Looks like the the Schooner Western Union is on its way back after
undergoing restoration work at
a Miami shipyard. Over $100,000 was raised to pay for the work that needed
to be done on the aging ship and to get its Coast Guard Certification. The
money was raised by the Schooner Western Union Preservation Society.
The restoration will continue once it is back in Key West. Donations are
welcome to help in this effort to
get the ship back in good order.
Built in the great
tradition of the wrecking vessels that were used in Key West in the 1800's,
the 130 ft.
Built in 1939 to lay cable for the Western Union cable lines hence its name.
National Register of Historic Places.
The schooner Western Union has three distinctions.
She is:
* the last example of a traditional American coasting schooner made in the
U.S
* the last sailing cable ship on earth.
* the last tall ship constructed in Key West. http://www.schoonerwesternunion.org/
Remember getting there can be half the fun. Meeting and
making new friends
is an extra plus on any
Key West Sailing trip. Ok now all you land lovers it
is time to try out your sea legs and jump on board. See what it was like not to
long ago before the roar of engines. You can hear the wind in the sails plus
the ships hull cutting though the water. You may even get lucky and find a
couple
dolphins playing in the wake of the ship.
Sailing
inKey West
There are many different ways you can enjoy sailing in Key West. It just
depends on what you are in the mood for. We have many sailboats that will
take you on a private sail for the whole day. Visiting small keys so you can
relax on the beach, snorkel, fish or kayak. Some have dinner cruises while
you relax and watch the Key West sunset. You will find some big wooden
schooners that let you relive the days of the wreakers in Key West. By far
the most popular are the many catamarans that take you out for a sunset
cruise in the Key West Harbor. A great deal for large groups being it is all
you can drink of beer and wine some even have cash bars for mixed drinks.
Remember getting there is half the fun.
Worldwide
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