If there’s one thing that I can say about Captain Pierre Wallinder, it has to be that he is the most persistent man that I have ever met. When faced with adversity, Pierre shines. If you tell him “NO!” he will find a way to get around whatever obstacle stands in his way. Pierre’s persistence, and his love for Buffalo and the waterfront, has paid off yet again. This time Pierre has landed a leading lady, a home for his academy, alliances with waterfront-friendly entities and a growing group of believers who are helping Pierre to raise his Viking flag at both the Inner and Outer Harbor (see background).
Just this morning I received an email from Pierre who had all sorts of good news to share. Although he was not actively searching for a boat to add to his scholastic fleet, one presented herself to Pierre and the rest is maritime history. “We received a letter in the mail from the current owner of the sailboat Clara Brown (in Barcelona Harbor, NY),” Pierre told me. “So we hopped in the car to take a look at it. The architect, John G. Alden, the same architect who designed the schooner Malabar X, was a true legend in naval architecture and there is no other example of one of his boats in Buffalo (that Pierre is aware of). The Clara Brown is what a real boat should look like… she’s the prettiest girl on the dance floor. Sail Buffalo is the real deal… this is the type of boat that will change the face of our sailing school.”
From the email that Captain Pierre sent me this morning:
Ever since “Dreamer” was off to Erie PA and “Malabar X” to Barcelona Spain, a dream to one day see a John G. Alden design in Buffalo has been lingering on the horizon of Sail Buffalo. Just recently we received a letter from a shipwright in Barcelona down in Lake Erie asking if we would be interested in purchasing “Clara Brown” a John G Alden design no. 872, originating from 1952 when it was made in Maine.
Needless to say- it was only a question of hours until we were down in the hangar at Barcelona Marina where she was. How often is it that you look at something and feel as if time stands still? You can feel as if you are back in time, to when the boat was done, and you can sense the happiness of the first owner and of everyone after him (or her), – just sitting inside the cabin, watching how she has been taken care of, owner after owner, year after year.
Thanks to our member No 1, Giles Kavanagh, this vessel has now found a new home, and we plan on proudly display her inside the Naval Cove at the Commercial Wharf. A historic docking for a historic vessel!
The 28th of May a full crew consisting of myself plus Chris (LittleWally) and Nick (WallyWorld) plus DJ – we shall sail her back to Buffalo’s Inner Harbor. It will be a long journey, range 100 miles, possibly 10-12 hours, maybe even an overnight.
-Captain Pierre W
Not only is Pierre excited about his latest acquisition, he is also thrilled to be setting up shop at two waterfront locations this summer. “Sail Buffalo has created two unique partnerships,” said Pierre. “One with Cazenovia Resource Center and the other with WNY Maritime Charter School (Buffalo’s Naval Academy). We’ll have six boats in the harbor this year – three boats inside the Commercial Slip (including Clara Brown), and three boats on the opposite side in the Buffalo First Marina (Outer Harbor). The Buffalo First Marina at the Outer Harbor will see dramatic changes under the progressive management of Brand-On Services. There are plans for new docks and building/s (next year). This year they are working on gates and landscaping. That’s also where we will be docking our floating classroom (more details to come).”
Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing more maritime students out on the lake this summer. It’s important that we open the waterfront to all sorts of activities, age groups, income levels, diversity, etc. Sail Buffalo’s programming encompasses all of that, while adding awesome visuals to the waters of Lake Erie.