Boat steaming to Gloucester

F/V Richard & Arnold left Provincetown's MacMillan Wharf this morning as the dawn broke over the harbor. Her lines are classic against the lightening sky, with a small wheel house in the stern, masts and rigging swaying -she's on her way for a refit, a much needed haul-out and a rebirth. Last October a nice old man stepped up to Dave and said, "The boat should be condemned. She's no longer safe, too old to be fishing." I wanted to hit him when he put his arm around me and said we'd get over her in a couple of weeks. He did not understand the attachment we had, thirty years, 24/7 fishing, taking vacations, rebuilding, children growing up on her decks, making money, working, living. First we cried, then we got mad and then began talking to others who had delt with old boats before. The Richard & Arnold was built in Fairhaven MA in 1934 began fishing in 1937  How could we just let it go!!! She's not only a  big part of our lives- a part of Provincetwon- she's also part of our maritime history, there are so few like her left and she's a damn good fishing boat.