Oyster Dredge

Oyster Dredge, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The Waldron B, a 106 year old oyster dredge, sank over the weekend in Oyster Bay harbor.
The historic vessel was being donated to the Mystic Harbor Museum in Connecticut.
I was fortunate to get this shot as we sailed past during the summer of 2012.

Oyster Dredge

A rare sight in recent years. A working oyster dredge in Long Island Sound where the oyster harvest can still support a few working boats. Long Island's once global oyster industry is attempting to regain a foothold through aqua farming.

Priscilla Dockside

Priscilla Dockside, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Priscilla, Long Island's own floating National Landmark is berthed at the Suffolk Marine Museum in West Sayville. Priscilla served as a commercial oyster dredge from 1888 until 1963. At the end of her career, "Pris" was the last working oyster vessel (under sail) north of the Chesapeake. Volunteers at the Marine Museum began Pricilla's restoration in 2002 and Landmark status was awarded in 2006. Now "open" to the public, Priscilla can frequently be seen cruising on the Great South Bay where she can bring a smile to the face of even the grumpiest of sailors.