Peggy's Year-In-Review
This article appeared in the Jan. 2016 issue of "The Broadside, The Voice of the Mathews Maritime Foundation."
PEGGY’s Year-In-Review...
As she celebrated her ninetieth birthday in 2015, our flagship, PEGGY of New Point was off to the official start of her new career. Her season began with a trip to Keith Ruse’s Deltaville Boatyard for the annual haul-out, hull inspection and painting. At this time, PEGGY underwent a professional marine survey. Followng an especially thorough inspection, PEGGY received an outstanding report card.
After being re-launched, she was off to an informal homecoming/reception in Davis Creek. PEGGY tied-up at Captain Lowery Hudgins’ dock, in the same location where she regularly moored during her years of harvesting crabs through the winter dredging season. Many of her “old friends” were on-hand to visit with PEGGY as she returned once more to her official homeport.
Next, PEGGY sailed for Norfolk to be honored as this year’s lead boat for the Annual Workboat Parade at Harborfest. PEGGY spent this first weekend in June nestled with thirty, freshly painted workboats that moored along the waterfront. The sight of these proud vessels, gathered together in front of the Omni Hotel is a heart-warming experience for many citizens of our Tidewater community.
After Norfolk’s Harborfest, PEGGY sailed to Cape Charles, Va. for their annual Tall Ship celebration. This was somewhat like a homecoming for her as it was here that she packed-out her fish during the many seasons that Captain Ed Grinnell worked his pound nets on the east side of the Bay. PEGGY was again nestled among the fleet of historic vessels on display for the many who appreciate our maritime history.
Finally, PEGGY joined the fleet of Chesapeake Bay Buy Boats as they rendezvoused in Poquoson, Va. to kick-off their summer’s highlight event. After coming together for the weekend, about a dozen of these historic vessels traveled down through the Dismal Swamp Canal to towns in North Carolina. This cruise enabled citizens in North Carolina to visit with these vessels that had called upon the ports of this area to buy watermelons and other farm products. These cargos were transported by waters to the northward and sold in harbors such as Baltimore and Washington.
Would you enjoy an opportunity to paricipate in activities such as these? PEGGY is in need of more volunteers to help with her mission. Please know that you are very welcome to join the crew. We are planning now for 2016 and would like to include you in the fun. Contact George Pongonis (article author) at 757-898-4364.
