The Shenandoah is a 1080NaN0 topsail schooner built in Maine in 1964, and operates as a cruise ship and educational vessel in the waters of Vineyard Haven Harbor, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.[1] She is claimed to be the only schooner of her size and topsail rig without an engine in the world.[2]
The Shenandoah's design is based on an 1850s ship Joe Lane, but Captain Robert S. Douglas made numerous changes to improve the power of the vessel. Douglas was the vessel's only skipper since her launch in 1964, until Shenandoah was donated to the nonprofit organization FUEL in 2020. She is now captained by Ian Ridgeway.
The Shenandoah required extensive hull repairs and was dry docked in 2009.
Type: Topsail schooner
Designed by: Captain Robert S. Douglas
Built by: Harvey F. Gamage Ship Building Co.
Length (overall): 108feet
Sparred length: 154feet (from jib boom to main boom end)
Sails: 7000square feet of canvas
Topmast height: 94feet
Displacement: 170 tons (173 t)
Hull: made of Maine oak
Deck: made of pine
Lower masts: 20 inches diameter, 2.5 tons each
Maximum speed: 12.5kn
Maximum capacity: 30 passengers overnight
A range of one to four berths can be found in the 11 cabins below deck. It houses seven crew members, a first-mate, a cook, and the captain. The ship contains two heads, a main saloon, and a galley.