JOHN GANDY grew up on the oyster fishing fleet of Delaware Bay at a time when all of the oyster boats had been built as schooners and the newest vessel was built in 1929. His family were all sea captains and/or oystermen from whom he has inherited the traditions of the sea. He himself has never been off the water for long. A retired naval officer, John has owned and operated his own oyster boat, dredging oysters from the rich beds of Delaware Bay. In 1986 he acquired one of the old Delaware schooners and founded a nonprofit organization for the preservation of our maritime heritage and to promote environmental awareness. That vessel, A.J. MEERWALD, was completely rebuilt and is presently sailing New Jersey waters. John holds an unlimited U.S. Coast Guard masters license for vessels of any tonnage, and currently sails as captain for Maersk Line Limited and works as a part-time captain for the Maine State Ferry Service. He resides in Blue Hill, Maine.