Almost Done! Expect to Cast-off for Charleston..Soon

 Activity aboard Spirit of South Carolina has surged, these past two weeks. The previous blog posting last week announced the installation of the new Inverter/charger, and both banks of batteries changed out for fresh.  Navionics were tested.

This week, the diesel experts came down. They changed out several major components, tuned things up.  Now both engines are running as they should be.  A new Master control circuit board for the GENSET was replaced, as were filters, and diagnostics run.  It's now operational.  All four critical projects meant to be managed while here at the dock, have been completed.

While specialists were finishing up below decks, Capt Hackett had brought with him four of his team with scrapers and guns, to work on the entire cap rail.  By this past Thursday, they had completely wooded the entire cap rail.    

Meanwhile, this last Saturday,  back at the Charleston Maritime Center, Bryan Oliver, with Danny Johnson, David Brennan, and Ken Fonville were staring down the pile of stuff at the end of the dock. With the second half of hurricane season still looming, the Maritime Center was growing concerned about loose things going airborne and possibly causing surrounding damage.  

So, with new tarpaulins, a roll of #72 seine twine, and dock carts, we sorted into separate piles all the loose hardware, that could possibly move.  We carted off the dock three loads of stuff for junking or salvage, another load into Bryan's trunk for further sorting or repair and restoring. The rest, including five 10-foot lengths of chain, was repacked into the storage chests, tarped and lashed down. against the dock benches.  

At this point, it would appear the only issues to be resolved are the bringing aboard of a delivery crew.  Capt Hackett may do the work himself with small group out of his organization.  He does not see needs for Volunteers aboard for the delivery, but will accept help for taking lines in Charleston.  Things could change-they always do.  Watch your email.

Meanwhile, your blogger shipmate will be once again, out of state, out west thru the 24th.

Projects Advance aboard Spirit of South Carolina-still tied up at Thunderbolt Marina

 A bit of news from Hunter aboard Spirit of South Carolina, still tied up inside the facedock at Thunderbolt Marine Shipyard, undergoing the last four projects necessary to send her home to Charleston. Just this past Wednesday, Capt Hackett came aboard to supervise the exchange of the entire bank of 19 batteries for new ones.  The lightning-fried Inverter, destroyed in May 2020 was finally replaced.  

The remaining projects are the installation of a new Master Control Circuit board for GENSET , and some diesel engine work. And of course, there's the hiring a delivery Captain and crew.  Still, we're getting closer

Joe Gorman, Retired Submariner and Old Salt is remembered.

(Reprinted from email announcement  to Volunteers, Sunday, August 28) 

 Today we lost a shipmate.  Old Salt, and retired Submariner, Joe Gorman passed away after fighting a rapidly progressing brain tumor only recently discovered.  His family was with him.

Joe was one of the early volunteers who helped in the construction and early operations of Spirit of South Carolina; one of the few who remained active and involved with the schooner throughout her life. His affinity for “collecting things” and membership in the Knot Tyer’s Guild was well known to all of us who worked the deck,, volunteer and professional crew alike.  One could not look in any direction, on deck or below, without seeing some examples of his contributions.

Joe, with Captain Cleveland

 He was a great teacher, and coach to us and any student who came aboard. Almost all of us benefited from an impromptu session with Joe on techniques for breaking open a dried out rock-hard knot,  or rethinking and marveling the simple effectiveness, and weakness (there aren’t any) of a well- made properly deployed bowline.

  And of course, his reputation for acquiring materials was legendary;  Rolls of manila rope for sword mats, ocean plait mats, heavy tarpaulin cloth for constructing tool bags and small boat covers, canvas strapping for creating a cargo net, Canvas repair tools. It goes on.

 

His signature white whiskers seemed to fit perfectly into the image of a 19^th century schooner’s deck. We’ll keep his memory in all those things.  

Joe, and his family's wish was that his ashes be taken to sea, aboard Spirit of South Carolina when next she slips her lines and bears away.  Can't think of a better send-off.

Last Watch
Aboard Spirit of South Carolina
October 2019