The Last of the Fairhaven Coasters – The Story of Captain Claude S. Tucker & the Schooner Coral

A unique gift for lovers of New England maritime history

Get your copy here!

Euro at Phoenix Gift Shop (Fairhaven) (508) 992-1714
The New Bedford Whaling Museum (508) 997-0046
The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center (508) 993-8894
Partners Village Store & Kitchen (Westport) (508) 636-2572

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Skillfully weaving historical research, a boat-load of vintage photos, and stories recalled by participants in the twilight years of the Age of Commercial Sail, authors Robert Demanche, Donald F. Tucker, and Caroline B. Tucker transport you to an era long since gone—to the days of the cargo-carrying schooner Coral and her owner-operator Captain Claude S. Tucker.

Captain Tucker at the helm of the “Coral.”

From colonial times through the early 1900s, the coasting schooner played a crucial role in our nation’s growth. Several thousand of these wooden sailing vessels once frequented our harbors, but by the late 1930s, only the 60-year-old Coral and a scattering of other working coasters remained.

Sail with Captain Tucker and the Coral as they travel to the working waterfronts of familiar southern New England ports, crossing paths with the likes of schooner men Zeb Tilton and Charlie Sayle; Coral crew member and artist George Gale; marine architect William H. Hand Jr.; rum runner Bill McCoy; artist and author Clifford Ashley (The Ashley Book of Knots); and even (believe it or not) Dr. Seuss.

Captain Tucker and sons Claude, Jr. (in back) and Donald on the “Charles W. Morgan” at Mystic.

Modern day maritime enthusiasts who reveled in the recent spectacular voyage of the Charles W. Morgan will also enjoy the account of Captain Tucker’s connection with that venerable whaleship.

Whether you’re a nautical novice or a seasoned sailor, find out why The Last of the Fairhaven Coasters is “a darn good yarn.”