Albatross Fleet 70th Anniversary 10-13-07

[bigeasy]

Capt Ernal Foster started a sportfishing business in 1937 in Hatteras Village, NC with the purchase of the "Albatross". This was followed by the "Albatross 2" in 1948 and the "Albatross 3" in 1952. These vessels have been in continuous service in charter fishing by the same family, now the son, Ernie Foster since 1937.

I am not aware of any serious marine mishap with these wooden boats at any time. They are constructed of Juniper and were built in Harkers Island, NC. They have been glassed and upgraded with engines and modern equipment as it became available. The outriggers, however, are bamboo painted with the distinctive candy cane colors as originally built.

Ernie and his wife hosted a 70th Anniversary cookout in Hatteras Village for the local community on 10-13-07.

This represents a considerable achievement in the sportfishing world. I am not aware of a longer life charter fishing business in the world, operated by the same family.

Congratulations to the Foster family for keeping alive a tradition of recreational fishing and excellence in service.

[OffTheHookB&T]

Very cool read Capt Cliff, thanks for sharing.
Congratulations to the Albatross Fleet and the Foster family
Pretty unique boats there, I've never seen a transom like that.

[Jer]

Awesome! Very cool, thanks for posting the story and the pictures. Congrats, Albatross Fleet!

[Sea Frog]

Now that post is one of the coolest i have seen on here. I like to see the old boats especially if they are still active

[bigeasy]

recently fished with captain Ernie. He started fishing with the Albatross fleet in 1948. Ernie was boasting a bit but he said, "not many businesses can keep a customer for 59 years".

Many give Ernal Foster and his family a lot of credit for pioneering sportfishing in North Carolina. His brother , Bill Foster was also a Captain in the Albatross fleet who held the Atlantic blue marlin record for many years.

[SeaBiscuit]

Thanks for bringing this special event to our attention captain Cliff. The legend of the Albatross fleet is a good one. I hope they go on for ever!
SeaBiscuit

[ocnslr]

We were right next door in the Breakwater Inn and saw the crowd gathering. Heard "Happy Birthday" being sung, but didn't know until the next day what the gathering was about.

I've read the entire history of the fleet development, and sorry I missed the party.

Brian

[anthony]

Cliff,

Great stuff! Capt. Ernie is a fine gentleman and it is amazing that they have been able to continue charter fishing all these years...let alone with the SAME BOATS! Wish I could have been there...will make sure I congratulate Ernie when I move the Skirtchaser there in March. I always enjoy looking down the dock from my slip at Oden's and see those Albatross boats.

[gofshn]

for those of you who like history, "Hatteras Blues" is a must to read. this will be one book you can't put down. it details the origins of these boats as well as the lives of those involved in their sailing.

[#1Gaffman]

Thanks captain Cliff for bring this up.


I was fishing with Elson on the outer limits this summer when i looked over and saw this funky lookn boat with candy cane looking riggers??? Crazy lookn boat for sure.

Elson explained the boat and the history.


Man you gotta love OBX history. While i was in OI i learned a lot about hte history of the carolinas. Man, so much heritage and honor down there just amazed me. Remember i am just a dum yankee kid, so this was all knew to me