Maine Schooner Harvey Gamage in Charleston for a Month; Requests Volunteers

Harvey Gamage put in to Charleston two nights ago after disembarking her Proctor Academy students in Florida. She has tied up to the dock at Charleston Maritime Center with the intent of staying for approximately a month to conduct scheduled and needed maintenance before resuming programs.

And..

She will welcome aboard Spirit of South Carolina Volunteers who wouldn't mind lending a hand with her crew.  Offering a berth and meals.

So, I spoke with Capt Kevin Jencomb yesterday.  They could use help in just about any capacity, for a day, 1/2 day, or better yet, a few days or more.  For all you volunteers out there, take this as a compliment.  Over the past three years, when Harvey Gamage has docked nearby, her crew has noticed your efforts and dedication.  They have even come aboard Spirit of South Carolina and worked with you on some of our projects. You have a reputation.

(This coming Saturday is the annual Christmas Boat parade around the Harbor- earn yourself a great view after a day with the crew on a few projects, and stay over the night.)

Now, if you're like me, and have been suffering from inability to scratch my schooner itch due to Spirit's being miles away, here's a pretty good remedy.  

Some solid reasons for  lending a hand on Harvey Gamage

• Harvey Gamage and Spirit of South Carolina's rigs are similar- as are our standard operating procedures. If you've internalized the way we do things on Spirit, you'll fit right in, and more easily absorb more. Anything you learn on HG will serve you well.

• Spirit of South Carolina has been out of hand for almost nine months now, and our own skills/habits can get rusty.  Harvey Gamage is offering a perfect opportunity to sharpen yourselves, likely learn some new things  (sailors are good at sharing tips and techniques..)

• Your Volunteer Hours Count.  Keep track of your hours on HG, and enter them into the Volunteer Log for Spirit of South Carolina.

• You'll be contributing to a great tradition among tall-ship sailors and true mariners- looking out for each other and our ships.  If you're ever thinking of signing on as a deckhand on one of these, paid or volunteer;  it starts here.
• For sure, it's almost all maintenance, but that's 90% of any tall-ship sailor's day anyway,, but, if HG makes a shake-down Harbor sail anytime before departure-I can't promise- but chances are good you'll be invited to join in.

If you can help our our sister schooner, please respond to me [bryan@spiritofsc.org] or text [314-409-0433] with your anticipated date/time you can go aboard, and time available.  I'll forward the head's up to HG's Port Captain.