JOLLY DOLPHIN

(Featured image-June 2023. Eric Moseson)

JOLLY DOLPHIN is a bugeye rig workboat yacht that evolved from the working oyster dredge boats of the Chesapeake Bay. The vernacular type is referred to as a three-sail bateau or a two-masted skipjack, a dead-rise hull which is different from the traditional round-bottom, log-built bugeye. Our primary mission is to support the restoration of the native oyster reefs that are key to keeping the water in our estuary clean.

Take a look at a video compilation of our 2025 oyster planting in the Magothy.

Many thanks to all the donors who contributed generously to this year’s Virtual Race.

Typically sailboat racing occurs on the water. However, the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner ‘Virtual’ Race is an online event that started in 2020 in which boats partner with non-profit organizations working to preserve and protect the Chesapeake Bay’s history and ecology. All donations go to the non-profit organization. This is our fourth year partnering with the MAGOTHY RIVER ASSOCIATION to support OYSTER RESTORATION.

A living example of Maryland history, the JOLLY DOLPHIN is a two-masted, wooden sailing vessel modeled on Chesapeake Bay oyster dredgers but custom-built for the Mick family of Delaware by James B. Richardson on LeCompte Creek in Dorchester County, Maryland, for recreation. She was launched in 1958.

The original family story has it that the name ‘JOLLY DOLPHIN’ came from a character in a children’s book entitled ‘Nautical Ned’ by Clare Randolph — reportedly a favorite book of the original owners’ children.

From 1964 to 2007, the JOLLY DOLPHIN passed into the hands of a half dozen owners, the last leaving her neglected ashore. So she was ready for a new steward when current owner Jack Zuraw found her in April 2007 and began planning the restoration of this almost forgotten example of Chesapeake history.

From early 2008 through December of 2010 she was at the Ruark Boatworks of the Richardson Maritime Museum in Cambridge, Maryland.

After the December 2010 re-positioning to her home berth in the upper Magothy River the deck, cabin and rig rebuilding process continued.

LINK TO RESTORATION DISCUSSION AND VIDEOS

She is berthed on the Magothy River. Owner and Captain Jack Zuraw holds an inland U.S. Coast Guard 50-ton Masters Credential with sail endorsement.