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The Mystery Boat of Cape Vincent: The Story of ANNA
In 1934, a sturdy fishing trawler named ANNA was designed and built by Franklin G. Post at his boatyard in Mystic, Connecticut. Originally intended as a post-war, workaday Block Island fishing trawler, ANNA spent her early years operating in the Atlantic Ocean in and around Block Island Sound. Over the decades, she endured the challenges of the sea, changing hands and weathering various storms.
Fast forward to the early 1980s in the City Point section of New Haven, CT. Thomas Hines, who grew up near Clayton (Buddy) Emerson’s City Point Boat Yard, recalled his first encounter with ANNA. At that time, the boat was in a state of disrepair, stripped down to a bare hull. Buddy and his brother had been diligently working on her, replacing all her ribs and restoring her shelf and clamp, crucial components that keep the hull in shape and support the deck beams.
2021 Renderings CC Steve Porter
With a rebuilt 6-71 Detroit Diesel engine, salvaged from another vessel, ANNA was equipped for new adventures on the water. She now had a second chance at life, ready to sail the seas once more.
In 2002, ANNA found herself in Cape Vincent, under the ownership of Mr. John Stiefel. Her journey continued as she changed hands, taking on new roles and embracing fresh horizons.
On May 22nd, 2002, Mr. Stiefel sought a survey to assess ANNA’s integrity and maritime capability. The survey would validate her seaworthiness, ensuring that she was ready for the next phase of her life.
At 38 feet long and with a beam of 10 feet, ANNA carried with her a rich history and a sense of purpose. She had seen the seas change, experienced the ebb and flow of the tides, and now, she stood as a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of those who had preserved her legacy.
ANNA’s journey through time is a reminder of the enduring spirit of maritime heritage, the passion of boatbuilders, and the stories that sail on long after the boat has left the harbor. As she continues to make her mark on the waters of Cape Vincent, ANNA holds the mystery of her past close, ready to unfold new chapters in the ever-changing tapestry of the sea.
