.
In addition to this model , we have a series of famous J Class racers including Shamrock, Enterprise, Rainbow and Endeavour. We also offer the Schooners Adventuress, and America; two sizes of the Bluenose, and a beautiful Amistad. We have a Main Lobster Boat and Chesapeake Bay Skipjack Minnie V, as well as the much admired Herreshoff 12.5 and Herreshoff "S" Boat, a Friendship sloop, and S&S's Dorade and Odyssey. Our catboats include the Marshall Sanderling , Crosby Cape Cod and Beetle catboats.Our motor yachts inclue two Chris Craft models, a Classic 1920-30 motor yacht, the Lake Union Dreamboat, and the Garwood Speedster. Our Half Hull selection includes all the J Class mentioned above as well as Reliance, Ranger, Herreshoff 12.5, and Crosby Cape Cod Catboat.
As a retired professional mariner, and collector myself, it is difficult to understand why there is such a wide disparity in quality in boat models. Many models are sold at give away prices, and when you look at them closely, you can see why. They are not true to the original and are mostly of foreign vessels. Customers who have bought our models agree that we are changing that by providing high quality models of boats known and loved by American sailors at a reasonable price that will give you lasting enjoyment, and pride of ownership.
OUR GUARANTEE OF SATISFACTION: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. A prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Unfortunately, no refund can be made for the cost of shipping, packaging and handling.
Skipjack History
In the late 1800's and early 1900's, skipjacks were familiar sights in every port on the Chesapeake Bay. The captains and crews were hardy souls who earned a living in the harsh conditions of wintertime dredging for oysters under sail.
Like many other native Chesapeake Bay craft, the skipjack was constructed with a specific purpose in mind. The vessels were built with a broad beam, a flat or V-shaped bottom, and small draft for dredging in the shallows. These boats could be run by a small crew due to the unique sail plan. Typically, a skipjack has one self-tending jib and a large, triangular mainsail. This combination made sail handling easier than it would be on a gaff rigged boat and provided the power needed to drive the vessel along the oyster beds.
There is much debate about how the term "skipjack" originated. Some believe that it may have been derived from the New England fisherman's name for the flying fish, bonita. In some parts of the Chesapeake, these vessels are also known as "bateaux".
Due to the great number of vessels engaged in the oyster trade during the late 1800's, the state of Maryland passed a law in 1865 which forbade oyster dredging by powered vessels. For almost 100 years, Maryland skipjacks used only sail power for fishing. However, most skipjacks had a small "push boat" to get them out to the fishing grounds faster. The push boat's bow would be positioned against the skipjack's stern and its powerful engine would move the skipjack quickly through the water. Once out at the fishing grounds, the push boat would be lifted up out of the water on the skipjack's stern davits until it was time to power back into port. In 1966 Maryland revised the law to allow skipjacks to dredge under power two days per week.
In 1884, the Maryland oyster harvest reached an all-time peak at 15 million bushels. At that time, there were more than 1000 skipjacks fishing in the Bay. Today, the remaining skipjacks number less than 30.
Minnie V. Facts
History The Minnie V. was built in 1906 in Wenonah, on Deal Island which is located on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Built by John B. Vetra, the boat was named after his wife, Minnie. The "V" stands for her last name, Vetra. The Minnie V. has had many different owners and has spent 87 years in the oyster dredging business. In 1981 the boat was rebuilt by Lebourne Smith. Today Minnie V. now a National Historic Ship, sails as a part of the Living Classrooms Foundation's educational fleet serving thousands of students per year.
- OVERALL LENGTH: 69 feet
- LENGTH ON DECK: 45 feet
- BEAM: 16 feet
- DRAFT: 3 feet with the centerboard raised, 9 feet with the centerboard lowered
- WEIGHT: 10 gross tons
- POWER: V8 Cummins Diesel engine (in a push boat)t)
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