Sailing enthusiasts likely noticed a new schooner plying the waters of Penobscot Bay. She is the 22-foot Mercury. Recently restored, she was acquired two summers ago by Captain Neal Parker, of Rockport.

The schooner, originally a Chuck Paine design, was laid up in a swampy field nearly two decades ago, said Parker, in a news release. Her fiberglass bottom was torn open and deformed, her hull, rig and sails overgrown with moss and mold.

Besides obvious repairs, Parker lengthened the stern, made major modifications to the deck layout and fully refinished all the paint and woodwork.

 “I have been in the windjammer and sailing business for 50 years, and wanted one more schooner under my feet,” he said.

 Parker has a long history of restoring traditional sailing vessels both large and very small. Well known for his restoration of the 67-foot schooner Wendameen he also has a made a livelihood building and repairing ship models. He said that the Mercury is the perfect combination of the two.

 Parker, who repairs the models in his specially designed studio in Rockport has also achieved some acclaim as an author. When asked about the diversity of careers he explains, “Ship model work requires a lot of sitting... writing affords me a chance to sit somewhere else.”

 The Mercury can be seen sailing Rockland Harbor. To contact Parker about ship model restoration and other boat projects call 207-230-7083 or visit schooneryacht.com