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Thank You For Your Support

RIG-UP 2017
Date: March 9, 2017

I find myself reflecting, in this time of converting Pride of Baltimore II back to her swan-like beauty from her ugly duckling winter-covered, down-rigged state, upon the donated support she receives from generous resources, suppliers of goods and skilled artisans alike.

During this recent winter lay-up, the ship received various donations: high quality wood of certain species from Ted Frock of R. Thomas Frock, Inc., a specialist for resourcing high quality lumber; custom manufacturing from Arrow Metal Fabrications; and generously provided knowhow from one of Pride II‘s carpenters, Paul Powichroski, also an engineer in the consulting & design business for all manner of things wood and machinery. In addition, from a modern technology perspective, Chris Hutson of Hutson Maps, again donated significant computer tech assistance.

Nearby, the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) provided certain required maritime regulation training for the captains. Gary “Leroy” Surosky, foreman for the construction of Pride II (his nickname comes from a time as crew aboard the first Pride), donated wood care & construction knowledge via his company, Peregrine Construction.

In Annapolis, a sail making shop, Quantum Sails, provided space for Captain Smith to execute a partial rebuilding of Pride’s jib. And Phil Mitchell of Electronic Marine LLC (EMI) continues, as he has for decades, to donate significant amounts of knowledge regarding modern marine navigation and communications assistance. Further afield in New Bedford, Massachusetts, R&W Rope donated some line for us to study and report its performance. And even farther afield, Nat Wilson Sail Loft of East Boothbay, Maine, provided sail cloth for future repairs should such be needed during voyages.

Pride of Baltimore II is and has been the beneficiary of significant volunteerism and contribution by workers, suppliers, and the technically skilled throughout her life, assisting her crews with keeping Pride in sound condition. This volunteerism is not unique; it also occurs with other traditional sail vessels, but almost always behind the scenes. Understandable I think, when one realizes more formal sponsorship aims at the bigger and more readily notable benefit of their support. Meanwhile the detailed needs fall to the crew. The generosity by those described above is, I think, is an expression of the value and understanding they have for what the Pride of Baltimore legacy is and has been through the years.

To all you supporters, named and unnamed, please know of our collective sincere appreciation for your support. Soon Pride II will be sailing for her 28th season. Sharing again, teaching again, promoting again all those things we of her home port (and nearby) are proud of. The majestic and inspiring Baltimore Clipper. Famous to all the world for unequalled speed and performance for their size. “America’s Star Spangled Ambassador” will soon be sailing again.

Signed,

Captain Jan C. Miles