Captain Annabel is the heartfelt saga of a small girl born in 1907 who, encouraged by her father, takes to the sea. Through her own diligence and efforts Annabel makes her way up through the ranks of schooners, ferries and tankers. Despite the hardships, Annabel rises to become master of her own tugboat. This is a story of integrity, courage and self-reliance, making Annabel a great role model for readers young and old.
Born in Brooklyn New York in 1956, Neal Evan Parker started sailing the waters of New England as a teenager. Encouraged by early mentors Neal became devoted to traditional sailing craft. He spent many years building ship models as well as working on full sized sailing vessels.
Neal became a licensed captain by age 20. Since then he has skippered over a dozen schooners and traditional craft. In 1986 Captain Parker purchased and restored the 67-foot schooner Wendameen. Dedicating four years to her restoration, he placed the Wendameen into the Maine Windjammer business from 1990 to 2004.
After completion of the Wendameen, Captain Parker took up building and restoring ship models professionally for clients ranging from private collectors to galleries and museums.
Captain Parker has also turned author in recent years. He realized publication of his third book through Down East Publications and has since completed many more projects. Many of his new books carry the Annabel Books trademark as a tribute to his daughter.
In April 2005 after a run of almost 20 years Capt Neal Parker sold his beloved schooner Wendameen. He is now devoting his time to ship model work, writing and being a full time father.
