Schooner launch set for Aug. 13

The traditional launch of the schooner Isabella is set for Sunday, Aug. 13 at high tide (approximately 3 p.m.) at the Burnham Boatyard, Burnham Court, adjacent to the Essex Shipbuilding Museum.

Master shipwright Harold Burnham and his crew will launch the 38-foot custom built two-masted schooner using the unique Essex side-launching techniques. Burnham remains one of the few boat builders in North America who launches vessels using the traditional method without the aid of modern hydraulics or equipment.