|
“While our name Starboards is a nautical term, it was derived from two past and
present historic Portsmouth landmarks, according to Betsy Cartier. “We are
located on the site of the former local newspaper, The Portsmouth Star, and we
are directly across from the old Seaboard Railroad Terminal at High Street
Landing” she states.
The cottage-style kiosk was renovated to complement the
historic Olde Towne neighborhood. As a tribute to the area’s maritime heritage,
the exterior counters were constructed from the same lumber used by local boat
builders to build the Pilot Schooner Virginia.
“We cater to many boaters from Ocean Marine and Tidewater
Marina,” according to Betsy Cartier. “As a result, we wanted a nautical theme
that tied into the area’s marine heritage”, she states. The construction of the
Pilot Schooner Virginia provided that opportunity. Betsy’s husband,
David Cartier was given the lumber by Capt. Robert C. Glover III. Glover, former Executive
Director of the Virginia Maritime Heritage Foundation.
The Cartiers hired Mike Finlason of Chesapeake to design and build the
exterior counters at the kiosk. The lumber, known as WANA, is from South
America. A brass plaque mounted on the shelves tells patrons they are
constructed from the same lumber used by local boat builders to build the Pilot
Schooner Virginia.
“High Street Landing is Portsmouth’s waterfront gateway”, states Betsy
Cartier. “It’s the first impression of many people coming to Portsmouth. The
connection to the Schooner Virginia helped to transform the former information
kiosk building into a warm and inviting atmosphere. “We wanted it to serve not
only as a destination point for visitors looking for information, but act as an
outdoor coffee kiosk for local residents looking for the high quality beverages
and light fare. Our efforts are focused on providing an exceptional experience
for visitors and local customers alike”, she said.
Today, Starboards has become a popular year-round gathering spot for locals,
visitors and boaters alike. Starboards operates daily - Monday thru Friday from
6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the winter.
For further
information, contact David or Elizabeth Cartier at 757.478.0056 or by e-mail at
info@starboards.biz .
About the Pilot Schooner Virginia -
The Pilot Schooner Virginia Project is a program of The Virginia
Maritime Heritage Foundation. The mission of the project is to construct and
operate a replica of the historic 118-foot Pilot Schooner Virginia. This "Class
B" tall ship was the last sailing Pilot Schooner in use on the Chesapeake Bay
and served the Virginia Pilot Association from 1917 until 1926 as a station
vessel off the Virginia Capes. (vessel history) The Pilot Schooner Virginia will
be a living symbol of Virginia's historic maritime past and will be used to
promote educational and economic programs for the Commonwealth of Virginia. For
more information, go to
www.schoonervirginia.org .
- end - |
