Merrymaiden

Merry Maiden has a way of captivating all who encounter her charms. She has wondered the Southern Oceans, raced the Great Lakes and carried a family safely around the globe. Still today, her grace and beauty are alluring, as she prepares for a total restoration. Her story is far from complete.

L122'40" L47'.6"

The story begins in the New York Design firm of Rhodes.

Phil Rhodes designed Merry Maiden.

Merry Maiden was built in the New Bedford Palmer Scott Boatyard.

Irving Pratt, Commodore of the New York Yacht Club, had Merry Maiden commissioned soon after he came home from WWII.

McGuire sailed regattas in the Great Lakes

Around the world in 5 years 8 months, kids as crew. All's well that ends well.

Captain Gras borrows the boat from his father and commences another journey around the South Pacific.

The Restoration

A lot of work ahead.
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Seaton removed all the iron he could find, along with the damage it created.
The Mast
The spruce mast was in remarkably good condition. Seaton was able to very carefully re-glue it with a newer epoxy. More Info
Transom
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Total rebuild if the transom.
New cockpit
A new cockpit was long over due.
The cockpit was failing due to rot in the support beams.

Merry Maiden goes into the Canal Boatyard in Seattle for extensive work on the hull.

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Merry Maiden Foundation has been created to ensure that she can continue her legacy.

Merry Maiden is preparing for a major restoration. She will be brought back to her original beauty.

Merry Maiden plans to contiue her journies wherever the wind and crew may take her.

Merry Maiden is an educational platform to learn about the oceans and cultures that inhabit this beautiful planet. It is also a place for people to learn classic wooden boat stewardship.

MEET THE TEAM

Seaton Gras
Captain
Captain Gras has guided Merry Maiden through many a journey.
Candace Gras
1st mate
Candace fell in love with Merry Maiden at first sight.
Crew over the years
Part of the journey
Many participated in the adventure over the yaers.
Phil Rhodes
Designer
Phil Rhodes was the designer.

Merry Maiden

The Merry Maiden Story

The Story

Phil Rhodes

New Bedford Palmer Scott Boatyard

Irving Pratt

Racing The Great Lakes

Gras Family World Cruise

Captain Seaton Gras

The Restoration

A lot of work ahead.

Transom

New cockpit

Restoration Continues

Planks

Keel Bolts

Stem Post

Transom

Caulking

Relaunch

Aft Cabin

Cabin Sides

Beams

Cabin Top

Main Boom

Mizzen Boom

Binnacle

Full and Bye

Merry Maiden Foundation

Restoration

Journey

Education

MEET THE TEAM

Seaton Gras

Candace Gras

Crew over the years

Phil Rhodes

GET IN TOUCH

Keep the legacy alive