WYC hosts Friendship sloops
The day was picture perfect for the arrival of four Friendship sloops that tied up at the Wiscasset Yacht Club on July 6. The owners of traditionally built yachts are all members of the Friendship Sloop Society.
The crews were sailing up the Maine coast on their way to Rockland for the annual Homecoming Rendezvous and Races. Their visit was arranged by WYC member Steve Erskine of Wiscasset, who recently joined the organization. Erskine is building his own Friendship sloop that he hopes to launch later this summer. The crews planned to stay overnight on board their boats and set sail on the morning or afternoon tide.
The design of Friendship sloops originated in the 1880s at or near Friendship, Maine. The boats were originally used for fishing and lobstering; today they’re enjoyed for sailing and racing. The Friendship Sloop Society’s Maine rendezvous includes a visit to Southwest Harbor July 16.
This year marks the 55th year of the Friendship Sloop Society, a non-profit organization that encourages the building and sailing of Friendship sloops. The organization recently published a book, “Lasting Friendships — A century of Friendship Ships.” To learn more about the organization, go to http://www.fss.org.
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