SPIRIT OF DANA POINT RESTORATION PROJECT
About the Spirit of Dana Point
The Spirit of Dana Point is a traditionally built replica of a 1770s privateer schooner used during the American Revolution. These ships were known for their speed and were used for smuggling. The ship is 118 feet long with a rig height of 100 feet… and 5,000 square feet of sail!
It was Dennis Holland’s dream to build an accurate replica from the period when America fought for independence. Armed with talent, determination, little money and plans he purchased from the Smithsonian Institution, he laid the keel in his Orange County yard on May 2, 1970. Thirteen years later, this fast privateer was launched and continues to sail the ocean. Everywhere you look on board is the craftsmanship and pride of early America.
Formerly the Pilgrim of Newport, the re-named Spirit of Dana Point is an excellent teaching platform where students directly experience life at sea as it has been for hundreds of years. The 118-ft. schooner is used for living history and at-sea maritime programs throughout the year.
Spirit of Dana Point Restoration Project!
Over the last 14 months, The Spirit has undergone a lengthy refurbishment in San Diego to replace her decking. While in San Diego, her crew has completely overhauled and refurbished her rigging at Ocean Institute. New masts were sourced in the Pacific Northwest and were shipped to Ocean Institute in March to be shaped and outfitted with The Spirit’s rigging.
Captain John Kraus, the project manager of the Spirit restoration, walked us through this comprehensive restoration project. The project began when Spirit made her way to the boat yard in Chula Vista. First, they removed the masts, sails and rigging from the ship and in preparation for replacing her decking. Because of her traditional construction, few shipyards have the expertise in such restoration practices. Therefore, Captain John helped consult with their carpenters to supervise aspects of the restoration.
Captain John and the team discovered that the masts were rot-ridden and ultimately elected to condemn them in and begin anew. Douglas Fur logs were sourced in Port Townsend, Washington and shipped down to Dana Point, the old masts used as a template to shape the new ones.After Spirit’s decking was completed, the final stage of the restoration project in San Diego was to dry dock for repainting and Coast Guard inspections. The Coast Guard signed off on Spirit, and she was cleared to return home to Dana Point.
What makes the restoration even more memorable and significant is that, pieces from the Pilgrim are incorporated into the Spirit. This way, the Pilgrim lives on and continues to educate children through the Spirit of Dana Point.This is the most in-depth and extensive refurbishment the Spirit has gone through since her creation. These restoration efforts ensure Spirit will be an icon in the Dana Point harbor for decades!
2021 Restoration Project:
We need your help.
Unfortunately, we now face a challenge that has put our entire organization – YOUR Ocean Institute – at risk.
In short, our insurance has insisted that we accelerate our Coast Guard approved restoration plan for the Spirit of Dana Point, which includes replacing the decks.
In total, this is a $1 million project.
Availability of a boat yard, lumber (access and prices), cost of the project, and the fact that Spirit is in use for Summer Camp are problematic.
We were Coast Guard approved and slated to complete this by December 2022.
As we explored options, we received a 30-day notice.
Ocean Institute’s lease with the County requires our vessels to be insured. Thus, our entire organization is at risk. Clearly, we are not going to let this stop us from serving our community.
We have asked for help.
Our major supporters have committed sufficient funds to begin the project.
Marine Group Boat Works in San Diego has rallied to make space for us to arrive on June 20th. And our incredible team has worked with partner vessels to ensure that our sailing programs continue this summer, giving kids the incredible experience they expected.
We have solved a good portion of this problem, but need your help to close the gap. We would not have asked for help until we had set the conditions to be successful- and we will, but we need you.
Please consider a donation of ANY amount, tell your friends, shop on Amazon Smile for OI, send us a note wishing us luck… anything that expresses your Spirit, will help us save ours.
UPDATES:
6/9/2021
Thanks for all of your support, we are now over halfway to our fundraising goal for the Spirit restoration! You still have time to donate and put your thumbprint on this exciting restoration that will mean so much to future generations. The weekend of the 19th, she will head to dry dock in San Diego and the restoration will get underway. Until then, we will be celebrating the Spirit and our stories with her. We invite you all to share your Spirit stories, memories, and experiences with the hashtag #DeckTheSpirit. We’ll be sharing some of our favorites here!
6/15/2021
The Sun Family Foundation is supporting our efforts to get YOUR thumbprint on the project with a HIGH FIVE!
Donate $5 and it will be matched $5! We appreciate the Sun Family Foundation’s support in supersizing small gifts and inspiring involvement.
Imagine seeing Spirit in all her glory and saying, “I did that!”.
For us, we love looking at the vessel and knowing that it belongs to the community, educators, and supporters- and that many lives have been touched by her.
Let’s HIGH FIVE and share the Spirit together!
Please share to any who may be interested in being part of this important icon!
8/26/2021
Spirit’s masts and rigging arrived at Dana Point! Staff & Volunteers will start taking measurements and begin the rigging process. Join us at Maritime Festival to see the rigging up close and learn more about the process from our team!