Our Frances journey…
Captain Hasket Derby Hildreth
Hasket came into Portland Yacht Services one day and said, “Phin, what do you think about me building a boat here?” He rolled out the plans and I could immediately see that it was a boat from a different era. “Yes, Howard Chapelle kinda inspired this design. I’m gonna make it in steel…head boat…what do you think?”
Over the winter the “Frances” took shape…tugging – pulling – failing, stepping back – trying again, succeeding. The more I saw the more impressed I was with this person and his vision. We became friends.
This boat came together and I found out that it wasn’t an accident… Hasket was an engineer. He’d gone to work in a boat yard Down East, Goudy and Stevens, to learn how to do it and was now just executing what he’d laid out for himself.
Frances was launched…no engine, just a push boat. Hasket and Meg Jones started running her as a charter boat – day boat operation taking tourists and private parties.
She ghosted in and out of the harbor like an apparition of another age. This was a hull that one would have expected to see in the war of 1812 being operated by about 50 sailors and a full gun crew. But a very competent sailor handled her and my respect for Hasket grew.
Hasket, I will really miss you. Your friends and family will really miss you. Your special genius has added so much to our lives and the harbor.
From Phineus Sprague, Owner – Portland Yacht Services
Hasket was loved very much by his fellow crew aboard Frances and all those who knew him from the Portland waterfront and Penobscot Bay. A man with artistic, and yacht design talent beyond the comprehension of most. The person who has moved me most in my life & my best friend. The windjammer Frances was a gift that he left behind. It is our honor to sail her proudly still today.
With all my Love, Meg
