Boat Models, NY Pilot No.2

In the Age of Sail, no Captain existed who liked to sail into port in the dead of night or in a raging storm. That�s where pilots came in. They signaled incoming vessels, then came alongside to drop off a pilot who could expertly guide vessels inside. Pilot boats were like the yachts of their day, fast, nimble and very seaworthy. The first America Cup racer "America" was built along the lines of one of the fastest pilot boats.

Our NY Pilot No.2 model is hand built plank on frame, using original construction blueprints and only authentic materials. Measuring 20.75" long, 24.75" high, and 4" wide.

A Little NY Pilot Information

Navigating in and out of harbor is a tricky business. Always has been and always will be. Way back in 1694 the Colonial Assembly commissioned the first pilots. Their job was to assist ships to navigate the difficult tidal currents and narrow waterways.

The early harbor pilots relied on oars and sailing vessels such as the NY Pilot No.2 Phantom. In 1888, a savage blizzard raged and resulted in the loss of 9 boats and 17 pilots. With that tragedy, the New York State Board of Pilot Commissioners forced the many competing pilot groups to work together. These men were the beginning of the Sandy Hook Pilots.

Sandy Hook Pilots have been participants in much of the history of New York and New Jersey as well as our country. Pilot schooners like the NY Pilot No. 2 managed to break through the British blockade of New York at the start of the War of 1812.

Why must a ship have a pilot to enter a port? Any ship is safer while at sea than when she is near or surrounded by land. Coming into port, she has to contend with narrow channels, tidal currents, reefs and shoals and other obstacles that may not be readily apparent. Only an expert who knows the harbor and its dangers can safely cope with these things. "Local Knowledge" is all important. The Sandy Hook Pilot is such an expert.

At the time that Franklin D. Roosevelt was Governor of New York State, he wrote of the Sandy Hook Pilots, "Your staunch pilot boats are always ready in storm and fog, and it takes skill, courage and long years of experience to carry on this important and hazardous work so necessary to our commerce. I congratulate you on your remarkable record...".

What does it take to be a Sandy Hook Pilot? Each pilot completes a tough, seven and one half-year apprenticeship, plus an additional seven years as a Deputy Pilot, before being fully qualified and earning the designation Full Branch Pilot. Each candidate must also have at least four years of college.

That's a lot of comfort for the master of a ship wanting to enter the port of NY, NJ, Hudson River, Hell Gate and Long Island Sound.

If you like schooners such as the NY Pilot No.2, perhaps you might like this one!

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