Dear Friends and Supporters,
SEMA’s excitement is palpable as we come to the end of a successful year of progress toward the Schooner
Ernestina-Morrissey’s
complete rehabilitation. Here are some significant highlights!
We are proud to announce that PHASE I, the entire hull rebuild, is COMPLETE thanks to the hard work of our partners at Bristol Marine’s Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor, ME.
In addition, Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) and DCR worked together in the planning process for PHASE II, the outfitting of the rig and below decks, which is also complete and ready for action!
The September legislation by the Massachusetts State Senate, as supported by Senator Mark Montigny, to complete the restoration of the schooner was a great first-step for Beacon Hill. The bill designates New Bedford as the vessel’s homeport in perpetuity, while MMA will assume control of the
Ernestina-Morrissey
to provide for its operations and maintenance.
We have one more step to go…the passage of Bill S.2328, “the Act to Preserve the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey” by the Massachusetts House of Representatives. SEMA and others are waiting anxiously for its passage so PHASE II can begin! PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP BY CONTACTING THE MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE TO URGE THEM TO ACT AND GET THE BILL TO GOVERNOR BAKER’S DESK FOR HIS SIGNATURE! YOUR VOICE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
On September 12, SEMA had the great honor of receiving the “Don Turner Award” from the USS Constitution Museum. This notable award is given annually, “to a person or team of people, professional or amateur, who have contributed significantly to efforts to preserve important vessels or who have made significant contributions to our knowledge and understanding of ship design and construction.” SEMA is very proud to be in the company of previous recipients of this recognition.
WoodenBoat magazine is currently chronicling the life of the
Ernestina-Morrissey
in a three-part series entitled, “A Schooner for the Ages: The six charmed lives of Ernestina Morrissey”. Author Randal Peffer tells the tales of her story as fisherman, Arctic explorer, warrior, Cape Verdean packet, and educator. The final installment will cover her current rehabilitation. The articles include beautiful pictures and great coverage as you would expect from WoodenBoat magazine!
PLEASE SUPPORT SEMA TODAY! Your donation will help us accomplish our mission: that the
Ernestina-Morrissey
, a National Historic Landmark Vessel and the Official Vessel of Massachusetts, once again sails the waters of Massachusetts and beyond as a cultural and educational sail-training vessel.
Sincerely,
Julius Britto, President of the Board
