2016 has been an exciting year for Ernestina-Morrissey and you can be a part of it!
The title of Chester Brigham's excellent "biography" of the schooner, Phoenix of the Sea, speaks to the multiple times she has emerged from what looked like her end to begin new chapters in her life story. From fishing vessel, to Arctic explorer, Cape Verdean Packet, to maritime educator, this National Historic Landmark Vessel, Official Vessel of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and part of the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park has time and again survived difficult circumstances and flourished. Which leads us to her current situation.
The thrilling work now on-going at Boothbay Harbor Shipyard is replacing tired wood that has faithfully done its work with new strong timbers. It's occurring now because a public/ private partnership has provided $5.3 million dollars of the $6.3 million required to rehabilitate her hull to Coast Guard Ocean Certificate standards.
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| Photo credit: Harold Burnham |
Why is this important? It's important because once Ernestina-Morrissey meets the standards required to receive an Ocean Certificate, Massachusetts Maritime Academy will become her steward; incorporating her into their curricula, having cadets living aboard and sailing her, and continuing to offer summer programing out of New Bedford.
SEMA has pledged to raise the $1 million remaining required to finish the hull rehabilitation, and your support can make a real difference in this effort! We have just $750,000 left to reach our goal. Please give as generously as you can and support Ernestina-Morrissey's latest Phoenix like transition to a new dynamic important life and role.
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| Photo credit: Fred Sterner |
Join us and others, and be a part of both her historic past and her future.
Thank you,
Julius Britto and the SEMA Board of Directors
