With the launch of the wooden schooner Ardelle, North Shore adds another jewel to its crown

There is something about seeing some of the many other vessels I have designed, built, or in some way had my hand it while out on the water with friends and paying guests. The sight makes me both eternally grateful for our Cape Ann heritage and proud of the role I played in keeping our maritime traditions alive.

“He’s the real thing. He’s the classic new England Yankee: He’s independent, he’s determined, and he works around all the challenges that come up in boatbuilding. I’m as interested in the culture of what he’s doing as I am in the craft of what he’s doing.’’

The schooner Ardelle was launched using the Essex Side Launch technique on July 9, 2011.

“He’s not afraid to call his boats beautiful, because it’s not just his work,” said Tom Ellis, who commissioned Thomas E. Lannon. “It’s the community’s and everyone who came before him.”