Harvey Gamage
The rumors had been dire for some time and now they appear to be confirmed. Marlinspike Magazine is reporting that the Ocean Classroom Foundation‘s three vessels, the schooners Spirit of Massachusetts, Harvey Gamage, & Westward will be auctioned. As reported by Marlinspike:
All three vessels are said to be in rough shape, particularly SPIRIT, which is currently unrigged and out of the water at Portland Yacht Services. GAMAGE was in service this past winter, but is reportedly not cleared to sail until more work has been done. The steel-hulled WESTWARD, formerly operated by SEA, has not sailed in some time.
Work is ongoing to clear liens against the vessels, and OCF is said to have been “very cooperative” in making arrangements. When the lien work is complete, there could be an auction as early as next month for one or more of the vessels.
The auction house acknowledged the value of conducting surveys on the vessel, but no word on yet on whether that will happen, or when and how those surveys would be available to potential buyers. Marlinspike will continue to provide updates on the auctions.
they have tall ships in lake michigan.they anchor them off shore in grand travis bay so people can rent a spot for the night,i wanted to do it once but no room,guess they are doing well.just one idea to keep them alive.
I was on the Harvey Gamage this July, we sailed around the Gulf of Maine, it was an unforgettable experience, I loved every moment, so I am saddned to hear that its being auctioned off. If it were possible I would live on such a ship (perhaps smaller) the sailors life for me and all that.
I am so saddened to learn of this having crewed on The Gamage when she was Just beginning to offer classroom education, and Captain Eban Whitcomb owned the ship. If any of the crew from the early 70’s is reading this, please feel free to contact me at sighdee@comcast.net. I have such wonderful memories…
Sailed with Ben Whitcomb in October-November, 1985, from Greenport, Long Island to Saba, in the Netherland Antilles. Departed Greenport just after Hurricane Gloria blew up along the east coast. Waves–well, they were a plenty and plenty big. Dark blue and mountainous. Was “duty electrician” and a general, all-around paint-scraper. Yes, like many others, the experience was and is unforgettable. Last time I saw the Gamage she was docked in Provincetown, Mass. Couple of years ago. Didn’t she have a sister ship “Rachel and Ebenezzer,” a concrete-hulled, smaller vessel owned by, at the time, Dirigo Cruises?