This is a rags-to-riches story of how a humble workboat arrived at the Jersey Shore and evolved into a premier racing class. The narrative weaves together the engineering achievements of the 19th century—railroads, iron shipbuilding, and engine development. Fueled by an intense competitive spirit, these boats preserved an aura of old-world craftsmanship while shaping a new understanding of naval architecture.

John Brady recently retired after a distinguished career in maritime museums and ship preservation nonprofits. He has held roles at the South Street Seaport Museum, the Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild, and the Independence Seaport Museum. For 32 of those years, he worked as a boat builder and shipwright. Under his leadership, the Independence Seaport Museum’s boat shop gained national prominence, specializing in the construction and preservation of New Jersey and Delaware River watercraft. He later served as President and CEO of the Independence Seaport Museum for a decade. More recently, he acted as interim CEO of the Bayshore Center at Bivalve for six months. John has also published articles in WoodenBoat, Sea History, and Power Ships.