I’d say it looks like a serious challenge, so great good luck to them!
The bateau was designed by steamboat Captain Thomas P Leathers of Kentucky, who is remembered for taking part in a race against the steamboat Robert E Lee in 1870.
Barbashela was a gift to Varina Anne ‘Winnie’ Davis of Biloxi, Mississippi, and the skiff was rowed on Oyster Bayou.
The plan is that the restored boat will be returned to the bayous in the Biloxi area.
My thanks to Brian Anderson for spotting this one.
The restoration of the 1880s bateau is nearing completion. Check out the restoration log at smallboatrestoration.blogspot.com, look for the Leathers 20 Rowboat page. Cheers!