Revolutionary War history makes waves in Port Jefferson with launch of Caleb Brewster whaleboat
After three and a half years of sweat, sawdust and countless volunteer hours, the “Caleb Brewster," a reproduction Revolutionary War–era armed whaleboat, touched the water for the very first time on Tuesday in Port Jefferson Harbor.
A piece of Revolutionary War history is making a splash in Port Jefferson.
After three and a half years of sweat, sawdust and countless volunteer hours, the “Caleb Brewster," a reproduction Revolutionary War–era armed whaleboat, touched the water for the very first time on Tuesday in Port Jefferson Harbor.
The project was led by John Janicek, of the Long Island Seaport and Eco Center, or LISEC, who oversaw construction at the Bayles Boat Shop. He says the final push came in the last two months to make sure the boat was ready in time for America’s 250th.
“This day is a monumental day for us right now,” Janicek said. “Being out there was like a dream come true.”
He credits the over 25 regular volunteers and others who brought the vessel from plans to reality.
“We got to this point with a lot of trial and effort,” he said. “It took a long time, took a lot of volunteers to do the job and the volunteers did an incredible job.”
The 25-foot vessel is modeled after the boats patriot Caleb Brewster used as part of the Long Island–based Culper Spy Ring, George Washington’s intelligence network that helped win the War for Independence. Now, 250 years later, this modern crew got a taste of what Brewster’s men experienced on the water.
“How the hell did they do this? How did they go across the sound in six hours? Actually five hours...” Janicek wondered. “But once we got a little bit of a rhythm going, the boat took off. It probably did a good 4 or 5 knots.”
For Janicek and the other LISEC volunteers, seeing the whaleboat float is more than just a milestone.
“We’re building a living history...This is something that’s going to be cherished hopefully for a long time,” he said.
On May 2, Port Jefferson Village will host a celebration event called "The Landing of the Caleb Brewster" at Harborfront Park. The event will include a living history encampment where Revolutionary War reenactors will pilot the whaleboat.
