FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 8, 2026
KINGSTON, NY — Hudson River Sloop Clearwater has begun the third phase of a more than decade-long restoration of the full hull of the historic Hudson River sloop, Clearwater. Recognized as America’s Environmental Flagship, Clearwater is the region’s last remaining Hudson River sloop and the only native historic tall ship still sailing these waters. Over the last six decades, the sloop has welcomed over 518,000 guests aboard.
The 10-month, $1.2 million project will rebuild the transom and topsides – the upper sections of the hull above the waterline and the flat surface at the stern – helping ensure the iconic vessel can continue safely sailing the Hudson River for generations to come. This project is the latest in the organization’s ongoing efforts to restore the historic sloop, Clearwater. Thanks to decades of careful stewardship from experienced shipwrights, crew, trainees, and volunteers, Clearwater has continued sailing far beyond the typical lifespan of similar wooden sloops. Through annual winter maintenance and major capital restoration projects every five to seven years, the sloop is restored using traditional wooden boatbuilding techniques, continuing a tradition of stewardship that has kept Clearwater sailing since the sloop’s launch in 1969.
The restoration is underway at the Hudson River Maritime Museum in Kingston following a shortened 2026 sailing season and will continue through April 2027. During the project, the public will be invited to visit the shipyard and witness the restoration process firsthand.
“Clearwater, in partnership with the Maritime Museum, will share the restoration process with our waterfront visitors through exhibits, docent explanations of the project, and educational programs and events.” Stated David Toman, Executive Director of Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, “We are excited to demonstrate this ancient craft of shipwright work and look forward to complementing the museum campus experience. The Rondout Creek has historically been a working waterfront, and we are thrilled to continue that tradition.”
“Having Clearwater on our campus for this restoration is an incredible opportunity for both organizations. Together, we’ll be able to tell the story of the Hudson River in a way that is hands-on, authentic, and engaging. As visitors watch skilled craftspeople restore this iconic vessel, they’ll also discover the rich maritime heritage of the river and the people who have played an extraordinary role in shaping our region’s culture, commerce, and communities.” Stated Lisa Cline, Executive Director, and Bob Burhans, Board President of Hudson River Maritime Museum.
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 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.
“This project, like the restoration periods before, is just one part of what it takes to keep a wooden vessel running for over 55 years and what will keep it running for another 55 years. Many hands have worked on these restoration periods, and many have come back to help again, usually with more responsibility and leadership than the last time they were here. The only way we can continue this is to continue bringing in more people so they can learn and become part of the ever-growing community. Investing in the people who continue to learn, teach, and complete the work necessary to keep the sloop sailing is one of the most important things we can do for Clearwater’s community,” reflected Clearwater Captain Rory Kane.
Local shipwrights will lead the restoration project in partnership with Clearwater’s captains, continuing a long tradition of stewardship that has sustained the vessel since her launch in 1969. Clearwater will also hire entry-level learning positions for individuals interested in developing traditional shipwright skills.
“At over 55 years old, Clearwater has surpassed the traditional lifespan of its historic predecessors thanks to the work and expertise of a dedicated, skilled, and now growing cadre of shipwrights,” stated Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Board President Samantha Hicks. “The restoration and preservation of America’s Environmental flagship enables hundreds of thousands of Hudson River community members and visitors to experience the river firsthand, provides a sustainable pathway to maintaining this historic vessel, and offers a rewarding vocation for dedicated and talented young people. We recognize that we do not serve this organization and vessel for ourselves, but as stewards of this unique resource for future generations.
The restoration project is funded in part by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation through its Environmental Protection Fund Historic Preservation Grant Program, which supports the preservation, rehabilitation, and interpretation of properties listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Clearwater’s inclusion on both registers recognises the vessel’s historic significance and its groundbreaking role in the environmental movement.
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater is an enduring symbol of the power of community-led environmental stewardship, historic preservation, and public education. Supported by New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), the restoration of Clearwater reaffirms the State’s commitment to preserving our maritime heritage and honoring the legacy of the environmental advocates who helped raise awareness of the ecological importance of our waterways. The new exhibits and educational programs made possible through the EPF will help future generations understand Clearwater’s lasting significance and the environmental movement it helped inspire.”
About Hudson River Sloop Clearwater
In 1966, the Hudson River was plagued by industrial pollution, and folk singer Pete Seeger and a group of activists decided to “build a boat to save the river” by bringing together communities across the region to protect and restore the river. Three years later, the sloop Clearwater set sail with a mission to save the Hudson through education, advocacy, sailing, and music. Nearly six decades later, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater remains resolute in this mission, and to date, more than half a million people have had the life-changing experience of sailing aboard the Clearwater. Learn more: https://www.clearwater.org
Contact:
Jen Benson, Director of Communications
Jen@clearwater.org
585-943-7454
