Sailing to Georgetown, COI updates, and a thank you to Hollings.

The past two weeks brought a new master to the ship, real progress toward her Coast Guard certification, and a full fall calendar. Here is where things stand.

Progress toward the COI - Electrical Upgrades

The Certificate of Inspection is the Coast Guard's approval for Spirit to carry passengers and students. It is the last step before public sails and education programs resume. The items still open are the final engine and bilge survey, the final rigging survey, and documentation of repairs to the boom and spars. The crew is also exercising every through-hull fitting, as per the survey recommendations. Keep a weather eye to your inbox for opportunities to come aboard and move us closer to our goal.

Funds have been allocated to bring our electrical system to modern standard. Starting this week we will be removing the older, ad-hoc inverter charger system In favor of a modern Victron MultiPlus and Cerbo GX Interface. This modern suite will ensure proper management of our power systems while away from dock and transiting, reducing overall dependency on our generator.

Other recent electrical system upgrades have included conversion of our ships-side shore power receptacle and plug to a modern SmartPlug; conversion of running and navigation lights from A/C to DC power with new wiring; a new Seaboard SMX engine management control system, new Glendinning throttle station; and the rebuilding and reconfiguring of numerous grid components with modern equipment. A huge shout out to Dave of Manx Maritime Engineering for all this and more. He's also a fan of going aloft to the rig and making custom engraved name plates.

Report from Sickbay

Our offshore medical kit is in serious need of rehabilitation. Most of the items are well beyond expiration date and some items are missing. The button below is our current med kit need which can be donated in person at the ship, or funded through our support page. Each little piece helps.

Rebuild Our Med Kit

Programs this fall

SoSC is bringing sail-training back to the state of South Carolina. Spirit staff are developing new programming in collaboration with Furman University. The Center for Innovative Learning, led by Dr. Clemson Turregano, began working with Spirit staff earlier this summer on an executive leadership program deisned around our process driven methodologies and repeatable outcomes. The program aims to place executives and industry leaders on the deck of our ship, rotating through positions to experience working in synchronization as a team, communication during complex evolutions, and emplyoing reflective feedback sessions to debrief the process. 

Junior Adventurer Mariners (JAMs) Sea Camp, in collaboration with RCM Maritime School, is now in its final phases of development. A pilot program is expected in late October. This program brings campers ages 10 - 17 aboard Spirit for a gamified version of tall ship sailing, learning practical skills, navigation, and history. Campers will leave with a logbook of their adventure and Spirit swag from the camp.

Camps will offer daytime and overnight sessions at rates comparable to existing summer/fall camp programs.

Signup to Volunteer

Thank you, Hollings Cup

On September 12, Spirit served as committee vessel for the fifth annual MUSC Hollings Cup Regatta. Captain Andi escorted a group of committee members and guests to anchor as boats tacked ang gybed through the building winds of the afternoon.  

The regatta raised over $190,000 this year, setting a new record. Planning will begin soon on our end to be a part of the fundraising team for the 2027 race. We are grateful to the Carolina Yacht Club, CORA, and the MUSC Hollings race committee for inviting us.

Upcoming Sailing Opportunity

Georgetown Wooden Boat Show

Pack your seabag and grab your favorite wool blanket, we’re sailing north! Spirit will set sail for Georgetown, SC on or around October 15 for the Wooden Boat Show, in partnership with the South Carolina Maritime Museum. We will host a reception onboard, evening “colonial cocktail” hours, host games and events shoreside, and raffle tickets for prizes will be on sale. 

Keep your eyes peeled for sign-ups to sail Spirit by checking our events section regularly.

The Charles S. Sneed, the gig built alongside Spirit in 2002 from the schooner's own timber, will be trailered to Georgetown and on display. Our sailing dory is scheduled to come along for the journey to round out our fleet. Proceeds from events during the show will benefit the museum. 

Reserve Your Bunk

That's all for now. We look forward to seeing you aboard soon.

Adam ReedExecutive Director