Learn about river-friendly yards and enjoy the scenery as Captain Woody Labat takes us on an early evening cruise of the Choptank river.

Join us for a picturesque evening cruise on Captain Woody Labat’s beautifully-refurbished Chesapeake Buyboat, “Dudley.”  Jennifer Klug Vaccaro, Community Restoration Coordinator at ShoreRivers, will join us to shed light on the state of the Bay’s rivers, and ShoreRivers’ River-Friendly Yards and Tree the Shore programs while we enjoy light refreshments and snap photos.  

Dudley is a traditional Chesapeake Bay Buyboat, handbuilt 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. He now invites us to come aboard for a relaxing evening cruise.  

What to Expect:  This 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!  

Please note:  We will board Dudley from the Richardson Maritime Museum dock in Cambridge.  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.  

1 session | Thursday | October 3 | 5 – 7 pm | IN PERSON with Dudley Charters (101 Hayward St, Cambridge, MD 21613) | $45