This so called “Beals Islander” or "Jonesporter” is a rare breed with a rich documented history of hunting Maine lobsters for an astonishing 45+ years, and a rare find because most were left to rot with the advent of fiberglass. As more powerful engines and a mechanized means of hoisting lobster traps became common, these graceful lines with shear & low freeboard soon vanished.

Her keel was laid in the winter of 1962, 58 nautical miles from Nova Scotia on a small Down East Maine island called Beals. As originally named, FLYING EAGLE took shape by means of half-model (no plans), built by lobsterman Vinal Beal in a tar-papered structure heated by pot-belly stove. These unique beauties soon became known by historians as the most beautiful & fastest hull forms ever built. Their grace and speed were a direct result of their unique “skeg construction”. Skeg designs were constructed with the frames (or hull bottom) joining the keel in a flat plane nearly perpendicular to the sides of the keel, so the bottom planking at the after part of the hull meets the skeg (keel) almost at right angles. In turn, they were often lighter & faster than their “built-down” construction counterparts in Southern Maine. With their deep-v entry, high wave piercing bows, less wetted surface to hold the hull back with their flat run aft, long running deep keel of oak and a less obstructed prop, these vessel’s moved. They were also known to be stronger where the horn timber, keel and stern post come together, were less roll-ey while working adrift, and more stable carrying large loads.

Discovered in Rockport Maine in 2014, FLYING EAGLE was promptly re-named as original, then partially refit indoors at ARTISAN BOATWORKS during the worst of heavy winter weather. By spring she then endured an eleven day, 3,500 mile overland journey by flatbed truck to Anacortes Washington, arriving May 1, 2014. Following two active cruising seasons between Port Townsend, BC Canada and the San Juan Islands, she then completed structural restorations during the first six months of 2017 at EMERALD MARINE in Anacortes, WA. Over the years of restoration process, the focus has always been preserving what once was and what will never be again so generations to come will have the opportunity to appreciate her. FLYING EAGLE would not be here today if not for all past owners (mostly lobstermen) over the last 56 years, each doing their part with repair & maintenance while working her hard in the far eastern fetches of the Maine.