Mary Julia Hall- Chesapeake Bay Log Canoe In this modern age of ever evolving boats- space age designs, exotic materials, sophisticated electronics, and creature comforts that we did even know that we needed, the Chesapeake Bay Log Canoe is surely an anachronism-a vessel more appropriate to sailing on the Chesapeake a century ago. Yet it has survived the need for speed, gadgets, widgets, and the aforementioned creature comforts, giving testament to what we know here on the Eastern Shore, that often ‘less is more’. It is starkly simple, yet a marvel of grace, beauty, and unsophistication. Just add wind. Be prepared for an exciting, thrilling ride teetering on the edge of capsize and upright sailing in the slightest breeze. The log canoe is a vessel that has existed on the Chesapeake Bay for over three centuries- first as a working vessel, and then as a racing vessel since the 1840’s. The Mary Julia Hall is one of the 22 remaining original log canoes still racing on the Chesapeake. For the history buffs, the Mary Julia Hall was built in 1894 and named Hattie B. Burke. She was restored in 1971 by Walter Dobson, who re-named her S.C. Dobson. She was again restored in 1990 by her current owner, Jim Smith, who re-named her Mary Julia Hall. Jim Smith is a home-grown craftsman and one who places great value in history and tradition. The restoration of this log canoe was a labor of love. The re-fit incorporated the bowsprit of another log canoe, the Dart, sections from another famous canoe, Flying Cloud, and pieces from Washington Elm. Her towing bit was made of wood salvaged from the official Maryland tree, the Wye Oak. With this re-fit Smith has guaranteed that the Mary Julia Hall will remain an active piece of Maryland’s nautical history. Jim Smith is working on yet another log canoe restoration, hence, Mary Julia Hall is ready to pass to the next owner. As can be seen in the photos, sailing on a log canoe is a team effort. It is extremely exciting and requires the undivided attention of everyone from the skipper to the human ballast on the hiking boards. Log canoe racing occurs throughout the summer on the bay, with regattas on the Chester River, the Miles River, the Corsica River, and the Choptank. The camaraderie that exists among the sailors of these unique vessels makes for an unforgettable bond. Mary Julia Hall Specifications Builder- James Lowery Year - 1894 Where Built- Tilghman Island Construction- Long Leaf ‘Bull Pine’ 3-Log. Exterior hull has 5 layers of fiberglass cloth, 15 coats of vinylester resin, faired to superior smoothness. LOA- 54’ LWL- 30’ LOD- 32’ BeamSails Mainsail Foresail Jib All sails made by John Jenkins Additional Heavy duty trailer Mary Julia Hall is ready to sail. Log canoe racing is challenging, exciting and team building. It has been described as ‘group windsurfing’. Mary Julia Hall may harken from a bygone era, but don’t be fooled by the highly varnished spars or the beautiful flowing curves. She is all sail.