With the decline of the oyster population, the iconic skipjack oyster boats of the Chesapeake Bay are now a dying fleet, but symbolize a unique maritime heritage.

Discover the fascinating history of the iconic Chesapeake Bay skipjacks and their predecessors that sailed our local rivers. 

This course is presented by the Dorchester Skipjack Committee, whose members have years of experience telling the maritime story of skipjacks on the Chesapeake Bay and their important relationship to oyster ecology.

In this course, we will learn how the evolution of the Chesapeake Bay skipjack is closely tied to the historic changes in the oyster population and the harvesting of Chesapeake “gold.” Skipjacks, once abundant in every harbor and loaded with oysters, are now a dying fleet of dredge boats. These iconic wooden boats, especially on the Eastern Shore, symbolize a unique maritime heritage.

The decline of the oyster population due to over-harvesting, disease, and environmental impacts has led to a reduced harvest. Yet, despite a significant decline in the oyster population, the waterman’s way of life persists today, with resilient men and women continuing to dredge for oysters.  We will explore current efforts aimed at creating a resurgence in the oyster population and positively impacting the Bay’s ecology.

Join us as we delve into the rich history, current challenges, and future prospects of the Chesapeake Bay skipjacks and the oyster industry.

What to Expect: 

Gain a comprehensive understanding of skipjacks, their evolution and appreciate the dedicated efforts to preserve and restore these iconic boats on the Eastern Shore. Learn about the crucial role of oysters’ biology in enhancing the food supply and their significant impact on water quality.  

Bud marseilles 2

Bud Marseilles

Bud Marseilles purchased a weekend getaway home in Oxford many years ago with a backyard filled with oyster shells that prompted an interest in watermen, oysters, and skipjacks. Once retired, he became a docent at CBMM, joined their model guild and started to build skipjacks. To spend more time out on the water, Bud joined the Dorchester Skipjack Committee which owns and operates the skipjack Nathan of Dorchester. Volunteering at CBBM, he learned about watermen and oysters. Sailing on the Nathan he learned to sail a real skipjack, dredge for oysters, and to work with some legendary skipjack captains. Sailing with passengers in light winds led to his telling stories about oysters, dredging, and skipjack to keep everyone entertained. During Covid, Bud started reading old newspaper articles about watermen and the booming oyster industry of the 1880’s. As a result of this research, he wrote a series of published articles about the historic oyster industry and local oyster war battles. An engineer by trade, prior to retirement and along with his regular management responsibilities, he taught undergraduate engineering technology courses with students from diverse backgrounds.

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