Honey... I'm buying a boat...
For almost a year the Schooner Western Union is offered for sale at her dock in the Key West Harbor.
Every time I walked by the harbor I wondered what it would take to get this boat back sailing the famous sunsets of Key West...
And we got a plan...
We call it the Schooner Western Union Project
The Schooner Western Union Project (S.W.U.P.) is a not for profit corporation founded for the purpose of restoring maintaining and operating the historic Schooner Western Union in Key West.
In addition to the restoration of the schooner S.W.U.P. will use the boat for local charitable events, educational outreach and children’s activities. Key West is rich in maritime history and the Schooner Western Union is one of the last great examples of that. S.W.U.P. will strive to preserve and share this important aspect of our heritage for the many visitors to and residents of our island.
Initial funding will be obtained through corporate sponsorships, grants, and individual donations. Once the initial restoration is completed and Coast Guard certification is restored, funds will be generated from the daily operation of the vessel by offering sailing experiences in the waters surrounding Key West.
Every time I walked by the harbor I wondered what it would take to get this boat back sailing the famous sunsets of Key West...
And we got a plan...
We call it the Schooner Western Union Project
The Schooner Western Union Project (S.W.U.P.) is a not for profit corporation founded for the purpose of restoring maintaining and operating the historic Schooner Western Union in Key West.
In addition to the restoration of the schooner S.W.U.P. will use the boat for local charitable events, educational outreach and children’s activities. Key West is rich in maritime history and the Schooner Western Union is one of the last great examples of that. S.W.U.P. will strive to preserve and share this important aspect of our heritage for the many visitors to and residents of our island.
Initial funding will be obtained through corporate sponsorships, grants, and individual donations. Once the initial restoration is completed and Coast Guard certification is restored, funds will be generated from the daily operation of the vessel by offering sailing experiences in the waters surrounding Key West.
posted by Coffee Plantation, Key West at 8:07 AM
9 Comments:
I have been visiting Key West via my Banyan time share for about 20 years.
I think this is a noble venture but cant help but wonder where the good ship will dock after the town Fathers have completely sold out for the almighty buck the entire waterfront and any other of the quaintness and paradise feeling that we hold dear.
I have read that Turtle Crawls, The Raw Bar,BO"S Fish wagon and The A&B Lobster House are on the verge of becoming Condos. I also remember The Schooner Wharf Bar being in peril. What will be left?
Will the Western Union become a ship tied to a concrete pier in the midsts of concrete condo towers?
I think that we need this old Key West icon but I also think we have to stop the money grabbing madness that is turning our PARADISE into just another condo seaport.
Come on now Mike...
It's really not that bad...
The Raw Bar is still chucking there oysters, Turtle Crawls still serving fabulous Eggs Benedict on Sunday.
Buddy from BO's is doing just fine, still serving a great sandwich. Bucco from the Waterfront Market signed another 10 year lease, so he is here to stay.
The Schooner warf bar is here for at least another 8 years because they renewed there contract with the City of Key West...
And we secured our slip with Paul from the schooner wharf bar.
Things are great in Key West, come to our Coffee shop and you will find out the latest great news involved our great City...
hi, this is very random but where do people in Key West go when a hurricane comes? thanks. (this is a seriously question)
Hi,
We stay home...
We got food, wine and the greatest coffee...
My girlfriend and I visited Key West about 5 years ago and the absolute highlight was a sunset cruise on the W. Union. We talked about how if/when we got married we'd love to do it on the ship will all our friends and family. Well I finally proposed on New Years and not soon after we started researching how and when we were going to do it. I'll just say we were crushed when we learned the ship was no longer operating. I know there are others but it wouldn't be the same. Our wedding plans have kind of been put on hold for a while because we've been so busy. Any chance at all the ship will be up and running in the next year?
Absolutely...
You better reserve your date.
Call us at 305-304-9438
Individual donations? Will there be a paypal link, or is there an address to mail checks to?
How may other interested locals help this project? I'd be thrilled to pitch in!
To Coffee Plantation
I am very happy to hear that we are not loosing paradise to big money.But it my understanding(hope i am wrong) that turtle and the raw bar are up for grabs. I sincerely hope not.
We will be down in Nov. and will stop in and perhaps shoot the breeze a little.
We haven't stopped by at your place since you moved,but we will make an effort to do it this time.
Post a Comment
<< Home