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.
Claud W. Somers. Additional Facts. , 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.
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′ 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.
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 130 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on July 5, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
