Midwest 1/25 Chesapeake Bay Skipjack Wooden Boat Model Kit - 971

The Skipjack is the last working sailboat to ply the American waters in any significant numbers.  Perhaps the best-known vessel connected with the Chesapeake Bay, these vessels possessed a highly raked mast and a large amount of sail area, giving them the power necessary to haul the dredging equipment used to collect oysters. This model represents a 48 foot long vessel known as an Oyster Pirate. Operated by poachers and pursued often by the authorities, they dredged at night on oyster beds reserving by the law for tonging, and were known for their speed. State fishery laws decree the Skipjack’s continued use, since they do far less damage to the oyster beds than a fleet of modern power dredges. At the turn of the century, approximately 2000 Skipjack's comprised the oyster fleet. There are now less than 40 remaining in the United States today. Model kit hull construction: Die-cut side & bottom planking.