April 15, 2011

Sloop Providence to sail after 3-1/2 years



From the projo news blog:
Captain Thorpe Leeson, who purchased the 110-foot sailing ship from the city of Providence in February, said he will launch the vessel around 2 p.m. Friday April 15. At noon Saturday, he plans sail down Narragansett Bay -- the first time the Providence will have sailed in 3 ½ years -- and to moor her at Bowen's Wharf in Newport, where visitors will be free to visit over the weekend.

He spent "tons of money." repairing and restoring the replica Providence. The original was built in 1768 then purchased by the colony of Rhode Island after British attacked Rhode Island's shipping and the General Assembly ordered two ships to defend the sea lanes.

The original ship, which at one time was under the command of John Paul Jones, considered to be the father of the American Navy, went on to participate in 60 battles and to capture 40 British ships

He said that starting next week the replica sloop will return for the purposes for which it was built -- tall ships education and training, and for charter trips.

I wish Capt. Leeson success in his venture.

read the full story here:

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