James DelAguila of Bethlehem Township, N.J. has re-joined the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Md., as a shipwright. A former CBMM Shipwright Apprentice, DelAguila is working on the historic restoration of the 1889 sailing log-bottomed bugeye, Edna E. Lockwood. He is also responsible for the summer maintenance season of CBMM’s floating fleet.
“We’re thrilled to have James back with us,” said CBMM Boatyard Manager Michael Gorman. “His experience, talent, and knowledge of the project will be incredibly valuable as we continue work on Edna Lockwood.”
DelAguila is a graduate of the International Yacht Restoration School’s two-year boatbuilding and restoration program. Prior to attending IYRS, he received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in economics from The New School. His work experience includes six years as the health care market research study director at Ipsos Healthcare.
DelAguila was introduced to CBMM when he participated in CBMM’s Apprentice for a Day public boatbuilding program, where a CBMM journeyman shipwright encouraged him to attend IYRS. After his apprenticeship at CBMM, DelAguila worked in Easton for Abreu Boatworks—first helping to finish up the restoration of Mister Jim—a former CBMM boat now privately owned—and Minots Light II, an Aage Nielsen-designed yawl.
“I’m very excited to return to CBMM at a time of such great activity and progress,” DelAguila said. “I look forward to working with shipwrights I’ve known, as well as apprentices, for whom I hope to convey ideals and methods of great craftsmanship.”
Built in 1889 by John B. Harrison on Tilghman Island for Daniel W. Haddaway, Edna Lockwood dredged for oysters through winter, and carried freight—such as lumber, grain, and produce—after the dredging season ended. She worked faithfully for many owners, mainly out of Cambridge, Md., until she stopped “drudging” in 1967. In 1973, Edna was donated to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum by John R. Kimberly. Recognized as the last working oyster boat of her kind, Edna Lockwood was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1994. Edna is the oldest historic sailing bugeye in the world. More about the project, including progress videos, is at ednalockwood.org.
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