Hello, Barbara Ann (or: Damn, this thing is fast)

The Barbara Ann at the wharf.
(photo: Sarah Corson)

For the first time, I was treated to a short trip aboard Bruce Fernald's new lobster boat, the Barbara Ann. The boat's namesake -- Bruce's wife Barb -- was along for the ride. This particular hull design is known for its speed, and I can personally attest to the fact that the new boat cranks. I miss the Double Trouble -- the boat I worked on for two years while I was researching THE SECRET LIFE OF LOBSTERS -- but I would definitely not turn down a job aboard this spacious and speedy new craft. Bruce, those seventy-hour weeks grinding fiberglass paid off.

This thing hauls ass! Bruce at the helm; wife Barb in her old position as
sternman. Their at-sea courtship is described in THE SECRET LIFE
OF LOBSTERS. (photo: Trevor Corson)