Falls of Clyde – March 2017 Update
It is often said, “No news is good news.”
That is not much comfort to Maritime Hawai‘i and everyone around the world who would like to see the US National Historic Landmark ship, Falls of Clyde, saved.
Aside from a mention of lack of communication and some “drama” between the Friends of Falls of Clyde (FFOC) and DOT Harbors, there has not been much information from the organization addressed to the general public.* It is also not clear what concrete steps, if any, FFOC is taking to support the effort to transport the ship back to Scotland.
The report from David O’Neill is that he is continuing to speak with various parties in Scotland and elsewhere that are interested in supporting his effort. One of the hurdles he is facing is finding a berth that will accommodate the ship.
He has also communicated with a production company that may be interested in doing a documentary about the ship.
Historic sailing ships like Falls of Clyde are worth saving. They speak to our past and, perhaps, even to our future with the talk of high-tech, wind-driven ships. These ships, and the knowledge and skill it takes to sail and maintain them, should not be allowed to die.
Falls of Clyde under sail.
*Update: FFOC president, Bruce McEwan, writes in a message posted this evening:
What is a bit disturbing is that the Harbors Division has been approached by a couple of parties interested in buying the ship. They have not entered into any dialog with the parties, but we are checking with legal sources to determine our rights as owner under the circumstances.
Disturbing, indeed.
100 Years Ago:
The Hawaiian Gazette. (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]), 09 March 1917. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
Coming in with all sails set, the ship Falls of Clyde presented a splendid sight as she arrived off port yesterday afternoon. The oil boat docked at Pier 17 at half past six o’clock. Close behind her followed the schooner Helene, 32 days from Port Ludlow, which also finished her voyage with a bone in her teeth.
The run from San Francisco was made in eighteen days, fair weather being experienced all the way.
For the Associated Oil Company the big ship brought 800 drums of distillate and 17,500 barrels of fuel oil. She is expected to leave for San Francisco tomorrow.
Commanding the Falls of Clyde is Capt. W. Smith.
