July 25, 2014

The news we have been waiting for has finally been released.   Thank you to all the friends of Ernestina who donated money to SEMA and gave their time to showcase the ship.  Your perseverance delivered the message loud and clear that Ernestina is IMPORTANT! 

We can finally tell you that Ernestina will be totally rebuilt. Bob Hildreth, a founder of SEMA and our vice-president, and Gerry Lenfest, who has had an interest in the ship since a childhood acquaintance with Capt. Bob Bartlett, have committed a total of $2.8 million to the re-fit.  SEMA is committed to provide $1 million and the Commonwealth's $2.5 million will insure that the ship will sail again!  Everyone that has been working very hard for this moment should be proud that this vessel, that was built in Massachusetts and returned to us in 1982 as a gift from the people of Cabo Verde will be able to proudly represent the Commonwealth again.

SEMA looks forward to our continued partnership with the Schooner Ernestina Commission and DCR's Commissioner Jack Murray as we work to raise the final $1 million.  It is wonderful to see what can be accomplished when everyone works together toward a common goal.

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Fair Winds,

Mary Anne McQuillan

Secretary, SEMA

Schooner Ernestina Commission Meeting 

The August Commission meeting has been scheduled for Monday, August 11, 2014 at 10:00 am  Check the Upcoming Events on the website for details.

The agenda hasn't been posted yet but you can follow this link to check on upcoming meetings and you can access the minutes of previous Commission meetings by following the link and scrolling down the chronological list to the Schooner Ernestina Commission entries.