Here you see Martha being sailed in Great Cove by her owner, Rich Hilsinger, on August 1. That is, you’re looking at two legends.
All we need to say about Rich now is that he has been the able Director of the WoodenBoat School here since 1990 and has had an otherwise memorable life.
Martha’s story is esoteric. She’s a 20-foot Crocker Pocket Cruiser, a type of vessel described below. She was designed and built in 1960 by famed naval architect Joel White and apparently is named after his daughter. To understand the rest, we have to begin at the end.
She’s a “Cruiser,” which is a boat that sails on trips of multiple days, not a “daysailer.” Among other things, cruisers usually have at least one berth to sleep in, a stove to cook on, and a head (toilet) to sit on.
Martha also is a “Pocket Cruiser.” That is, she has all of the above attributes, but she’s miniaturized: less than 30 feet in length with necessarily well-designed space. (Think of pocket knives, pocket watches, and pocket battleships.)
Finally, she’s a “Crocker Pocket Cruiser.” That is, she apparently was inspired by the designs of naval architect Samuel Sturgis Crocker, who specialized in small and stout cutters. Take another look at Martha’s bow and then give her and Rich a bow. (Brooklin, Maine)