Boat launches are without doubt one of our favorite events on the coast. High tide, good friends, and the excitement of seeing a years-long project come to fruition make for an experience that boaters and landlubbers alike won’t soon forget. In Essex, Harold Burnham adds a twist, literally, to the launch experience by sending his ships into the water sideways. This side-launch system, done in part to keep the keel from digging into the mud and stopping the vessel in its tracks, is nearly as dramatic for onlookers as it is for anyone who happens to be on board during the launch.
Check out the video above by Steve Hastings of the July 9 launching of Burnham’s 55’ pinky schooner Ardelle. We’re guessing that’s a ride that the young man on board will remember for the rest of his life!
Also check out this clip shot by Desi Smith of the Gloucester Daily Times. CLICK HERE
Photo courtesy H.A. Burnham
For more information about Ardelle, click here.
For more information about Burnham and his projects, read his blog by clicking here.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MepEj7MbV7g
