Tradition, Speed and Grace: Chesapeake Bay Sailing Log Canoes, published by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) in St. Michaels, will be released this month.
Photo: CBMMWritten by John C. North II, the 150-page hardcover book describes log canoe racing based on the author’s 70 years of experience in the sport. The book includes profiles of the 23 canoes in the fleet, a chronology of log canoe racing, canoe line drawings, and more than 140 color and black-and-white photographs and illustrations.
North, who was born and raised in Talbot County, was a CBMM founder, Vice President, and President. He also served as Talbot County’s States Attorney, Judge of the District and Circuit Courts, and the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission’s Chairman.
Judge North and his family own four Chesapeake Bay log canoes. He captains Island Bird, a log canoe built by his great-grandfather in 1882.
CBMM Chief Curator Pete Lesher says the book will treat readers to an insider’s look at the sport. “Aboard the canoe, in the clubhouse, and during long tows, the Judge has recounted many wonderful stories about log canoe racing in a variety of personal settings. Now with this book, Judge North shares his experience, his knowledge, and his passion with readers from all over the world.”
Beginning May 12, limited, first-edition copies of Tradition, Speed and Grace will be sold at CBMM’s Museum Store, and Judge North will sign books that afternoon. Advanced, signed copies can be reserved in the store or online. All proceeds from book sales will support CBMM’s programs.
To learn more and reserve your copy, click here.
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-Laura Boycourt
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