Clearwater returns to Kingston to begin her largest restoration project since 1969.
KINGSTON, NY– The Hudson River’s iconic sloop Clearwater will transit through the Rondout Creek this evening to complete the final leg of her journey home to the Hudson River Maritime Museum. Clearwater is set on a barge and being delivered by the tug Cornell.
The arrival of Clearwater is a significant event this season because she is about to begin her longest, most extensive (and most expensive) restoration project to date.
The Clearwater, which first sailed in 1969, is in the midst of a multi-year Coast Guard-mandated restoration of the ship’s hull, with the final phase to be completed in 2015-2016. This massive project goes far beyond annually required repairs and maintenance and involves replacing all of the frames and planks, and much of the “backbone” below the water line on Clearwater.
Clearwater will hold a public volunteer day this Saturday, November 7th. Volunteers are welcome to join the crew in working on this landmark restoration project. The crew will be removing the bilge weights from the sloop; each one weighs only three lbs, but with 10,000 weights to move, many hands are needed. No experience is necessary, families are welcome. The first shift is from 9:30AM to noon and the second shift runs from noon to 3:30PM. Coffee, water and a light snack will be provided. Bring your work gloves!
During the sailing season Clearwater serves the Hudson River with unique education programs where the focus is experiential. Students come aboard the sloop to learn about Hudson River ecology, history and navigation.
