Event: Stepping the Masts in The Matthew Turner
Date: Saturday, August 19, 2017
Time: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: Bay Model Visitor Center, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito (map below)
The Matthew Turner is a traditional tall ship that is being built on the Sausalito waterfront using classic wooden boat building techniques as much as possible. Named in honor of the historic shipbuilder, who, in the 1800’s, helped to build some 154 tall ships in Benicia. The tall ship will serve as an educational base for children to learn everything from how to sail, the history of sailing and the Bay, and environmental elements, to teamwork and marine life.
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As part of the final stages of construction, the “mast stepping” is the process of raising the boat’s mast. Matthew Turner’s lower mast will stand approximately 80 feet above the water once in place, and another 20 feet will be added when the upper mast is stepped later in the year. This ceremonial event will involve stepping the lower main and fore masts and welding into place several historic and contemporary US silver dollars, gold coins, and a talisman. This age-old tradition in shipbuilding is thought to bring good luck and safe passage to the ship and her crew.
Viewing will be in front of the Bay Model Visitor Center, and a party will follow in the Tall Ship Tent.
For more information, or to volunteer at the event, please contact sylvia@educationaltallship
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If you can’t make the event on Saturday, August 19th, there will be another opportunity to view the stepping of the upper main and foremasts in October. More details to come.
