Shrimp Boat Model Unveiled at the Darien Downtown Development Authority

Darien, Ga: Unveiled at the Darien Downtown Development Authority (DDA) meeting on June 10, 2008, the Captain Jackie Baxley honors the memory of a great Georgia shrimper. This unique model is designed after a 92' long shrimp boat and was hand-crafted by David Baxley using wood and layers of fiberglass just like a commercial vessel.

The boat includes scale-model nets with "Georgia Jumpers"; which were
designed by Darien shrimper Sinkey Boone and later became known as "Turtle
Extruder Devices." The rigging also includes the chains that were
introduced to the shrimping industry by Captain Jackie Baxley.

The vessel was custom-built for the waterfront educational venue at the DDA
Docks adjacent to Skippers's Restaurant on the Darien River. This program
will showcase the importance of the shrimping industry, the difference
between pond-raised and Wild Georgia Shrimp, and how shrimp boats work. The
public will also be able to interface directly with a working shrimp boat
and its crew in a safe environment.

The DDA Docks are being rehabilitated with the addition of safety railings,
benches, lights and handicapped-access. The docks and waterfront education
venue are expected to open to the public in July.

For interviews or more information: Frank Feild, City of Darien, (912) 437-6686.


Article posted June 11, 2008.