Christchurch School has recently announced a program that should be of interest to FBYC members, especially those who have participated in the Mobjack Fleet. Enclosed is an invitation that speaks for itself:

CELEBRATING ROGER MOORMAN
MOBJACK DESIGNER AND BUILDER

Roger Moorman, a Christchurch School 1939 graduate and native of Gloucester Virginia, will be inducted into the Christchurch School’s Hall of Fame for a Life Time Achievement Award on October 13th at 9:30 AM. Roger designed and manufactured the Mobjack, an all fiberglass 17.5 foot boat. This boat reflected a dramatic change in boat manufacturing technology. It was the first all fiberglass designed boat that incorporated a self-bailing capability. Prior to this, fiberglass was used to cover wood boats and did not serve as the basic structural material for a boat. The Mobjack, similar in length to the Thistle, weighed 400 pounds less.  Roger’s advances in boat building technology permeate the boat building market today.

Over 1,200 Mobjacks were produced. Fishing Bay Yacht Club, Ware River Yacht Club, and Hampton Yacht Club were major Virginia centers for the Mobjack. However, Fishing Bay Yacht Club claims the title of “Birthplace of the Mobjack. Other centers for the Mobjack included New Jersey, Delaware, New York and Michigan. Virginia was a clear center for the Mobjack fleet.

There are many stories that should be shared about this man. He was described in the early 1950’s as a person that read the Scientific American as one who would read a Readers Digest article. There was no problem that could not be solved if one had the resolve and commitment to find a solution.

Please join us at Christchurch School to celebrate the contributions this Tidewater native made to competitive sailing. Also you will have the opportunity to be exposed to the Christchurch School’s sailing program which for a decade has been recognized as a top sailing school. This past year, Christchurch earned a high school rank of number four in the country, a nice record for Christchurch School located on the Rappahannock.

After the award ceremony, members of Rogers’ family will be available to you. Some of you may have sailed competitively against Roger.  This should be an opportunity to share stories and experiences. I sailed a Mobjack in the 1960’s and have wonderful memories of exciting experiences.

Christchurch School is located on the east side of Route 33 approximately three miles south of Saluda. Turn into the main entrance and parking will be on the right. The ceremony will be in Scott Chapel. Suggest that you should arrive no later than 9:15 as the ceremony will start promptly at 9:30.

I hope to see you at School on October 13th and share some Mobjack experiences.

Bobby Cone
Chairman
Hall of Fame Committee
Christchurch School
Cell Phone:  804-337-4075
Mobjack # 33