Gloucester Schooner Board of Directors Progress Report
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Children from Saint Mary Grammar School Fourth Grade Class took a cruise on Gloucester City’s schooner The NorthWind on June 16th. Twenty six children and their teacher, along with two adult chaparones enjoyed the field trip on the Delaware River.
By Bill Cleary
The Board of Directors for the Gloucester City Schooner released the following statement on the progress the group has made throughout the past year.
We are very happy to report the following:
- Operational expenses for the schooner are completely covered through charter fees
- The "North Wind" is the only certified charter schooner on the Delaware River including Philadelphia
- All volunteer Captain and Crew
- All community organizations receive a 50% discount on charter fees
- A maritime youth training program beginning this fall for area youth, starting with our Youth Maritime Day on August 29th
- The Board of Directors is holding our first fund raising event on September 10th Sunset Wine Tasting Party on Freedom Pier (the former Coast Guard Base at King and Cumberland Streets, limited to 150 people.
- September 19 we will be the feature schooner at the Riverfront Ramble Event in Marcus Hook Pa. An opportunity to raise money and show off Gloucester City's Pride on the Delaware River
- New lights have been installed on the schooners mast. The lights will be lit every weekend between now and November
- September 20th we will offer three cruises for Gloucester City residents. Cost will be $5 adults, $2 children and senior citizens Free
“We feel that this joint effort between the City of Gloucester City and the Gloucester City Sail, a non profit organization, will present a positive image for our City throughout the Delaware Valley. We like to thank everyone for their continued support.”
Board of Directors include: Bob Bevan, Captain Chuck Reed, Tom
Gurick, Jack Hughes, Captain Cherie Starner, Ken Macadams, Rich Flynn, Frank
Wunsch, Dan McGlinsey, Bob Harding, Ted Howarth and Captain Carl
Letizia. Recording Secretary Joanne McKernan.
The 75-foot-long steel hull schooner was 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 City of Gloucester City purchased the sail boat in May 2008 at an auction held in Greenwich NJ. At the time Mayor James said the City paid $206,000. “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.”
For more information go to www.schoonergloucesternj.com