By Bill Cleary
It is official!
The City of Gloucester City is the proud owner of a 75-foot-long steel hull schooner built in 1995. The sailing vessel has three sails, and a 20 foot beam. It can carry 47 passengers along with three crew members for a total capacity of 50.
The sail boat was sold at an auction held earlier this week at a boat yard in Greenwich. The cost was $206,000 and it is appraised at $385,000. The money to purchase the boat came from the UDAG fund, which stipulates all monies are to be used for economic development.
No tax dollars were used to purchase the vessel. The vessel will be docked at the former Coast Guard Base pier, King Street and the Delaware River.
Mayor William James made the announcement today, Friday.
The mayor said, \”The City is going to use the sailboat as a teaching tool for high school students. A similar program is in place across the river. Now in its 14th year it is called Philadelphia Sail. We are also looking into chartering the boat to the public.\”
\”We are soliciting business sponsorships and other government agencies to get involved with the venture. The City is in contact with the schooners former captain. We will be speaking with him regarding operating the charters. And there are several city residents with maritime expertise who have already expressed their desire to help with the enterprise.
\”We have set a tentative date to bring the vessel to the City on Saturday, July 5. More information will be released in the weeks to come.
\”Finally after all these years there are positive improvements happening on our riverfront. This sailboat is just one link in the chain that we are putting in place for this summer and the future.
\”At 4 PM today the deadline for those interested in bidding on operating a tent canopy restaurant on the pier are due. Three RFP have been received. Details of that plan along with the name of the successful bidder will be released next week.
\”And as you know the Flagship Charters of Philadelphia is now docked at the former Coast Guard Base.\” For more about the ship http://www.flagshipcharters.net
The Philadelphia City Sail\’s website states, \”the programming creates adventure, exploration and academic opportunities that make the Delaware River come to life as a real world class room .
Through sailing activities, Philadelphia youth gain an understanding of science, mathematics, physics, biology, geography, history, and even job opportunities in maritime commerce and the surrounding Port community. The participants learn how to lead with confidence and gain self esteem as they work as part of a team on our schooner, the North Wind.\”
To read more about the Philadelphia City Sail program http://www.citysail.org/
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