March marks the final month of our 2024-2025 winter restoration season. We’re wrapping up winter-long and final projects and are preparing to begin uprig the first weekend in April.
A big project this winter has been replacing our onboard refrigeration system. Unlike an onshore fridge, we can’t just purchase a new fridge and slide it into place. Our decades-old fridge had to be demolished, rotten ceiling planks replaced, and a new custom fridge built. So far, we’ve built the new fridge box, have the foam in place, increased the insulation, and improved efficiency by changing fridge access from the side to the top of the unit to keep more cold air in. We have the machine itself on order, and anticipate it arriving this week. Thank you to all who supported our fridge fundraiser – we’re excited for fresh veggies and maybe even ice cream this season!
We’ve also been working to replace select topsides planks on the port side, and are making good progress on the project. In the next few weeks, we will have filled all the holes in the boat, making Clearwater habitable again for our crew, who will move back onboard at the start of April.
In addition to restoration work, we are hosting our Junior Bosun program this week and next week here at our homeport at the Hudson River Maritime Museum. Students from three schools are learning about the complex and unique methods of sailing and maintaining a tall ship.
We have a few summer crew positions available, specifically First Mate, Engineer, Cook, and Educator Deckhand Trainees.
We’re grateful to be wrapping up another successful winter restoration, and are excited to get underway.
We hope to see you out on the river this season!
Fair Winds,
Captains Rory Kane + Liam Henrie
