When we lived in Norfolk we used a boat ramp not far from our house to launch and recover for a day of boating. That put us in the Elizabeth River south of Norfolk, a gritty, industrial area dotted with commercial wharves, shipyards and breakers yards. As much as I enjoyed seeing a bustling, working waterfront it always gave me a touch of sadness to see old ships being cut up even though its a simple matter of economics.
In the case of the SS United States who’s current situation is linked below, the specter of the breakers yard is that much more poignant. It’s probably a fantasy to think she can be saved but I like to think she could be.
Howard Boat Works, Inc. 