THE PINKY SCHOONER

The lines of the Summertime are that of the New England pinky schooner, well known for its seagoing qualities and its ability to weather storms. The pinky, which originated in Europe in the 1600's, receives its name from its uplifted or “pinked” stern. The pink-sterned hull with schooner rig appears to have been used in the New England fishing fleet prior to the Revolution. These sea-worthy vessels became popular for mackerel fishing after the invention of the mackerel jig.

The stability of the pinky design is featured in the following tribute taken from The Fisherman's Memorial, an 1873 Glouster, Massachusetts, publication:

These little vessels from their extreme buoyancy and offering so little resistance to the power of ocean waves, would make comparatively good weather at times when larger ships would be laboring, plunging, and straining every plank and timber to its utmost capacity of endurance. They would mount almost on even keel upon the crest of the highest seas and settle into the hollows with the ease and grace of a wild duck.

THE SUMMERTIME

Launched in 1986, the pinky Summertime was built on the Maine coast using traditional methods by George Allen, Bill Brown, and many interested volunteers. Master builder of the Summertime, Captain Allen first began sailing schooners in 1960 as mate and then as a captain in 1963. He has also helped rebuild and skipper the schooner Richard Robbins and served as ship's carpenter for a National Landmark schooner in the Penobscot Bay area.

Construction of the Summertime incorporated a variety of locally cut, seasoned woods, including oak for the keel and frames; locust for the stem and trunnels, or “tree nails,” that hold the double-sawn frames together; cedar for the planking; hackmatack for the top timbers and deck beams; and white pine for the deck.

Captain Bill Brown, owner of the Summertime, is a
United States Coast Guard-licensed Captain as well as a Maine EMS-licensed Emergency Medical Technician.< Serving as crew and then captain of traditional schooners, he has sailed Blue Hill and Penobscot Bays since his arrival in Maine from Ohio in 1974. Captain Brown also taught at the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School.

The Summertime is operated by MAINE WINDJAMMER CRUISES, the Original Windjammer Company, sailing from Camden, Maine since 1936. The fleet's current owners are Captain Ray & Ann Williamson. Daughters Alyssa & Kristi, grew up sailing Penobscot Bay on the National Landmark Schooners Grace Bailey & Mercantile. Under the watchful eye of Capt. Ray, they will be in charge of daily operations.