JOLLY DOLPHIN
(August 2025 oyster planting drone shot. Jay Crawford)
JOLLY DOLPHIN is a bug-eye-rigged 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, in contrast to the round-hulled bug-eye. Our primary mission is to support the restoration of the native oyster reefs that were key to keeping the water in our estuary clean.
JOLLY DOLPHIN will visit DONNELY’S DOCKSIDE during the week of the event to offer deck tours and talk about oyster restoration.
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 nonprofit organizations working to preserve and protect the Chesapeake Bay’s history and ecology.
This is our fourth year partnering with the Magothy River Association to support the Oyster Restoration Program . Please donate to the Magothy River Association during the event starting at noon on Wednesday August 12th, 2026 through 3 pm Saturday August 15. At the end of the 75-hour race boats are ranked by the amount of contributions raised.
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.