Gertrude L. Thebaud Schooner 36 inches Boat Model

Gertrude L. Thebaud Schooner – 36-Inch Handcrafted Wooden Model

Own a handcrafted model of the Gertrude L. Thebaud, one of America's most celebrated fishing schooners and a proud icon of New England's maritime heritage. Launched in 1930 at the Arthur D. Story Shipyard in Essex, Massachusetts, the Gertrude L. Thebaud was built to compete in the famous International Fishermen's Races between the United States and Canada while also serving as a hardworking Grand Banks fishing vessel. Renowned for her graceful lines, impressive speed, and exceptional seaworthiness, she earned lasting recognition as one of the finest schooners of the 20th century. Today, the Gertrude L. Thebaud remains a symbol of the skill, craftsmanship, and competitive spirit that defined the golden age of Gloucester fishing schooners.

Our 36-inch handcrafted Gertrude L. Thebaud Schooner model faithfully captures the distinctive appearance of this historic sailing vessel. Each model is individually built by experienced craftsmen using the traditional plank-on-frame construction method—the same principle used in real wooden shipbuilding. We select only premium hardwoods, including Western Red Cedar, Teak, and Mahogany, ensuring exceptional durability, refined craftsmanship, and a timeless museum-quality finish.

Every element is carefully recreated, from the beautifully proportioned wooden hull and towering twin masts to the intricate standing and running rigging, hand-stitched sails, deckhouses, booms, anchors, railings, fishing dories, and other signature features that define the Gertrude L. Thebaud. Rather than being mass-produced, each model is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a stunning display piece worthy of any maritime, historical, or nautical collection.

The 36-inch model offers an exceptional balance of impressive scale and fine craftsmanship. Its larger size allows for even greater detail and a more commanding display presence while remaining suitable for bookshelves, executive offices, display cabinets, or home libraries. The increased dimensions provide additional realism, making it an outstanding centerpiece for sailing enthusiasts, maritime historians, collectors, or anyone who appreciates the beauty and heritage of classic working schooners.

Each piece is individually handcrafted, and production typically takes 3–6 months, depending on the model's size and complexity. Throughout the process, we'll keep you updated with detailed progress photos at every major milestone, allowing you to review the craftsmanship and approve each stage before we move forward.

You'll receive photos during:

- Hull construction
- Deck detailing and superstructure assembly
- Final painting and finishing

Your satisfaction comes first. We proceed to the next stage only after you've reviewed the previous one.

Secure Worldwide Delivery

Once you approve the completed model, it will be carefully packed in a custom-built wooden shipping crate with multiple layers of protective cushioning to ensure it arrives safely anywhere in the world.

Custom Orders Available

Looking for a different size or a personalized version? We offer custom dimensions, modifications, and bespoke designs upon request. Whether you'd like a larger display model, a custom nameplate, personalized markings, or a specific historical configuration, our craftsmen are ready to bring your vision to life.

Bring home a handcrafted tribute to one of America's greatest fishing schooners. Whether you're expanding a maritime collection, decorating your office, celebrating New England's rich seafaring heritage, or searching for a meaningful gift, our handcrafted Gertrude L. Thebaud Schooner model is built to become a centerpiece you'll be proud to display for years to come.

Contact us today to begin building your custom Gertrude L. Thebaud Schooner model.

History
The Gertrude L. Thebaud was one of the last great American fishing schooners built during the final era of commercial sail. Launched in 1930 at the Arthur D. Story Shipyard in Essex, Massachusetts, the vessel was designed by renowned naval architect Frank Paine and named after the wife of financier and philanthropist Louis A. Thebaud, who commissioned the schooner. Built primarily for the Gloucester fishing fleet, the 123-foot vessel combined speed, strength, and exceptional seaworthiness, allowing her to harvest cod, halibut, and other valuable North Atlantic fish while operating in the demanding waters of the Grand Banks. She quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest fishing schooners of her generation and represented the peak of traditional sailing vessel design.

Beyond her commercial fishing career, the Gertrude L. Thebaud became famous for her rivalry with Canada's legendary schooner Bluenose in the International Fishermen's Trophy races. She challenged Bluenose several times during the 1930s, winning the prestigious series in 1938 and becoming the only American fishing schooner to defeat her celebrated Canadian rival in the competition. As diesel-powered fishing vessels replaced sail after World War II, the schooner retired from commercial service and later served as a training ship before eventually being laid up. Although the original vessel was scrapped in 1994, her remarkable legacy lives on as a symbol of American maritime craftsmanship, competitive spirit, and the hardworking fishermen who depended on wind and sail to earn their livelihoods on the North Atlantic.