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Maritime Day highlights Lewes' connection to sea

Cape May-Lewes Ferry Capt. Isidoro Sorace explains how the instruments in the bridge work during a tour of the Twin Capes. BY RON MACARTHUR
May 30, 2012
U.S. Merchant Marine midshipmen attend the first Maritime Day Celebration at the ferry terminal in Lewes. They are (l-r) Paul Osigian, Ben Holehouse, Shane Meehan and Karl Romine. BY RON MACARTHUR
The U.S. Merchant Marine's Mariner is shown through a porthole in the Twin Capes ferry. BY RON MACARTHUR
Delaware River pilot launch operators Jay Lewis, left, and Jody Brittingham, both of Lewes, have the job of transporting pilots to waiting tankers. BY RON MACARTHUR
Chief engineer Mark DeSorbo explains how the mechanics of the Twin Capes operate below decks in the engine room. BY RON MACARTHUR
University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean and Environment professor Jonathan Sharp talks about monitoring equipment on the Twin Capes ferry, which provides information about levels of salinity, oxygen and chlorophyll in the Delaware Bay. BY RON MACARTHUR
Flags whip in the strong breeze May 19 at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal during the first Maritime Day celebration. BY RON MACARTHUR
One of the highlights of the festival was escorted tours of the M.V. Twin Capes. BY RON MACARTHUR
Beth Gott, a member of the Zwaanendael Museum staff, uses props to show what life was like on ships of yesteryear. BY RON MACARTHUR
A wreath was laid at the Unknown Sailor Cemetery during the ceremony. Shown laying the wreath are (l-r) Lt. Jr. Grade Lauralee Kopras, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; Cmdr. Dennis Nield, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary; and John Briggs, U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
Sussex County Councilwoman Joan Deaver presents a tribute to Cape May Lewes Ferry Director of Operations Heath Gehrke recognizing contributions made by Merchant Marines. BY STEVEN BILLUPS

Lewes enjoys a heritage rich in maritime history that continues to day in varied maritime interests. Several groups combined forces to celebrate that heritage and educate the public about the importance of the area's connection to the sea during the inaugural Maritime Day May 19 at the Lewes ferry terminal.

A highlight of Maritime Day was a ceremony to honor sailors who have perished on Lewes beaches with the laying of wreaths in the Unknown Sailors' Cemetery.

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry joined with Lewes Historical Society, Lewes Chamber of Commerce, Delaware River and Bay Pilots Association, Lightship Overalls, Fort Miles Historical Association and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Delaware Shore Chapter to put on the event. Some of the day's exhibitors included photographer Kevin Fleming, U.S. Naval Academy, Randive commercial divers, SUNY Maritime College, U.S. Coast Guard Academy and Auxiliary, Zwaanendael Museum and Lewes Fire Department.

 

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