Clearwater will begin its next major restoration project in July 2026, focusing on the transom and topsides – the upper sections of the hull above the waterline and the flat surface at the stern. This 10-month project, running through April 2027, marks the final phase in a 10+ year effort to rebuild the sloop’s hull.
The project will focus on replacing aging planks and frames on the topsides and transom, areas above the waterline. Restoring the hull above the waterline not only protects that section of the sloop, but also the sections below the waterline (restored in 2010 and 2016), as the upper and lower sections of the hull are connected through the frame sections (futtocks) and seams between planks. Each piece of wood will be cut and shaped to match the vessel’s complex curves, a process that demands precision and craftsmanship. This project will rely on traditional wooden boat building techniques such as steam bending, caulking with oakum, and cutting rolling bevels by hand, methods that have been used for centuries to build and maintain vessels like Clearwater. The restoration will ensure Clearwater remains safe, stable, and in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard standards.
As with previous phases, this project will be led by our captains, in collaboration with professional shipwrights who have worked on Clearwater for decades. Restoration crew members and trainees will work alongside our captains and shipwrights, learning through hands-on work.
To accommodate the work, the 2026 sailing season will be shortened, running from April through mid-July, with an anticipated on-time April start to the 2027 sailing season. Sail tickets for the 2026 season will be available in early spring.
Like our programs, restoration of the Clearwater is made possible by our generous members and donors. Help keep Clearwater sailing, educating, and advocating for deacades to come.
