IT’S A NEW DAY
FOR THE SCHOONER MERCANTILE
HISTORY
DESCRIPTION
MISSION
History
Mercantile boasts one of the most storied legacies of any sailing vessel in the world. From humble beginnings, she stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of our nation’s maritime heritage.
Constructed on the north shore of Little Deer Isle over three winters, Mercantile was one of five schooners constructed by the Billings family to serve Maine’s coasting trade. From her launch in 1916, she hauled hundreds of tons of firewood, barrel staves, fish, salt, and building materials throughout the coast of New England. Her shoal draft design allowed for loading and unloading cargo in many places inaccessible to deeper draft vessels. Mercantile remained in operation for the Billings family until a collision with a steamer in Bucksport Narrows led to her eventual sale to a fishing operation out of Providence, Rhode Island. By this time, steamships had come to dominate the coasting trade, and many schooners like Mercantile found themselves run aground or otherwise scrapped. Fortunately, a young Captain Frank Swift had the bright idea to repurpose a few of Maine’s traditional wooden schooners as tourist cruising ships, trading cargo for paying passengers. Mercantile was one of the first boats he purchased for this purpose. For the last 80 years, Mercantile has welcomed guests from all walks of life aboard to show off her home waters of Penobscot Bay.
Description
Mercantile measures 116' bow-to-stern, with 81’ on deck and 21’ 4” of beam. Her 15 cabins and crew bunks accommodate 37 souls total. Her current sail plan includes a gaff-rigged main and foresail, staysail, and jib: a total sail area of 3,014 square feet. Despite her size, she draws just five feet with the centerboard up! Auxiliary propulsion is provided by a stout 14’ yawl boat with a 75 HP diesel engine. Mercantile is framed and planked with white oak, and her decks are made from white pine. All spars are fashioned from single-cut Douglas fir.
Locals lovingly refer to Mercantile as the “Prettiest Coaster in the Bay.” Generations of Mainers have marveled at her silhouette and greeted her into their ports over the last 109 years. Even the color of her hull is iconic. Though spartan, her oak-laden cabins impart a timeless elegance consistent with her heritage. Her galley has all the makings of a turn-of-the-century kitchen, complete with a wood stove, ice box, and comfortable seating for up to 30 guests.
Mission
Mercantile has one of the richest histories of any sailing vessel in the world. From humble beginnings on the south shore of Eggemoggin Reach, Mercantile has sailed the waters of New England for over 100 years, plying many trades in that time. Hers is a tale of hard work, thrift, resilience, and joy. She serves as a symbol for a maritime heritage that has inspired generations. My singular goal is to preserve that legacy for generations to come.
Realizing this goal will be no small task. Mercantile is approaching the time in a wooden boat’s life cycle when her ownership would start to consider a major rebuild. I have no doubt this is why she has fallen into my hands. Any other prospective buyer would see in Mercantile a years-long dash to generate funding for a restoration, followed by a years-long rebuild. Meaningful profit might not be possible until 2030, an understandable non-starter for someone with experience and real-world responsibilities. By contrast, I can think of no better way to spend my 20s.
Her non-profit status ensures that any revenue generated over cost will be returned directly to the project. It also means she qualifies for grants and tax-deductible charitable donations. I will enthusiastically pursue all three of these sources of funding throughout the course of the project.
The path ahead is not immediately clear, but becoming clearer every day. My philosophy is to take it one day at a time. Do the work, and the results will speak for themselves. I can only promise to give my best, every day, to keep pushing the project forward.
I know that I cannot do this alone. There are many aspects of this project for which I will need help, wooden boat craftsmanship first and foremost. I look forward to meeting anyone willing to share their wisdom to help keep Mercantile sailing. If you or someone you know might be such a person, I hope you won’t hesitate to reach out to me or share this newsletter with them. All input is appreciated.
I am overjoyed by the opportunity to write my name in Mercantile’s logbook. Through faith in God, hard work, lots of help, and a little luck, I am certain that it won’t be the last.
-Andrew Egge
Founder & President, Mercantile—New Day
Photo courtesy Dan Dishner Photography