Sail Number:
Type: Gaff sloop
LOA: 106’0″ / 32.00m – LOD: – LWL: – Beam: 25’0″ / 7.60m – Draft: 8’0″ / 2.40m – Displacement: – Hull material: Wood – Designer: Cyrus Hamlin – Built by: Harvey Gamage Shipyard, South Bristol, Maine – Year Launched: May 17, 1969 Original Name: Clearwater – Original Owner: Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, NY 12508 – Former name(s) Clearwater – Sail Area: 4305 sq ft. / 387.5 m² – NRHP Reference: 04000376[1] – Added to National Register of Historic Places: May 4, 2004
Historical:
The sloop Clearwater, a replica vessel modeled after the Dutch vessels that sailed the Hudson River in the 18th and 19th centuries, their cargoes and crews were the main communication link between riverfront towns and outlying areas which now house one-tenth of this nation’s population.
Clearwater continues that tradition as a vital link between communities and carries a message to the people who sail on her and see her iconic broad sails from the shore about the beauty and wealth of our region’s waterways – and the everlasting need to protect, preserve and celebrate them.
In 1966, folk music legend and environmental activist Pete Seeger, in despair over the pollution of his beloved Hudson River, announced plans to “build a boat to save the river.” Seeger, along with many other concerned individuals, believed that a majestic replica of the sloops that sailed the Hudson in the 18th and 19th centuries would bring people to the river where they could experience its beauty and be moved to preserve it.
Seeger and friends played dockside concerts up and down the river, passing the banjo case for donations to raise funds to build the sloop. As an awareness of Seeger’s vision grew, so did the crowds. In 1969, the 106-foot sloop Clearwater was launched at Harvey Gamage shipyard in South Bristol, Maine. On her maiden voyage she sailed to South Street Seaport in New York City, and then ultimately made her home on the Hudson River.
Clearwater created the blueprint for many other groups to follow; Clearwater was the first environmental group to focus on an entire river and its ecosystem, the first wooden sailing ship with a mission to preserve and protect the environment, and the first onboard environmental classroom accessible to children of all ages, races, backgrounds.
Today there are several boats and organizations around the world doing environmental work and educating people using Clearwater’s hands-on method of teaching. It all started with a desire to clean up a troubled Hudson River and a vision for an iconic ship, and through song and determination, Clearwater has made a remarkable impact in the environmental movement. – https://www.clearwater.org
Provenance (The Wall of Remembrance – The Owners, Crew & Notable Guest):
- Guardian/Owner: (1969-current) – Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, NY 12508