Christeen (sloop) | |
 | |
| Location | Oyster Bay,NY |
|---|---|
| Built | 1883 |
| Architectural style | 40 foot gaff-rigged sloop |
| NRHP reference No. | 91002060[1] |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | December 4, 1991[1] |
| Designated NHL | December 5, 1992[2] |
Christeen is the oldest oystersloop in the United States and was declared aNational Historic Landmark in 1992.[2][3]
She was built in 1883 inGlenwood Landing, New York as agaff-rigged sloop. She had several homes includingEssex, Connecticut, but in 1992 she arrived back in the hamlet ofOyster Bay, New York. Funds were raised and over the next seven years, she was restored and relaunched in 1999. She currently serves as a working museum ship, offering educational tours, public, and private charters of Oyster Bay at theWaterFront Center.[4][5]
TheChristeen, recognized as a National Historic Landmark, was built in 1883 forCaptain William Smith to harvest oysters in Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor. Throughout her long life theChristeen worked in the waters of Greenport, Southhold, Connecticut, and New Jersey. The sloop was named for Captain Smiths 13-year-old wife.
In 1914 an engine was installed and theChristeen was used as a cargo vessel transporting potatoes betweenLong Island and New London, and furniture and other goods between New York City and the eastern end of Long Island.
From 1958 to 1976 she was a pleasure yacht and finally in 1989 was abandoned and nearly sunk inNew London, Connecticut. After being saved by Tradewinds Education Network in Connecticut, theChristeen was donated to the Oyster Bay non-profit organizationFriends of the Bay and in 1991 she finally returned home. Restoration of the oyster sloop was completed in 1999 at Jakobson Shipyard. The Christeen then joined the WaterFront Center at Oyster Bay, serving their mission of connecting people to the water. After surviving 16 major hurricanes, numerous nor'easters, and severe neglect, theChristeen is now serving as a floating classroom to educate students of all ages about the operation of historic vessels and protection of the marine environment of Oyster Bay and Long Island Sound.[6] The Christeen frequently collaborates with local nonprofits and additionally provides both public and private charters at the WaterFront Center.[5]
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Construction | Wood |
| Rig | Gaff Sloop |
| Rig Height | 50' |
| Length at Waterline | 35'6" |
| Length on Deck | 40' |
| Sparred Length | 60' |
| Beam (Width) | 15'2" |
| Draft | 3' (Centerboard Up) |
| Tonnage | 11 Gross (10 Net) |
| Certification | USCG(T) - Passenger Vessel |
| Sail Area | 960 Square Feet |
| Engine | 63 hp (Yanmar Diesel) |
40°52′40″N73°32′23″W / 40.87774°N 73.539702°W /40.87774; -73.539702
