For Immediate Release, February 2007
Tall Ship Ready For March Launching
The launch of the Spirit of South Carolina is planned for approximately 12:00 p.m. that Sunday at the Port Authority Passenger Terminal near the Maritime Center, barring bad weather and logistical upsets. The South Carolina Maritime Foundation—the organization that built this ship—is inviting the public to come out and celebrate this historic occasion. The actual launching will be best viewed by boat from the harbor, as the Port Authority launch location is not open to the public. A public celebration at the Maritime Center, where the ship will be temporarily berthed after launching, is scheduled from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. that day. Friends of the project, along with donors, shipwrights, and volunteers, will be on hand to celebrate the ship’s launch. Refreshments will be available for purchase, along with traditional southern barbeque. The organization also plans to offer commemorative launch keepsakes, like glass tumblers with etched ships and launch T-shirts, for sale.
Two days prior to its inaugural splashdown on Sunday, the ship will begin its short but mammoth trip to the sea. On Friday March 2, the 150-ton ship will be towed to the south edge of Ansonborough Field and across the street into the port terminal compound by a team of professional house movers using a custom-engineered cradle. On Sunday, March 4, the largest barge-crane on the East Coast will lift the Spirit of South Carolina and lower it into the water in approximately the same spot where Samuel Pregnall’s shipyard once stood, the same yard that built and launched the Frances Elizabeth, a circa 1879 pilot schooner after which the new ship is modeled.
“This will truly be an historic occasion,” said Brad Van Liew, the executive director of the foundation. “A genuine tall ship hasn’t been built on these shores for decades. We’re really excited to share this day with the public, and we’re wholly indebted to so many people who put in the dollars, hours, the energy, and the passion to make this dream a reality, particularly Charlie Sneed and Mark Bayne, who had the initial vision.”
When renowned Lowcountry shipwright Bayne and maritime heritage enthusiast Sneed first hatched their plan to build a tall ship, they weren’t sure what shape it would ultimately take. They knew, however, that this region was devoid of such traditional vessels, and interest in this subject was in sore need of a focal point. “So much of what we’ve accomplished here in South Carolina and so much of our history began with tall ships arriving on this coast,” said Sneed in 2003. “We have a rich maritime heritage here, but much of the information about that has been mislaid or ignored. We hope this ship and the interest it will generate can serve to amend that.”
The Spirit of South Carolina will primarily serve as a sail training vessel for South Carolina’s youth. But before the educational programs can begin next fall, the ship will undergo three months of rigging, commissioning, and finish work near the Charleston Navy Base and later at the Charleston Maritime Center. The enormous masts, booms, and bowsprit will be built and installed, along with all the deck hardware. “There’s still a fair amount of work to be done,” explained Van Liew, “including some critical fundraising.” He added that his organization still needs to raise $700,000 to meet its funding goal of $4 million. “We’ve given this next phase of fundraising a theme: “Raise the Rig.”
In keeping with the Spirit of South Carolina’s emphasis on youth development, the South Carolina Maritime Foundation has partnered with the Post and Courier newspaper to hold an essay contest for fifth and sixth grade students across the state. The winner of this contest will have the honor of officially christening the ship, and that student’s family will receive a complimentary hotel stay in downtown Charleston, March 2-5, as well as travel expenses and many other amenities. The contest is open to fifth and six grade students from public, private, and home schools. Students should submit an essay of 100 words or less on the theme, 'What is the Spirit of South Carolina?' The essay should describe how the ship embodies the steadfast spirit of South Carolina and how it will teach students about the sailing legacy and history of the state. The deadline for submissions is February 9. For additional details, contact Brenda Rindge at The Post and Courier (843/577-7111 or [email protected]).
For additional information on the launching of the Spirit of South Carolina, contact the South Carolina Maritime Foundation online at www.scmaritime.org where news will be posted as it is available.
