Skipjack Launch and Lecture

On Thursday, July 13, 2017, volunteer boatbuilders of the St. Augustine Lighthouse will debut their recently completed Florida Skipjack at the Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp. At 5:30 p.m., the skipjack will be christened and a name will be chosen for the vessel before its first launch at 6 p.m.

Following the launch, CAPT. Thomas G. Anderson, PhD, MD, United States Navy, Ret., will deliver a lecture entitled "Maritime Commerce and the Origins of Globalization." The lecture will begin at 7 p.m.

Florida skipjacks were once among the most common sailing vessels in Northeast Florida, and were first build and used by commercial shad fisherman in the St. Johns River. The skipjack recently completed by volunteer boatbuilders will serve as a working example of these historic vessels.

Admission: FREE

When: Thursday, July 13, 2017. The Christening of the vessel will be held at 5:30 p.m. The launch will take place at 6 p.m., and the lecture will begin at 7 p.m.

Where: The Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp is located at 201 Red Cox Road in St. Augustine, FL 32080.