Update on Milwaukee’s tall ship Denis Sullivan
Milwaukee, WI – It has been a while since we have reported to the group at large. Things were quiet for a while but there have now been a number of developments that we feel it important to get out information for you all. On the Denis Sullivan:
- The boat was moved to the south dock at Discovery World in May. A couple of the volunteers were there and helped with resetting the lines. She is now secure at the south dock.
- Peter Little, a professional shipwright, is now on board working on the projects he has been contracted for. These are repairs to the chain locker, the fore peak, the windlass, and the deck. He has been contracted for 6 weeks to complete the work. Former plans for completion of any work are now TBD due to the delays. Peter reports that the Sullivan is structurally sound and overall, in good shape.
- This past Monday, the engines were restarted after the winter. Representatives from Cummins Marine were present and inspected the engine room and engines before start-up and found there was no evidence of water levels getting above the engines themselves. As a precaution they are going to take oil samples to ensure there is no water present in the oil early next week. They also started the generator, and all equipment ran well under the supervision of Cummins professionals. Discovery World wants the engines working to avoid another situation like that which occurred during the initial move from the river. If any further moves become necessary, they want to be able to do it with the engines in play. The plan is to regularly start the engines and run them up to high revolutions, at least once a month.
- To facilitate any needed repositioning moves, DW is seeking a relief crew to help with any needed moves. We believe a relief captain has been identified and they are in conversation with the Coast Guard to determine what level of crew proficiency is needed to move the boat legally. They are also searching for other people to form this crew, potentially a professional mate, and 3-4 deckhands (dependent on Coast Guard requirements).
Other projects are to be determined. |Discovery World is seeking Coast Guard and insurance company guidance on what role volunteers can play. More information to come on this topic as the plan becomes more solid.
Discovery World:
Dirk Debbink, a board member and retired Vice Admiral, USN has taken on the role of leading the marine committee. He has taken a hands-on role in the care of the Sullivan and has been directly involved in all decisions and actions post move from the river.
- DW will be sending out information on volunteer needs in the near future. There will be an online registration and new this year will be asking for specific skills, experiences, and abilities that volunteers have in order to more effectively contact appropriate individuals as projects come up. The Friends are working with the DW volunteer coordinator to develop the form and information needed.
- We have been told that the search for the new captain is desired to begin this month, with the hire as soon as possible. There is also a potential for hiring a mate and skeleton crew as financial situation allows.The Friends:
- The Friends are working with DW to create a social media campaign using the FB pages of the Friends and DW to increase awareness and interest in the Sullivan and volunteering. The project is scheduled to begin as soon as possible and posted on both the FB pages simultaneously. The plan is to have posts that review the Sullivan history, Volunteer profiles, little known facts and trivia, and updates on the boat to start.
- DW is looking at potential projects for the volunteers to be involved in. First step is to find experienced professionals to supervise any work crews, and work with the insurance company and Coast Guard to ensure things are done correctly and there is coverage for all involved in the work and the Sullivan.
- The Friends have also officially been offered a position on the Marine committee to attend meetings and have a voice in the care and upkeep of the Denis Sullivan.
So, that is the update as we know it.
If you have questions, please respond and let us know and we will do our best to get an answer. Understand though that a lot of plans, etc. are evolving as the work begins and continues under Peter Little. Now that things are opening up, we are looking for your feedback on the best way to keep you in the loop.
Please let us know if you want to have Zoom meetings, or if emails and Facebook posts are sufficient to keep you informed. Thanks for your continued interest and be ready to respond to needs for help as we move forward.
Tom Martens
Friends of the Denis Sullivan
Tickets on sale for Sturgeon Bay shipyard tours
Sturgeon Bay, WI – Make plans to be awed by the freighters at Bay Shipbuilding, Fincantieri Group during the annual Sturgeon Bay Rotary Shipyard Tours, scheduled for Saturday, September 11. This is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Rotary Club of Sturgeon Bay.
Purchase tickets at www.DoorCountyTickets.com
