You may have seen the iconic green wooden fishing boat cruising along Boston Harbor at one time or another in your travels. For over 50 years, the Valhalla has been on the high seas and now her voyage has come to end.
According to an article in The Patriot Ledger in 2009, it took Harding Forsyth over nine years to build the 57-foot craft and launched it out of Milton Yacht Club in 1966. Harding was a master carpenter and used trees from his backyard in Canton to build the Valhalla by hand. After Harding passed away in 1991, his four sons continued the tradition of their father.
They maintained the boat by replacing planks and overhauling engines. All four learning their father’s craft of carpentry. They continued to cruise the harbor with their own families enjoying all beauty that Boston Harbor has to offer. Sunshine, ocean air and honoring the legacy of Harding.
Sadly, the Valhalla days on the ocean have come to an end. She launched on Saturday but sunk later that night. The name Valhalla means a place of honor, glory, or happiness : heaven in Viking mythology.
Here’s a video of the Valhalla launching in 2018.
Sending love to the Forsyth family. Valhalla was more than just a sport fishing boat to them.
Special thank you to @DotMalone on Twitter for sharing photo!
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
