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| Key
West | About the Schooner Western Union Maritime
Museum |
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Sail into History |
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From the moment you
step aboard you’ll know there’s no other sailing vessel in the world like
the Schooner Western Union Maritime Museum. As the last tall ship built
in Key West, she marks the end of the era of working coastal schooners.
A voyage on the Schooner Western Union Maritime Museum is a unique opportunity
to sail into history.
Built in Key West in 1939, she is one of the oldest
working wooden schooners in the United States. Constructed to tend the
Western Union cable lines, today she offers a mix of romance, fun, and
excitement that could only be offered by THE premier sailing vessel of
the Florida Keys. |
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| About the Schooner Western
Union Preservation Society |
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| The
Schooner Western Union Preservation Society (S.W.U.P.S.) is a not for profit
corporation founded for the purpose of restoring, maintaining and operating the
historic Schooner Western Union Maritime Museum in Key West. In addition to the
restoration of the schooner, S.W.U.P.S. will operate the boat as a maritime museum
with an educational outreach program that includes historical tours, children's
activities and private excursions. Key West is rich in maritime history and the
Schooner Western Union Maritime Museum is one of the last great examples of that
history. S.W.U.P. S. will strive to preserve and share this important aspect
of our heritage for the many visitors and residents of our island. Initial funding
will be obtained through corporate sponsorships, grants, and individual donations.
Once the initial restoration is completed and her Coast Guard certification is
restored, funds will be generated from the daily operation of the vessel as an
maritime museum by offering sailing excursions in the waters surrounding Key
West. The S.W.U.P.S. will create a fund from income exceeding operating expenses
for the purpose of maintaining the vessel for future generations to enjoy. |
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| The S.W.U.
Maritime Museum is the flagship for the city of Key West. |
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| As you sail across the
aqua waters of the Gulf of Mexico, you are transported back to a time when
life was simple but difficult, and the passage of time was relatively unimportant.
Our award winning crew insures the safety and comfort of our guests. Fresh
homemade conch chowder (made from a secret recipe handed down six generations),
a key lime dessert and ice cold beverages compliment each evening outing.
Live musicians and the releasing of homing doves insure an unforgettable
experience. The life long lasting impression that sailing on this historic
vessel makes on children is readily evident. They cannot wait to get home
and tell everyone how the Captain allowed them to steer the Schooner Western
Union Maritime Museum. |
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| Designer: |
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Mr
Heber Elroy Arch, Grand Cayman, British West Indies |
| Length |
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Overhall:
130 ft. |
| Beam: |
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23
ft., 6 in. |
| Draft: |
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7ft.,
9 in. |
| Rig: |
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Gaff
mainsail and foresail |
| Sail
Area: |
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5200
sq. ft. |
| Fuel: |
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6
gal./engine/hour |
| Displacement: |
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218
tons |
| Tonnage: |
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91.91
gross |
| Spars: |
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Solid Douglas
Fir |
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| Sail
Area: |
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5200
sq. ft. |
| Construction: |
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Carvel-planked
yellow pine over Madeira mahogany frames on 5-inch centers |
| Power: |
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Twin
GM 4-71 series diesel |
| Generator: |
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8kw
diesel |
| Speed: |
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8
knots under power, 12.2 under sail |
| Fuel
Tanks: |
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4
steel; 300 gal. total |
| Water
Tanks: |
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Aluminum,
1200 gal. |
| Ballast: |
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27
tons, lead |
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| Key West Map and Directions |
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| Schooner Preservation Society |
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| eNewsletter Signup |
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Hear
about the latest
updates on your favorite schooner! Our monthly eNewsletter keeps you up
to date on all the happenings of the Maritime Museum. |
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| eNewsletter
Signup |
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