Tall Ship Almost Ready

      M/V Matthew Turner, first all wood brigantine built in San Francisco in 110 years, is days away from launch.   Ship movers are preparing the lifting, and shipwrights are putting the cradle wedges in place.  The set up will continue for another 24-36 hours and then, amidst a cheering crowd of onlookers and well wishers, the new vessel will finally get her feet wet in the salty brine of san Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

the model w/ sails

Bigge Crane  trucks:6 sets

Name plate added to bow port and starboard

     Today, the crew will be fixing the hull to the steel rails that rest on the trucks.  When securely in place, the vessel will be towed into position about 160 yards east to the top of the launching ramp at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers depot.   Then, the media hounds, spectators, et al., will take in the spectacle for all its worth.   At about 4pm, Saturday, April 1st, down it will roll into the water.