After a grueling journey, the Spirit of Buffalo has arrived in Buffalo (see back story). It arrived yesterday, navigating through some tricky weather along its final leg. The crew reports that despite some problematic snafus, including losing a prop in the Erie Canal, the ship and its occupants are safe and ready to embark on an entirely different journey here in WNY. Even today, all hands were on deck preparing the boat for service on Lake Erie. Most of the ship is being repainted, and a number of features are being updated, including beautiful wood details along the hatches.
Another significant chore came in the form of removing the masts in order to navigate the bridges along the Erie Canal. That meant that they motored all the way from NYC to Buffalo - losing that prop was a bigger deal than you might think. Only yesterday did the crane arrive to lift the masts into place.
Captains Rich Hilliman and Kate Mini
The ship has very nice lines and boasts plenty of room below to accommodate a number of guests. And they'll need the room. It looks as if the Spirit of Buffalo has already teamed up with the Pearl Street Brew Pub. Apparently the first joint event will be a $50 Father's Day package that will include dinner, drinks and a sail on the Schooner. How sweet is that? Maybe Earl Ketry (owner of Pearl Street) can help raise money for a new mermaid that would replace the tacky one that came with the boat (thankfully removed - see below). And maybe the brew pub could brew a special beer called The Spirit of Buffalo to raise that money? Hmmm... I love it when a plan comes together. You never know... it worked with Rusty Chain.
It's still going to be a bit before the schooner is ready for the public. At that time, there will be a ceremony at the Inner Harbor to celebrate. Stay tuned.
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Another significant chore came in the form of removing the masts in order to navigate the bridges along the Erie Canal. That meant that they motored all the way from NYC to Buffalo - losing that prop was a bigger deal than you might think. Only yesterday did the crane arrive to lift the masts into place.
Captains Rich Hilliman and Kate Mini
The ship has very nice lines and boasts plenty of room below to accommodate a number of guests. And they'll need the room. It looks as if the Spirit of Buffalo has already teamed up with the Pearl Street Brew Pub. Apparently the first joint event will be a $50 Father's Day package that will include dinner, drinks and a sail on the Schooner. How sweet is that? Maybe Earl Ketry (owner of Pearl Street) can help raise money for a new mermaid that would replace the tacky one that came with the boat (thankfully removed - see below). And maybe the brew pub could brew a special beer called The Spirit of Buffalo to raise that money? Hmmm... I love it when a plan comes together. You never know... it worked with Rusty Chain.
It's still going to be a bit before the schooner is ready for the public. At that time, there will be a ceremony at the Inner Harbor to celebrate. Stay tuned.
Jacked Up Mermaid
Great to see it arrived in pretty good shape, I can't wait for it to dock at the CanalSide Inner Harbor! What a great addition to the waterfront!