A variety of West Island events captured by our HD cameras
TOWN BEACH FOR SAIL "That's me in your picture kite boarding. Nice windy sunny day!" Jay Close Kite surfers enjoyed the brisk southwesterly wind gusting to 33 MPH at West Island Town Beach - Thursday, April 23, 2020. *ML's Note: As many as a dozen kite surfers were at the beach. A winter type weather pattern made for a cold wet and raw month. The average temperature was 44 degrees. Weather review link here: https://www.westislandweather.com/wea... MLBaron video for westislandweather.com
Hoppys Landing July 4 1993: A 45-foot retired Nova Scotia Style (Novi) Lobster boat was placed in a pile of wood for a spectacular bon fire, when a huge unexpected explosion rattled windows for miles and nearby West Island, Fairhaven, MA. This vintage 1993 tape was recorded at Hoppy's Landing - Long Island, Fairhaven, MA. It was recently discovered, and released for the first time. Courtesy of Robert (Hoppy) Hobson.
A vintage West Island cottage built-in 1955 was demolished August 19, 2019 to make way for a new home at the corner of Bluepoint Rd and Dogwood St. The cottage was one of the "originals" that gave the island its unique charm and identity. There's still a few remaining scattered about, some (but not all) now surrounded by silly "McMansions". A sign of the times. More changes to the neighborhood with Bluepoint Rd getting blacktopped anytime now. The 70-year-old dirt road has been marked off with stakes. *ML's Note: You could rent a West Island summer cottage like this for $10.00 per month, the year it was built in 1955.
Jim Rocha entertains at "Down The Hatch" at Earl's Marina. Jim a longtime Fairhaven Firefighter is well known for belting out some good songs as a guitar soloist . Jim is also one of the most experienced scuba divers in Southern New England., and has his own diving company. He recently retired from the FFD on Oct 29, 2017
The WIIA annual clambake was held on Sunday, August 16. Lobster, Clams, Chowder and all the other classic ingredients made for the ultimate West Island feast! the all-you-can-eat @$40.00 per person event was catered by haveaclambake.com out of Wareham, MA. proceeds benefited the West Island Improvement Association
The West Island Improvement Association held it's very popular Chinese Auction on Saturday, August 15, 2009. As always a full house for this popular fund raising event. Proceeds go towards support of the association and it's building and upkeep.
Marine One, The President's helicopter was buzzing around Buzzards Bay and West Island, Fairhaven, MA today. Unknown who was on board. It's altitude was approximately 500 feet headed on course 060 towards the Cape Cod Canal. President Obama is planning a vacation at Martha's Vineyard nearby.
West Island jet skis are turbo charged , look at this thing cruise
The West Island Improvement Association kicks off their first Sunday Breakfast for the 2009 Summer Season. This popular breakfast event attracts both islanders and those from the mainland for a tasty and yes, legendary buffet style breakfast. Proceeds benefit the association.
About 14 good size Striped Bass were found dumped at the Hoppy's Landing Dock Memorial Day morning. The reason for the dumping remains a mystery. Looks like seagulls will have quite a feast at low tide.
From initial reports an estimated 14,700 gallon spill of No.6 oil was revised upwards to almost 100,000 gallons within a few days. Although the spill was wide spread along the SouthCoast, , Hoppy's Landing was considered the epicenter or "ground zero" . This small clip shows some cleanup crews and activity on June 13, 2003, 45 days after the spill.
Chris Richards at Down The Hatch, Earl's Marina, Long Island Fairhaven, MA. One of South Coast's favorite entertainers at this seaside cafe