Learn and discuss the health of the bay and its rivers while enjoying a relaxing cruise along the Choptank River.
Join us for a picturesque evening cruise on Captain Woody Labat’s beautifully refurbished Chesapeake Buyboat, Dudley. Learn about the pressures facing the Choptank River and enjoy the scenery as we ply the waters of the Choptank River. Matt Pluta, our Choptank Riverkeeper at ShoreRivers, will join us on this trip to shed light on the state of the rivers, and ShoreRivers’ restoration and community engagement programs while we enjoy light refreshments and snap photos.
Dudley is a traditional Chesapeake Bay Buyboat, hand built in 1938 by Gilbert White for the Walter Biddlecomb family of Foxwell, VA. Locally known as “deck boats”, these boats were used to tend fish traps and haul the catch to market.
Captain Walter and his two sons, Fred and Dudley, fished her until about 1980 when the large purse-seining boats took over the fishery. In the mid-80s Captain Fred Biddlecomb began using Dudley to take fishing parties out on the Bay. Over the next 30 years, he took great care of Dudley and brought many smiles to faces as customers fished or enjoyed 4th of July fireworks from her deck. This great old boat provided a means to make a living for an entire extended family and was an important part of the community.
Dudley is now owned by Captain Woody Labat and berthed at Richardson Maritime Museum, Cambridge Creek in Cambridge, MD. Over the last three years she has undergone a major refit to meet the standards as a USCG-inspected vessel. Captain Woody now invites us to come aboard for this special cruise with ShoreRivers.
What to expect:
This relaxing two-hour cruise will take us along the shores of the beautiful Choptank River. Wildlife abounds in these waters and watermen still haul crabs and oysters using traditional boats. Dorchester County is the home of Harriet Tubman and there is much history to be learned here. Oxford is a port town founded in 1683 with cobblestone streets and many historic homes. Refreshments will be available. Don’t forget your camera!
Feedback from the Dudley’s past cruises:
“Perfect sunset cruise. Guest speaker and Captain were engaging, knowledgeable, and interesting. Snacks, beverages, and hospitality were exceptional. The congeniality of participants couldn’t have been better.”
“What a wonderful evening on the water! Enjoyed the talk with interesting, valuable information, the cruise and the food and drink!”
“The boat was a lot of fun and in beautiful shape. Our speaker was knowledgeable and inspiring.”
Please note: The Dudley is berthed at the Richardson Maritime Museum dock, Cambridge Creek in Cambridge (behind the Museum). You must be able to climb the steps onto the boat to come on this excursion. Your registration fee pays for the rental of the boat, tip, and light refreshments, plus a nominal Chesapeake Forum overhead contribution. **Note: You may transfer your registration to someone else, but it is not refundable unless we are able to fill it from the waitlist. **
Monday | Sept 28 | 4:45 -7pm | IN PERSON (from dock behind the Richardson Maritime Museum, 103 Hayward St, Cambridge) | $50
