Workshop on the Water: A Launching, and Some Last Minute Preparations

WoW celebrated the launching of the newest member of the ISM fleet, the Bevins skiff, built by our high school students, interns, and the occasional volunteer. The boat looked very sharp with its new coating of bright white paint, and a very cool, albeit deadly stem decoration designed and fabricated by Rashid.

Headed down the ramp for launching

It's great to have that new 6 foot wide ramp and gate!

Rashid, Jeff, and John prepare to toss her in.

The boat stayed nice and dry. There was minimal leaking from a few spots where the bottom planks meet the chines, but that will disappear quickly as the cedar swells. Good job!

In she goes

Rashid heads out across the basin, with deserved pride in a job well done.

Hours were spent by most of the staff and volunteers getting ready for the upcoming Old City Seaport Festival. Floating docks needed to be moved, barges needed to be fastened together, and final preparations needed to be made for the arrival of the tall ships. Pride of Baltimore II was due to arrive early Friday morning, October 5, and dock space opposite Olympia needed to be prepared for her. The other tall ships will follow soon after, and all will participate in a parade on the river on Friday evening.

Charles fastens down decking on a barge to make it safe for visitors.

Meanwhile, a few projects were being completed in the shop. Charles finished a pedestal for the cup to be awarded to the winner of the Philadelphia to Baltimore schooner race to take place at the conclusion of the seaport festival. The cup will be displayed after the race in the Museum.

The Philadelphia to Baltimore Race cup.

Final rigging was completed on the Comet restoration, and the owner, John, stopped in to have a look. She will be on display at the Festival for all to see and admire.