Designed and built in 1900 by Wilbur Morse at his boatyard in Friendship Maine, Blackjack, is one of oldest Friendship sloops in the world. Through the assistance of the Friendship Sloop Society, Blackjack’s owners, Kelly and Diane Magee, recently agreed to donate the vessel to the Sail, Power and Steam Museum, in Rockland, Maine. The Museum is a nonprofit organization created by Jim and Megan Sharp in 2009. Jim Sharp commented that Blackjack will require a lot of work to restore it to its original condition. “Her keel is bent, her decks are rotting and her rigging is in tatters. But we will restore her for the state of Maine,” Sharp said.
Neighbors Helping neighbors a concept where, in this case, a community comes together to donate there efforts to preserve an icon for the future benefit of its interested public. The Sail, Power and Steam Museum, has announced a call out to all volunteers wishing to help out with the reconstruction of this treasured icon, to contact the museum. All levels of experience, or individuals wishing to learn the finer points of boatbuilding are welcomed.
Capt. Sharp said he expects the restoration will take three years to complete. The timetable will depend on the number of volunteers who step forward to work on the Blackjack, as well as the amount of grants and donations received.
Noel March, the newly elected commodore of the Friendship Sloop Society, said the donation and restoration project are occurring as the museum and society are nearing an agreement to have the museum become the home for the Friendship Sloop Society. The society’s records and memorabilia already are being stored at the museum at 75 Mechanic St.
The nonprofit society was founded in 1961 to both preserve existing sloops and encourage the construction and sailing of sloops. The society now has nearly 300 members.
“This is a happy alliance between two organizations that have a common mission and shared vision to preserve the sailing heritage of Maine,” March said.
People wishing to help with financial assistance can send checks to the Sail, Power and Steam Museum, 75 Mechanic St. Rockland, ME 04841, care of the Blackjack.