Skipjack: The Story of America's Last Sailing Oystermen

by Christopher White

In Skipjack, Christopher White spends a pivotal year with three memorable captains as they battle man and nature to control the fate of their island villages and oyster fleet. Through these lively characters, White paints a vivid picture of life on a skipjack, a wooden oystering sailboat. But this last vestige of American sailing culture is rapidly dying. These captains must set aside their rivalry to fight for their very livelihood. With so many obstacles, it is not certain the fleet will survive the season. Hinging on its success, the viability of the nation's premiere estuary and the survival of a classic American town hang dangerously in the balance.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published November 10, 2009

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

As we are into Oyster Season, this is a great book to help us appreciate the legacy for the meals we will so enjoy until the end of the season - oyster stew, fried oysters, oyster stuffing. It is not just "open a jar." Even if you don't like oysters, the history of the people who live on the Chesapeake Bay is fascinating. yes, it is about the Eastern Shore, but you will recognize the people as being on the Western shore too.

[Susan Rainwater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding deep dive into the lives of the Chesapeake's last sailing oystermen. A great resource for Eastern Shore genealogists. A great read for folks who have enjoyed Beautiful Swimmers and Chesapeake Requiem. Recommended.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great personal insight to the last few years of Oystermen.

[Ryan Hepler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skipjacks are lit

[Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

a through and melancholy overview of a once-booming american industry unique to the chesapeake bay. the demise of the sailing oyster dredger is painted as a national tragedy, which is an interesting story, but it's marred slightly as the language towards the end turns from sad to vindictive. government interference/inaction or not, there are other areas to place the blame. still, a biased ending doesn't take away from the accomplishment that this book represents. the author's dedication, patience and historical bent are all on display as he immerses himself in this fading way of life for a full year to better understand chesapeake oyster fishing from all the angles. while it's a sad and potentially powerful story, doing some background research and seeing pictures of these less-than-riveting boats can be a little bit of a letdown from the grandiose picture that's being painted. still a great read.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what to say about Skipjack. I loved it so much. A fascinating and heartbreaking read that opened a little window for me to another part of my home, the Chesapeake Bay. Highly recommended.

[Joe Vess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, beautiful book. This will definitely join Beautiful Swimmers as a classic look at the history, culture and biology of a small and fascinating slice of the life of the Chesapeake Bay. It's very well written and totally engrossing.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining, insightful, and engaging! This was a great book to read following Chesapeake by James Michner. It provides keen insight to an industry many take for granted. A must read for those of us who who love the Chesapeake Bay.

[Shaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will live alongside Beautiful Swimmers on my shelf of sea stories. I haven't laid eyes on a Skipjack in decades and now I miss them. A good ol' boy will feel blue after reading this one.

[Sigrid Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poignant, amusing, can't wait to make Miss Pauline's Crabcakes

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved learning more about the shore and life of working watermen!

[Mary Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing view of life of the Chesapeake watermen!