Gov. M. Jodi Rell recently announced the appointment of Pawcatuck resident Charles Estabrooks to the position of deputy harbor master of Stonington. The position will see Estabrooks policing the local waterways, assisting the harbor master in collecting fees, and citing violations, both guidelines of the Stonington Harbor Management Plan adopted in 2000.
A Mystic native, Estabrooks attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he studied and earned degrees in building science and information technology. Upon graduating, Estabrooks launched a business venture with a few of his fellow classmates where he developed various types of software for architects and engineers.
Eventually his lifelong passion for photography won out and, after shooting for fellow classmates who had gone on to become engineers, Estabrooks spent two years studying under renowned photographer Tracy Woodward, while he held a position as a staff photographer for Blass Communications.
In 1996, Estabrooks, an avid sailor, finally returned home, and much closer to the ocean, settling in Pawcatuck and opening up Above Elite Studios in Westerly, where he works in photography, digital imaging, Web design, and information technology consulting. With his love for photography rivaled only by his love for the ocean, Estabrooks has, over the years, become very familiar with a large area of the local waters and is excited to take on his new position.
In a recent statement, Gov. Rell explained why Estabrooks made a perfect candidate for the position.
“Charles brings a thorough knowledge of one of our busiest recreational waterways as both a longtime resident and businessman in the Stonington area,” Rell said. “He will help provide very capable oversight of the navigable waterways so popular with boaters from all over the northeast. I am pleased that he is taking on this very important public service role.”
Estabrooks will serve as deputy harbor master of Stonington until June 11, 2011, or until a qualified successor is appointed.