First Programs Aboard since 2019, are Taking Shape, and Masts remain top of the Punch List

Rick Washington taking the
grime off the foremast before brushing
 on a 1st coat of linseed oil. 

If you've been following this blog  for past few months, I'm sure you're growing weary of photos of Volunteers in Bosun's Chairs. I'm also sure those stalwarts  being swayed aloft to sand, oil, and slush those mighty masts are just as weary of it, so..  Yet the progress continues, hampered only by weather and volunteer availability.  This Saturday, veteran bosun's chair rider, Dave Brennen, and returning volunteer Rick Washington simultaneously covered  an additional 5 linear feet each on the foremast and mainmast, supported by their deck team of Ken Fonville, Tony Marchesani, Gary Lasko, and Bryan Oliver.

Rick Washington on his way up
the foremast, while Dave Brennan
 has a head-start half-way up the
 mainmast.

But before  that activity took place, Volunteers had mustered below to hear Capt Davis lay out the upcoming events in which Spirit of South Carolina would be participating.

Beginning the week following Thanksgiving, Spirit of South Carolina will cast off the dock for two to three afternoon/evenings of sunset shakedown cruises. The intent is to train volunteers in ship handling, dock line handling in increasingly limited visibility of evening harbor sailing.  She needs as many volunteers as possible to participate, in order to  build the necessary bench strength of volunteer deckhands.  Volunteers can sign up for these using the SignUp Genius application.

The first week in December, Spirit of South Carolina will participate in the 250th anniversary of the Charleston Tea Party with an open house on deck for tours, Saturday, afternoon, and sunset cruise that evening. and a 2-Hour Brunch harbor cruises, Sunday. Look for Volunteer opportunities to support those events by 11/20.

Tony, Bryan, and Walter easing the
 guy line steadying Rick Washington's
 bosun's chair on forward side of
 the mainmast.

In the previous Blog entry I announced the particular achievement of four of our shipmate Volunteers, by their accumulating over 200 volunteer hours of support to Spirit of South Carolina. Today, two of those were at muster to receive a Certificate of Appreciation and a personal gift to mark the singular milestone.

Mainmast Volunteers, Ken Fonville and Tony Marchesani
show off their Certificates of Appreciation
and their personalized teak fid, a tall ship sailor's tool usually handled only by more experienced mariners.
Volunteer Coordinator Bryan over their shoulder.