Shenandoah (schooner)


The Shenandoah is a square topsail schooner built in Maine in 1964. Operating as a cruise ship and educational vessel in the waters of Vineyard Haven Harbor, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, she is claimed to be the only schooner of her size and topsail rig without an engine within the world.

History

The Shenandoah's design is based on an 1850s ship Joe Lane, but Captain Douglas made numerous changes in order to improve the power of the vessel. Douglas has been the vessel's only skipper since her launch in 1964.
The Shenandoah required extensive hull repairs and was dry docked in 2009.

General characteristics

Type: Square Topsail Schooner
Designed by: Captain Robert S. Douglas
Built by: Harvey F. Gamage Ship Building Co.
Length: from jib boom to main boom end
Sails: of canvas
Topmast height:
Displacement: 170 tons
Hull: made of Maine oak
Deck: made of pine
Lower masts: 20 inches diameter, 2.5 tons each
Maximum speed:
Maximum capacity: 30 passengers overnight
A range of one to four beds can be found in the 11 cabins below deck. It houses 7 crew members, a first-mate, a cook, and the captain. The ship contains two heads, a main saloon and a galley.

Shenandoah Gallery