Sam (S.S.) Crocker designed the 19' 9" pocket cruiser Sallee Rover as a yawl in 1953; later, in 1955, he drew the sloop-rigged version seen in the accompanying photographs. Making just a few changes to her for aesthetic purposes, Joel White built this sloop in 1967 for his father, E.B. White, and named her MARTHA.E.B. White enjoyed sailing her for many years in the waters of Eggemoggin Reach and nearby bays. With the passage of time and E.B.’s eventual health problems, his use of the boat diminished, and MARTHA would sit at her mooring in Center Harbor for most of each sailing season, used only occasionally by grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I was encouraged by Joel, along with a few others, to use her as often as I liked, and over the next few summers I grew comfortable, confident, and at home sailing E.B.’s little sloop.I’ve had numerous visits of good fortune in the 24 years I’ve been working here at WoodenBoat School in Brooklin, Maine, and high on that list is getting to know and work alongside Joel White at Brooklin Boat Yard in the mid-1980s and, more important, becoming friends with him. I will treasure that friendship my entire life.
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Rich, I am so pleased to read your article about MARTHA. I’m glad that she has given you and your son so much pleasure and stress relief. I came to the school from Toronto five years in a row , the last time about 6 years ago when I came with my new partner, Jane. She did “Learning to Sail for Women” and I did the rigging course. I may be back with a grandchild soon.
Best wishes to you all. Stay safe and well,
Tony Wells
I’ve admired this boat since the first time I saw her plans-for-sale in Wooden Boat. I was pleased to see a lapstrake version on the hard in Port Townsend, WA. Looked like a new build. I believe Crocker also drew the Stone Horse, another boat that is very handsome.
Chapelle has a perspective drawing of a Muscongous Bay sloop in American Sailing Craft. There is something about the sweet, curvaceous lines of that hull that always compels my eye. It’s obvious this was the inspiration for the Crocker design.
What a great story of a dynamite design and the preservation of a lovely boat that has passed from one loving family to another!!
Rich – thanks for this interesting and heart-warming story about MARTHA. It’s a wonderful read and much appreciated, especially during these COVID-stressed days. In 2019, at Alumni Work Week, I got to caulk and paint MARTHA’s tender. I had the boat (DAYDREAM?) to myself and it was a very satisfying experience. The only downside was that I made some folks very jealous!
Thanks again – stay safe and be well – Jeff Jones
Definitely one of the prettiest boats I’ve seen.
Rich,
How many years of WBS participation does one have to complete to earn a sail in MARTHA?
The Admiral
Great-looking sailboat! Thanks for this lovely article and uplifting story.
Martha is a classic beauty for sure. Sweet story of a loved vessel goint on into another sailing family and keeping afloat. Her lines are very Frienship sloop-like. How can that not be near perfection? I plan to make it (return actually- summers on Mt. Desert Isl./Acadia N.P.) to Maine and take a WoodenBoat course or two as soon as I retire (2024).
A beautiful boat! Did the electric motor become a reality, and how well does it do for you?
~Kees~