Oxford is on the Tred Avon River, a short sail from St. Michaels, but a step back in time. It is a lovely little town with enough to keep both of us happy – lots of boatyards and a great ice cream store.The highlight, we agreed, was definitely the Cutts and Case Shipyard, whose office building is shown. Peering into the windows, we lamented that we were not there on a weekday when it was open.
We walked down to the docks of this modest operation and were struck by the pretty boats - both old and new. Cutts and Case builds only wooden boats with a very high standard of craftsmanship. They also do refits of vintage wooden boats. As we walked past their workshop, shown behind Corinne, the manager came out and soon was taking us on a tour around the yard, talking about the history of many of the boats. As we walked back to the road he
said, “Come and see these.’ and took us through the office building. The boats were more beautifully finished than most furniture. He spoke passionately of the art and the science of boat-building, and it was a great afternoon.And how does one finish a great afternoon? Why, with a free shower and an ice cream cone, of course.
