Le Papillon

Le Papillon beached on Fire Island.

If you're a little geeky about boats, you may have heard about Le Papillon. This vessel, previously known only to the few who loved and/or gawked at her as she floated in our marina, is now rather infamous on cruisers forums and other blogs.  All this because the owners son, loaded a cooler and together with a couple of friends decided to sail her to Maine, without permission, or much experience. Unfortunately it didn't end well. Le Papillon is now beached on Fire Island. The crew was safely rescued, but there is no guarantee of their safety once the enraged father gets a hold of them!

For full documentation of  the wreck, its current status, and pics of Le Papillon being built (courtesy of our neighbors Art and Linda Benson) check out Will's blog called Tugster. He's got some amazing pictures of the sand now nearly swallowing this massive ship.

Le Papillon floats during winter 2010 as the dock goes under water. Photo courtesy of Art and Linda Benson.

Le Papillon was a steel hull vessels built in Baltimore. She has circumnavigated the globe, and was last floating at our marina only a couple of weeks ago. We are  saddened and shocked, and have decided to never leave the dock again.