S.O.S. (Save Our Sloop) Woody Guthrie!

SUPPORT THE WOODY GUTHRIE RESTORATION PROJECT

SOMETHING WONDERFUL HAPPENED ON THE HUDSON RIVER 31 YEARS AGO…

Back in 1978 the sloop Woody Guthrie was launched and began what is now more than three decades of free sailing and environmental education.

Sailing from Beacon Harbor five summer nights a week and at countless festivals up and down the river, the Woody Guthrie has introduced over 21,000 adults and children to the glorious Hudson River and its environs. All with volunteer Captains and Crew

Sailing on the Woody Guthrie has always been free of charge and will remain free for both crew and guests.

Restoration Project: 11 Years, $185,000 and Nearing Completion

Thirty one years is a long time in the life of a wooden boat. Despite the best effort of the Beacon Sloop Club volunteers to keep the Woody Guthrie in good repair, boat parts have simply worn out. Wood rots! Historically, wooden sloops on the Hudson lasted less than 10 years. We are seeking to complete the Restoration Project to ready the Woody to celebrate the Quadricentennial in 2009.

We finished Phase 1 of the four-phase restoration project several years ago. The custom gaff-rigged red sails of the Woody were replaced.

In Phase 2, the metal screws holding the wooden hull planks to the structural ribs were replaced. Thirteen planks of the hull also were replaced. Thanks to all who donated money for the desperately needed professional hull repairs.

Phase 3 involved bringing the Woody to the repair shop of a master boat builder in Albany, New York. The deck planks and structural deck framing were deteriorated and have now been replaced. To do this, the entire upper portion of the Woody had to be removed.

Phase 4 is the replacement of the blocks, lines, centerboard, centerboard trunk, batteries, repairs to the frame and other repairs. The total cost of Phases 1-4 and will be far less than building a new boat.

We are continuing Phase 4 of our restoration in January 2009 with the replacement of the rotted & damaged centerboard trunk and replacement of the electric motor batteries. We need to secure funding to ensure we can affect the repairs so that the Woody Guthrie can sail again this year. Please help with whatever contribution you can afford.

Consider the importance of the Woody's mission. As a charter member of the Clearwater organization, the Beacon Sloop Club has always supported the Clearwater in our goal of a cleaner river.

Open to all members of the public, the Beacon Sloop Club has introduced guests from diverse walks of life to the joy of sailing and the miracle of the river's ecosystem - at no charge.

Now is the critical time for you to invest in the future of the Woody Guthrie and the Hudson River by making a tax-deductible donation to the Beacon Sloop Club S.O.S. for the completion of Phase 4.

Donations of any amount will be cheerfully accepted, with our deepest gratitude.

Make Checks Payable to Beacon Sloop Club SOS

Send your tax deductible contribution to the:

Beacon Sloop Club/ SOS Campaign

P.O. Box 527

Beacon, NY 12508