Visitors and locals alike looking for a historical journey and not simply a destination have a new option. A visit to Ocean Springs Harbor provides beautiful scenery with a wide range of shore birds and a variety of different vessels bobbing in the quiet waters on the far west shores of Jackson County. There are shrimp boats, fishing boats, work boats and pleasure vessels, but one vessel making this quaint harbor its home is the Lily Faith.
Moored along the eastern shores of the harbor, the shiny white hull with bikini blue trim and mahogany rails is like looking back in time when this model first launched in 1954. The Lily Faith has undergone a rebuild and remodel and has even changed from its original role as a survey vessel.
Built by Covacevich Shipyard on back bay in Biloxi in 1954, the Lily Faith had multiple sister vessels that spent their early existence operating as survey vessels along the shores of south Louisiana. Original name still in discovery, first ownership was record to have taken place by Richard Montiforte, and named the Shrimp Queen, the design is known as a Biloxi lugger and was built for honest work in the gulf. Today it has been preserved to entertain people instead of cargo and emits sounds of laughter and conversation in the Mississippi Sound.
In 2011 she was purchased and renamed Ma Cherie, by Andy Fountain. It was at that time that the more-than-50-year-old vessel needed extensive work to remain afloat. After a multi-year restoration and rebuild attempt, she was purchased in 2023 and work to bring her back to glory continued.
Owner Robbie Carter and business partner, Gretchen David are excited to share their hard work and attention to detail with others who want to experience the Gulf Coast from a different perspective. A trip aboard the Lily Faith is not a charter but rather a historic, heritage yachting experience on a majestic vessel with a story from the past that is looking to write its future and will be run by Captain Paul Miller.
“The vessel was a childhood dream of mine that turned into a memory maker with my three kiddos,” Carter said, noting that the private cruise idea was developed as a 4th grade school project by his daughter and vessel namesake, Lily Faith.
While Capt. Miller has sailed a wide variety of vessels, he said there is something special about being able to captain such an amazing boat.
“The Lily Faith stands apart from every other boat I’ve run,” Miller said. “Simply being aboard her feels like stepping back in time. She isn’t just a vessel—the boat itself is the experience.”
Private excursions aboard the prize-winning wooden vessel are available for parties of up to six people. Eventually, the crew may offer cruises for up to 12 people, but Carter said he doesn’t want a crowd to ruin the intimate feel of the experience.
Current packages offered include sunrise, sunset and brunch, and all packages include a six-pack of Lily Faith branded tumblers and a custom “Sea-cuterie” board as memorabilia keepsakes. Click the Lily Faith website for more information about packages or create your own custom experience.
