Date Sunk: November 28, 1898
         Cause: Bilged
     Location: Naushon Island, Tarpaulin Cove
Coordinates:  Latitude, 41^o - 27' - 54"N   Longitude, 70^o - 45' - 18"W
         Loran:
    Many nameless storms have ravaged the New England coast leaving in their wake untold tales of misery and destruction. One of the worst was the Portland Gale, November 26-27, 1898. Named after the steamer Portland that sank with nearly 200 persons aboard, this two-day Hurricane caused more damage to shipping in New England, than any other in history. Over 130 vessels were lost, 26 in Vineyard Haven Harbor alone.
    After loading coal at Perth Amboy, N.J., the 4 masted schooner Lunet set sail for her homeport of Bangor Maine. As she entered Vineyard Sound on November 27^th, the gale struck forcing her Captain to seek refuge at Tarpaulin Cove, Naushon Island. Located on the western side of the island, largest of the Elizabethan Chain, Tarpaulin Cove was a weather hole for many vessels sailing the outer Cape. With winds from the southwest Lunet anchored near the western shore. Under the lee of the lighthouse the schooner made ready for the coming storm.
    The next day a change in wind direction, from the northeast, accompanied by a blinding snowstorm put the schooner in a dangerous position. Her proximity to the rocks and the reduced visibility prevented her from sailing further into the harbor. If her anchors could not withstand the strain of the 70 mile per hour gusts, she would certainly be destroyed. Suddenly the anchor chain parted and Lunet was flung across the reef at the southwestern entrance to the cove. The force of the impact tore her bottom out. Filling quickly she went down in 60 feet of water on the Sound side of the reef. There were no survivors. When the storm abated only the crosstrees of Lunet's masts marked her final resting-place.