From Fred Roy, Commodore Narragansett Bay S-Class Association on November 19th:
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have another newly restored S Boat to Narragansett Bay fleet. Formally Panda, has gone back to her original launch name Papoose.
Launched from Herreshoff Manufacturing in Bristol RI in 12-1919, hull number 831, her first owner was John Silsbee Lawrence from Marbelhead Ma. She first came to Narragansett Bay in 1963 under the name Aurora- owner was then Jack Morgan. Before the boat was donated to the Herreshoff Marine Museum she was owned by Dave R. & Anna Pierce, they named her Panda. c.1974
We (the S Class) want to acknowledge Angus and Joanna Davis for this second contribution to the S Class fleet here, and wish them many happy days sailing. It was a great day to see their new son Ryder crawling around on the deck today with Dad close at hand.
Angus correctly performed the name change ceremony (under the watchful eye of the commordoreable) to invoke good spirits to the boat and Joanna spread some other spirits (alcohol) around, not all of it went on the boat. (see pictures attached; thank you Cory Silken!)
Especially want to recognize Dan Shea and his team of shipwrights at Bristol Boat Company who put Papoose back together. They did a wonderful job, and the workmanship was impeccable.
What is especially nice that the Dan's company resides on Burnside Street in one of the original Herreshoff Manufacturing buildings. Could say, that this project was rebirth from the same cradle. As Dan mentioned, I am sure the "old boys" from Herreshoff were please to have once again some noise and commotion around the shops there.
Papoose will sail this coming Saturday in Bristol, and tune up against her sister ship, "the mighty Squaw", who has already seen some competitive racing in 20 knot breezes. They both will be raring to go for next 2013 season.
Most kind regards to all of you.
Happy Holidays.
