Ardelle

Random framing here, no need for assistance, as that flag might suggest.

Ardelle has been one of my favorites since she was launched from Burnham’s yard in Essex over a decade ago.  But this was my first time to see her schoon about. 

The Burnhams have been building schooners since forever.  If he’s not building new, he’s rebuilding older boats.

You have to love the lines of Ardelle as she sails, curves from the belly of the sail to the pinked stern;  no, that’s not the color.  Here’s brief, journalistic context from shallops to pinkys in North American NE fishing boat design.  

For a little deeper context and art historian illustration, check this Erik Ronnberg/Fitz H. Lane article.

Rides on Ardelle were sold out when I got there, but some day . . .

When Harold Burnham was invited to Washington DC a decade ago to pick up his National Heritage Fellowship award from NEA,

of course, he sailed there, and that was classier than any four-wheeled limo ride. 

I hope you enjoy looking at these photos as much as I do.

If you want more on Harold Burnham, click here. For his wit and his words, check out this clip.

All photos, WVD.