The Friendship Sloop

This chair’s illustration is dedicated to the history of the working sloop. The fishing buoys on the back are copied from South Bristol Fishermen’s Co-op. The fish are alewives that spawn in the Damariscotta River and are used as bait for lobster.

This chair features Friendship Sloop number 193. It was originally built by Harvey Gamage for himself and launched in 1978 as “Lady.”  Mr Gamage persuaded the Lash brothers to sell him the plans, which they did, but only if he swore to burn the plans after he built her, AND he promptly did just that!

Hull 193 is now “Lady M.” Owned by Martin Thomas and Myrna Snider. Her home port is South Bristol, ME.

(quoted from “Lasting Friendships” A Century of Friendship Sloops), A wonderful history written by the Friendship Sloop Society.

The Friendship Sloop was designed as a single-handed sailing fishing boat in the 1800s. It was designed and built in Friendship and Bremen Long Island in Muscongus Bay. A wide cockpit and full keel stability evolved to help fishermen haul traps, nets, and carry goods.

 Single-handed — Under sail.

 During the first decade of the twentieth century, Friendship Sloops transitioned from fishing boats to pleasure craft. “Rusicators” came to Maine to escape the city heat and bathe in nature. Catering to visitors’ needs proved easier than farming. Engines were installed to make schedules reliable.

Clean up your sloop and sail those summer visitors around the beauty of Maine. You will make more profit than you could from fishing or farming all year round. “Sailing parties” became a smart new form of income.

The story of the Friendship Sloop mirrors the subject of my paintings. A world-class yacht is moored just behind a hardworking fishing boat. Two completely different lives depend on each other. Remote, stunning beauty is shared between locals and visitors, workers and rusticators.

This is my first full-time year in Maine. The symbiotic relationship between the hard-working fishermen/women and local merchants with the “rusticators” intrigues me. It is the underlying story of this beautiful place. I love the mix of craftspeople, artists, retired professionals, and smart locals, young and old.

Hurry, soak up the wonderful summer before winter financial hibernation hits.

This particular chair was auctioned to raise funds for The Carpenters Boat Shop, a wonderful organization that heals through apprenticeship. The chairs are one of their many products.

Oh! So comfortable!    Check them out!

 Live an illustrated life! 

Commission your own story with artist Libby Elvart Reed 

 A percentage of all commissions donated to the Carpenters Boat Shop!