Falls of Clyde – January 2025 Update

I am assuming that most people have now heard the news that DOT Harbors has awarded a mainland company a $6.5 million contract to remove* the Falls of Clyde from Honolulu Harbor.

Excuse me. This is going to be a wee bit of an emotional brain dump.

Having literally shed blood (broke a finger and bled on the weather deck…fun!), sweat, and tears for Falls of Clyde, it really, really hurts me every time there is bad news about the ship. It is also hard not to beat myself up thinking and wishing that I could have done more for her.

When I was involved with the ship, I spent a lot of time sitting alone on board, listening to the unique sounds she made and feeling her rocking gently as she pulled against her mooring lines. Forlorn, yes, but alive.

I treasure those moments and will do so until I die.

Maybe one day, someone will document the latter part of Falls of Clyde’s story as a sad companion to Bob Krauss’ book. I think she deserves that as the last and only one of her kind in the world. She should have been cherished more, like a beloved kūpuna.

Despite all the anger, sadness, and frustration that I have experienced, I do not regret getting involved with the ship. There were also many happy times. I have learned a lot and have made many friends in the maritime community, here and around the world.

I feel DOT Harbors could have worked more closely with Falls of Clyde – International to save the ship (possibly for less money) and return her to Scotland. Unfortunately, that door is closed.

I have many thoughts about the ship and the current situation. I also have questions. From comments I have seen online, others have questions as well. 

I am anxious to hear more details from DOT Harbors. 

Lingering on the tween deck after a long day working on the ship. 1 April 2014.

***

But no one can steal from those stubborn old sides
The secrets she shares with the winds and the tides,
The tales that she tells of the sea and the sky
To the weed and the gulls and the ships going by.

And I took off my cap by the dingy wharf-side
To the grace and the glory, the strength and the pride,
That all were her portion who once had the name
In a day that’s gone by, of a clipper of fame.

The Ould Has-Been
Cicely Fox Smith

*No details yet on the method of removal.