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 Historic Norwegian Vessel Flagship of the Sail, Power & Steam Museum Rockland, Maine, USA The sail-assisted motor vessel Rekord is as unique as she is distinctive looking. She is one of the smallest vessels listed by the World Ship Trust—which places her in such esteemed company as the USS Constitution. Originally built in Norway in 1914, she served as an inter-fjordal ferry, carrying both passengers and freight. During World War II, Rekord was commandeered by the occupying German army and used as an armed patrol boat of the shores of Alesund. Cut in half on two separate occasions during her lifetime to be lengthened in the middle, Rekord continued in the passenger trade in Norway until 1972. She then crossed the Atlantic to the Caribbean where she remained for several idyllic years, fishing and carrying flowers between the islands. In the late-1970s, Capt. Jim Sharp sailed her up the East Coast of North America to the rugged coast of Maine (ironically, home to one of the few fjords in North America: Somes Sound on Mount Desert Island). He rebuilt her and used her to carry coal to the off-shore islands before selling her to a boatyard owner in southern New England. After nearly eight decades of working hard to transport both cargo and passengers for hire, Rekord still could not relax. She spent the next several years as a yard boat, winning numerous awards during that time in the work boat class at prestigious classic boat gatherings. She was then sold to an international businessman who sought to ensure that Rekord would be used for educational purposes. To that end she was restored, and in the mid-1990s she was donated to a maritime museum in Florida. She served as its flagship for a brief period before the organization fell on hard times and once again, a familiar hand stepped in to take the wheel. Capt. Sharp and his wife Meg reacquired her and after four years they brought her from Stuart, Florida, back up the Eastern Seaboard to mid-coast Maine. She now has found her home as the flagship of the Sail, Power & Steam Museum, whose staff and volunteers are busy at work with her updating and refitting. The Museum will care for her and use her in its upcoming programs to help teach seamanship, boat building and maritime history. Volunteers, donors, students of wooden boats and all other interested parties are encouraged to participate. Please contact Capt. Sharp at the Sail, Power & Steam Museum to learn how you can become a part of the crew. Call 207-701-7627, or stop by and tour the Rekord and the Museum building and grounds.Now, Rekord needs your help! Rekord is still in good condition, but we need volunteers who will help restore this incredible, historic vessel. Interior and exterior updates and cosmetic work is currently underway. Come, take a look at what we are doing and learn for yourself that she is certainly worth saving! Call Capt. Sharp at 207-701-7627 to find out how you can become a volunteer and help restore the Rekord. Or send an email to: sharpadventures@att.net |
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The Steamer Trade in Maine
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Vessel Specifications: Length Overall: 60 feet, 10 inches |
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The Sail, Power and Steam Museum © 2008 ~ 75 Mechanic Street, Rockland, Maine 04841 USA
Last Update: 09.26.08 |
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