Where Is Topsail Schooner "Independence?"

[A. Mason]

Hi, I'm looking for information regarding the whereabouts of the Al Mason-designed 50-foot topsail schooner "Independence." She was last reported in charter service in the Virgin Islands in the early 1970s.

She was built during 1951-52 in Nova Scotia by McAlpine and Sons of Shelbourne.

Does anyone remember her? I'm trying to confirm whether she was lost in a caribbean hurricane.

Thank you.

[Art Read]

Can't help with her whereabouts, but I think I saw a review of a book about a long voyage aboard a schooner named "Independence" in "WoodenBoat" a while back. Have you sent their research department an e-mail yet? Pretty helpful folks...

[fbhardjr]

My father owned Independence back in the 1950s or 60s and I sailed with him in her several times. She was a "balky" sailer with all canvas spread, but otherwise a good boat. I have several pictures of her somewhere so, if you are interested, I will look for them and get them to you.

Meanwhile, I have no idea of her whereabouts now, but do remember her being on charter down south and a vague memory of her being lost somehow. Also, why I have noticed your "thread" is because I was reading picture book yesterday and saw a photo of a schooner at anchor in Marigot Bay, St. Lucia, which looks so much like Independence I had a copy made and have that for you also, should you want it. As the thread of this message is quite old, I hope my answer finds you well and still interested. All the Best, Fred Hard, Jr...I have just compared the book photo with one I have of Independence and there is no question about it, the one in the book is NOT Independence. Too bad, I thought it might be a clue for you...Fred...

[holzbt]

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k253/holzboat/08-22-2011015116pm2SchoonerINDEPENDENCE.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k253/holzboat/08-22-2011015829pm2SchoonerIndependence2.jpg

Scanned from 1958 SBCC yearbook.

[fbhardjr]

Thanks for the photo from the SBCC yearbook. It happens to be exactly the photo I was going to send to Ms. Mason, if ever I hear back from her. I trust, by the Babylon address that you knew my Dad and look forward to hearing more about you. Fred, Jr.

[holzbt]

A bit before my time. My father joined the SBCC in '56 or '57 and probably knew your father. I used to admire "Independence" in the yearbooks but never saw her. I imagine the draft was a bit of a hindrance in the bay but she sure was a beautiful boat. Tell us more about her.

Roger

[fbhardjr]

Would you, by any chance, have a yearbook for the SBCC that might show the "Queen of the Bay" winners during the 50s? My father owned a Herreshoff Marlin (the long cabin version of the Fish) and I am trying to recall her name. She won "Queen of the Bay", probably around then and might be mentioned in one of the yearbooks. Any help would be appreciated.

I have heard nothing about Independence further to our last conversation. I suspect she was lost, but can't confirm that. Fred Hard, Jr.