Oliver's Gift #10 Oliver Duke started building a hull in 1947 in Swathmore, Pennsylvania, where he lived while working for Sun Ship Building Company in Chester, Pennsylvania, as a gift for his nephew, Duke Adams. The logs from Oliver's Gift came from Oliver Dukes farm at Royal Oak MD outside of St Michaels . The shaped logs were completed into hull form at Royal Oak MD. Oliver Duke died in 1948, and the boat was completed by Duke Adams and Duke Adams, Jr. at Solomon's, Maryland. She first raced that year in the Annapolis Yacht Club Regatta. She went on that season to win the Governor's cup during the Miles River Yacht Club Regatta, as well as many other races that year.

 

In 1955 she was given to Duke Adams, Jr. by his father. She was then donated to the Tred Avon Yacht Club in 1963 by younger Adams. Two years later, Peter Hersloff purchased the boat and sailed her until 1964, when William Samuels became the owner of "Oliver's Gift". Finally, Duke Adams III and Guy Adams purchased their grandfather's boat in 1980. They refurbished the boat and continue to race her today in the Chesapeake Bay area regattas. She recenty won the Governers Cup for the last three years; 1998, 1999 & 2000.

 

 

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