It's ON! Getting our COI back is goal Number 1!

The Ship's Draft website is temporarily published  for 2 weeks, for your review and comment:  www.spiritofsc.info

It's not complete in many areas. Send feedback, critics, and suggestions to bryan@spiritofsc.org.

That's right. If there was any confusion about the direction this ship is headed, the simple straightforward near term objective speaks volumes. Project Manager Heath Hackett reminded me four days ago. Our Near-Term objective is to regain our COI. From that point, be positioned to start up any number of harbor sails, and dockside events that will start Spirit of South Carolina generating some revenue. 

The ships overall mission has not changed. The plan, for the coming year is aimed at; generating some operating revenue, building visibility across the state and publicity around her mission and capabilities. Attracting public interest, and sponsorship that can eventually put Spirit of South Carolina on the road to self-sustainment. 

 It's a tall order. Other tall ships, once better funded than us, are struggling with the same issues.  Recruiting a licensed Captain for one thing. Hiring on a core of competent deckhands, another.  But, they have one thing, we haven't got (quoting The Wizard of Oz).  A "COI". 

Acquiring a COI is a straightforward drill. We have already had, and passed our haulout inspection, and have necessary documentation.  What remains is for USCG t o observe the schooner operating under supervision of a licensed Captain, a Mate, another license on board, and at least four competent deckhands. Observed in the drills of casting off, setting and adjusting sail, conduct a man-overboard drill. walk thru the drill for FIRE, and prepping for "Abandon Ship."  Volunteers, are expected to play a role in filling out the complement of 8 deckhands needed to cast off, raise and handle sail, take in sail and secure to the dock.

Aside from training up, as Volunteers, our more immediate objective is to uprig the Mainmast. 

That will first require:

    Reinstalling remaining 6 new masthoops.

    Finish coating the jib boom and jumbo boom with Deksolje D.2 varnish

    Sanding and revarnishing the main boom and gaff.

    Laying out and Sending aloft and uprigging the Mainsail peak halyard and Main boom lifts.

    Remounting the Main boom and gaff

    Bending on all four sails. 

The simple fact is.  These tasks are mostly all on us Volunteers.  Capt Hacketts' team is preoccupied with finishing up all the systems work, installation and testing, and some deck brightwork coating.  Volunteers are already in the middle of some of those tasks (see photos), , but we need a surge. 

Volunteer Coordinator Bryan, and Mikel Evatt
 argue the best technique for squeezing on the
mast hoops.

Just this past Saturday, Dave Lazar laid out on the jib and jumbo booms with a coat of varnish. After an extensive ship orientation from Bryan Oliver, New Volunteers, Logan Day and Jamie Wert followed up later in the afternoon hot-coating a sixth layer of varnish.  

Ken Fonville reports back with a plan
to lift the mainsail boom a foot.

Ken Fonville started the prep of the mainsail boom for sanding, Mikell Evatt and Dave Brennan, refined their technique for compressing and fitting on an additional two new mast  hoops. 

Bosun's Mate-for-a-Day, Dan Maurin
 untangles the peak halyard, months-long
 piled in the forecastle.

Dan Maurin and Nate Mack hauled out of the forecastle, the massive gordian knot that was the mainsail peak halyard tackle, stretched it out, and labeled the blocks and shackles, in prep for sending them aloft.  Nate prepared an invaluable sketch of the tackle rigging diagram for the one designated to set up the whole thing. (TBA-a volunteer for going aloft)

The Payoff,, a sumptuous lunch of Caribbean inspired fare,
 created by Chef Hunter.

Next weekend's Volunteer Day needs to be a continuation of what was begun and progressed, this past Saturday.  The following Saturday, will be restricted due to Security around the Veep's visit to the IAAM Grand Opening.   We know what needs to be done. If you want to pitch in, but unsure where to start, what to do. start with the Volunteer Coordinator.  (314-409-0433).  

 It's up to us.  Update your Volunteer Blog with your hours, and annotate the deckhand skills you think you've improved.  I'll be checking.