G&B, builder of some of the finest wooden yachts, have just launched from their iconic boatyard in Marthas Vineyard, Massachusetts the 85th design of Nat Benjamin’s. SHELDRAKE, the 19-foot fixed keel gaff-rigged sloop, was sent off the ways with “May she have fair winds and following seas and may she bring good luck to all who sail on her,”
This past Winter the team at G&B have been quite busy with numerous simultaneous projects. Over at their schooner shed Mugwump, Ross has been steadily working along on both the Herreshoff NY30 rebuild of ‘Cara Mia’ and the rebuilding of the Sparkman and Stephens yawl, ‘Mah Jong’.
Nat and Ross’s philosophy and mission when founding Gannon and Benjamin Marine Railway in 1980: To create and nurture a business where the craft and industry of wooden boat building continues on, and to provide a place where owners of wooden boats can come and work on their own beloved vessels themselves. Community involvement, is what makes this yard and Vineyard Haven so treasured and revered throughout New England and beyond. Building a yacht here, would rank high on anyone’s list, ensuring indelible memories for a lifetime.
True to G&B’s mission statement, owner Pat Ilderton’s daughter, Sarah has come aboard as a part of G&B’s crew to work on the 1957 52′ Sparkman & Stephens yawl “Mah Jong”
Restoration update on NY30 “Cara Mia”… Ross and crew have rebuilt the deck, refit her restored cabin top, re-canvassed, and are continuing with work on her exterior and interior.
Gannon and Benjamin Marine Railway – Website