| Hi, my name is Jimmy, I’m second generation Portuguese on my Dad’s side and first generation on my Mom’s. I’ve always had a passion for Tuna Boats and their colorful history and have, over the years, amassed a large library of photos and many stories to go with them. In the hopes of keeping some of this history alive — and perhaps passing this tradition on to my son — I’ve created this site to share my memories and photos in honor of my Portuguese heritage and for the men that made their living at sea and also to those who lost their lives at sea, may they rest in peace. I hope you enjoy my photos and ramblings. Please feel welcome to share your thoughts and pictures too, I’ll be happy to post them for you. Many of the pictures you’ll see have been donated by other Portuguese and Italian friends/families and many are from my own collection, but all are treasured. Please enjoy… |
The boats are shown at the once active finger piers- At Grape and Harbor. I spent many years at the piers working with my uncle and the "Market Boat Fleet". Made up mostly of small vessels from 30 to 70 feet they would fish local areas for albacore, halibut, sea bass, and barracuda. That history is also my passion to preserve and collect a forgotten , colorful history.
Tony ,finger Piers ,was always such a big part of the Bay. Photos of the bay and the fleet is my number one passion. To bad people just didnt take photos.
Jimmy, I'm glad to see that you are putting together the historical collection of the tuna fleet. My father, Mario and brother, Dominick were involved in the fleet from the early days. Dominick worked with Lou Brito and the O.F. boats. (Southern Pacific, Royal Pacific, etc.) They were those ever beautiful Martinac boats.
I will try to see if I have some old photos of the early fleet.
I am also doing the same thing collecting what I can of the history of the Grape St. market boat fleet which has all but disappeared.
Your historical project would be of great interest to Tom Cesarini of the CONVIVIO society which has its HQ on the 2700 blk of India St.. They have several publications of SD's waterfront history..
Tony, i would love to see some old photos anything you have would be awesome. The Southern Pacific and the Royal were awesome Martinac boats. Look forward to hearing from you take care my friend…