To the editor:

Despite a chill in the air, the Westport Fishermen’s Association annual boat show was a big hit. Throngs of interested visitors were impressed by the fine workmanship of over 40 classic wooden boats and ship models on display at the shoreline by Horseneck Point Life Saving Station over the weekend of October 17 and 18t.

Attendees were able to vote for their favorite boat in the exhibit and the WFA is pleased to announce that Bill Kern’s boat, the Mystic Sharpie built by Westport’s own Scott Gifford, was crowned the winner of “Best in Show” on Sunday afternoon.

On Saturday, along with pilot gig rowing demonstrations offshore by the Dharma Voyager team out of Westport, another highlight of the weekend was the presentation of an original 1912 Clifford Ashley illustration to be hung at the Lifesaving Station. Phoebe Chardon was on hand to officially donate her father’s black and white painting depicting three workmen at the ramp of Ship’s Bottom lifesaving station to the Westport Fishermen’s Association.

Clifford Warren Ashley, who lived from 1881 to 1947, was an American artist, author, sailor, and knot expert, well known for his maritime art. The WFA is thankful to Mrs. Chardon for her generous donation. The painting is now hanging in the Horseneck Point Lifesaving Station Visitor Center, which is open to the public on Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m. throughout the fall.

The WFA is also grateful to two generous residents, Richard Armstrong and Mary Reis, who donated boats to the WFA, which were also on display at the boat show. Proceeds from their sale will benefit WFA programs. Noquochoke Orchards, Coastal Roasters Coffee, Common Ground Coffee and Head Town Landing Country Store graciously donated food and refreshments for the event.  In addition, Common Ground Coffee, located at 762 Main Rd (next to Village Pizza) is now hosting a Lees receipts box where shoppers can drop off their Lees shopping slips to benefit the WFA.

Tanja Ryden

Project coordinator, Westport Fishermen’s Association