“We came together to celebrate the first launch of the new build Ida May oyster boat,” said Director Saladino.
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilwoman Vicki Walsh, Town Clerk Richard LaMarca and Tax Collector Jeffrey Pravato join Christine Oyster Sloop Conservation Company, Waterfront Center and hundreds of neighbors to officially unveil the historic Ida May oyster A replica of the ship enters North Shore waters. The launch is the culmination of decades of work building a full-scale replica of the Ida May, one of the first oyster dredgers ever to provide engine power for local waters.
“We came together to celebrate the first launch of the new build Ida May oyster boat,” said Director Saladino. “Following her retirement in 2003, the Oyster Bay community came together to ensure that Ida May’s legacy lives on for generations to come. Christeen Oyster Sloop Preservation created a vision to preserve her history: to completely rebuild Ida May and use the replica as a “floating classroom” , teaching residents about Oyster Bay. That vision is becoming a reality today.”
Ida May was built in 1925 as one of the first engine-powered oyster dredgers of her era. She served in local waters on the North Shore for over 75 years but was too damaged to be repaired.
“Together we thank the Christine Oyster Sloop Preservation Company, led by President George Lindsay, for leading the effort to keep Ida May’s legacy alive. The 44-ton replica was built almost entirely Volunteer built, with funding in part from a grant from the legendary Billy Joel. Now, the Waterfront Center will use this beautiful vessel as a teaching tool for our harbor and its history,” added Assemblywoman Vicki Walsh.
Photo Credit: Town of Oyster Bay
