From Jeff Carter’s report to the Commission:

“Unfortunately during (inspection) a severe amount of rot was found at the top of the foremast. This rot extends approximately 4 feet down from the top of the mast and the early prognosis is that the mast will need to be completely replaced.  Also during this work the contractor  has identified rot on the mainmast as well but to a lesser degree and at this point it seems to be repairable.  At the time of this update DCR has not identified its course of action in addressing this concern but it is almost certain that these masts will have to be removed from the ship to eliminate any safety hazards.  All mast and rigging work as it relates to the current contract has been indefinitely put on hold.” 

Here you can see the top of the foremast is pulled forward by the jib stay.

Steve inspected the main masthead last week.

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With the rig maintenance on-going I thought you would like to review some history of Ernestina’s present rig.  These are links to the archived pre-2005 website developed by Captain Gregg Swanzey.

1994 constructing fore mast
fall 2002 de-rigging for inspection and maintenance
spring 2003 stepping masts

A great crew of Ernestina volunteers worked yesterday to remove the winter cover. 

The first step was removing the plastic.

Then the framing had to be disassembled and taken down

And the frames had to be cleaned off, removing the remaining plastic and battens.

The crew took a well deserved break and gam.

The interpreter’s center was cleaned and organized as well.

Some of the work crew proud of their day’s accomplishments!

Waiting for the crane to remove the last beam.

Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to remove the cover yesterday.  

The job went very smoothly and efficiently.  

Lots of good teamwork, just as is needed for a ship to run well.  

Thanks to DCR and staffers Jeff, Manny and Michelle who, through the Park Serve program, made this project possible. 

There will be another Work Day sponsored by the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park on May 7.  CONTACT  us if you would like to help.

SEMA will be partnering with DCR’s Park Serve program to have the first work day on Ernestina for 2011.  Follow the link, click “sign up” on the Park Serve page and scroll down the “select a park” list to “Schooner Ernestina” to put your name on the list of volunteers for the day.   LINK  

 SIGN UP  and check the next Update for more details.  nn

Ernestina has a friend in Ed Lambert, the newly appointed Commissioner of DCR. 

We look forward to working with Commissioner Lambert to insure a bright future for Ernestina as the Official Vessel of the Commonwealth.

Do you need a media make-over for you or your business?  Consider Peter Mello’s new program digitsimple.  Peter has offered to donate 25% of any revenues earned as a result of new business contracted from organizations or individuals that use our code (ERNESTINA) when you contact him.

Peter has created a page explaining the program.  HERE

Sea-Fever Consulting LLC is a management consulting firm that specializes in strategy, communications and leadership. They adopted their name from the title of the classic John Masefield poem with the memorable line, “And all I ask is a tall ship and star to steer her by.”  Sea-Fever helps leaders (organizations and individuals) find their star to steer by. Some of the things we do include strategic planning, offsite planning and meeting facilitation, executive coaching, leadership communications planning, and nonprofit board and organizational development. You can find more including our Leader[ship]Log at THIS LINK   

Over the past four years Sea-Fever has been very involved in digital marketing and social media. Recognizing a need in the market,  recently launched a program called digitsimple which provides simple, cost effective digital marketing/engagement solutions for small businesses and nonprofits. Digitsimple has developed digital initiatives for a number organizations in our community and beyond.  Peter’s offer extends to March 31, 2011.  Please contact him and use the code “ERNESTINA” soon.  This is a great opportunity for both of us!

Ernestina‘s supporters filled M&C Cafe yesterday to celebrate the launch 117 years ago, in Essex, Massachusetts, of Effie M.Morrissey, the schooner that became Ernestina when renamed by Captain Henrique Mendes in 1948.

Cape Verdean Ambassador Fatima Veiga and Gunga Tavares from the Boston Consul’s office presented donations in support of Ernestina and Representative Barney Frank, Dana Mohler-Faria, President of Bridgewater State University, DCR Commissioner Ed Lambert, Mayor Scott Lang, Senator Marc Pacheco and Representative Tony Cabral all spoke in support of the ship.  Other supporters of note included Consul General Graca Fonseca from Portugal’s New Bedford office.

  New Bedford Standard Times article.     

Representative Cabral presented a proclamation from the Legislature to Schooner Ernestina Commissioners Laura Pires-Hester who has worked on Ernestina’s behalf for nearly 40 years and Jennifer Nersesian, Superintendent of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.

Chef Mike Melo prepared an outstanding buffet enjoyed by all with many promising a return visit to the M&C Cafe.

Musical presentations by the New Bedford Harbor Sea Chanty Chorus and Candida Rose,who had everyone dancing in the aisles, was organized by SEMA director Polly Zajac.  Here Candida is accompanied by Tom Goux and Polly Gardner.

The fundraising celebration was organized by Barbara Burgo, longtime Ernestina volunteer.  The event and silent auction raised nearly $4000 to support efforts to get Ernestina sailing again!

What’s your favorite destination in New Bedford?  Ernestina, of course.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has designated New Bedford as one of only a dozen Distinctive Destinations across the US for 2011. 

You can make New Bedford #1 of the 12.  Fans can vote every day until March 15 for their favorite.  This is your chance to bring the Nation’s attention to New Bedford and Ernestina.  Visit the website every day and VOTE.

MORE INFORMATION

The 117th anniversary of Ernestina’s launch was celebrated in style during AHA! Thursday night. 

With an excerpt of Rick Lopes’ documentary playing in the background, the New Bedford Harbor Sea Chantey Chorus performed Jim Bean’s song “Lovely Ernestina”  and

edutainers Angel and Jordan from Brick by Brick performed their new song “Keeping Ernestina Alive”.  We hope to post video of the evening soon.

The celebration continues on February 20 at the M&C Cafe.  DETAILS

Celebrate Schooner Ernestina’s Birthday.

 Feliz aniversario, Ernestina!

 Come help us celebrate the 117th anniversary of Ernestina’s launch. 

Join us Feburary 10th in the Corson Maritime Learning Center at 6:00 pm.

 We’ll have the latest news about Ernestina’s condition followed by musical presentations featuring edutainers Angel Diaz and Jordan Andrade from Brick by Brick who will be performing their song “Keep Ernestina Alive” and more by the members of the New Bedford Harbor Sea Chantey Chorus.

We’ll finish the celebration with “Happy Birthday” and cake!  See you Thursday!