Reedville in Northumberland County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Claud W. Somers

Additional Facts

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 4, 2021

1. Claud W. Somers Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The name: The boat's namesake spelled his name Claude. However, it is thought that when the boat was initially registered the "e" was inadvertently dropped and she has been Claud W. Somers ever since.

Speed capability: the fastest we have ever seen her sail was about 8 knots over the ground as measured by GPS. She was tripled reefed at the time in about 20-25 knots of wind on the quarter.

Tonnage: Somers was originally registered at 8 Gross Tons, 6 Net Tons, but note that the 'ton' in U.S.C.G. context doesn't refer to weight but to cargo - carrying capacity (A 'ton' is 100 cubic feet of cargo space). We estimate that the Claud W. Somers actually weighs about 30,000 pounds (15 tons).

Electronics: The Somers' two 12V 4D batteries power six bilge pumps, VHS radio, GPS, running lights, cabin lights and accessories.

Sail area: Main sail 945 square feet, jib 370 square feet.
Bowsprit: 14 ft. Boom: 42 ft. Mast: 61 ft.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 37° 50.623′ N, 76° 16.556′

The <i>Claud W. Somers</i> Skipjack image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 4, 2021

2. The Claud W. Somers Skipjack

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W. Marker is in Reedville, Virginia, in Northumberland County. Marker can be reached from Main Street just south of Reed Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 504 Main St, Reedville VA 22539, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Elva C (a few steps from this marker); Chesapeake Bay Log Canoe (a few steps from this marker); "The Save The Stack Committee" (within shouting distance of this marker); Drive Boat (within shouting distance of this marker); Trap Skiff (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lillian-B (within shouting distance of this marker); The Reedville Railway (within shouting distance of this marker); Chesapeake Bay's Butler Boats (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Reedville.

Additional keywords. Claud W. Somers

National Register and Virginia Historic Landmark plaques for the <i>Claud W. Somers</i> Skipjack image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0)

3. National Register and Virginia Historic Landmark plaques for the Claud W. Somers Skipjack

Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 98 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 5, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.