Amazing Grace (ship) facts for kids
Amazing Grace sailing in the Pacific
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| History | |
|---|---|
 United States |
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| Operator | East Island Excursions, Inc. |
| Builder | Don McQuiston |
| Launched | October 25, 1989 |
| Completed | 1991 |
| Homeport | San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Motto | Refresh others and you will be refreshed |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Topsail Schooner |
| Tonnage | 30 tons |
| Length |
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| Beam | 16 ft (4.9 m) |
| Height | 70 ft (21 m) |
| Draft | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Propulsion | 3 blade feathering propeller |
| Sail plan | Baltimore Clipper |
| Capacity | 30 |
| Crew | 5 |
| Notes | 2,010 sq ft (187 m2) sail area |
Amazing Grace is a beautiful 83-foot sailing ship called a topsail schooner. Her main port is in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This ship is used for a non-profit group called Maritime Leadership. It also offers private trips and special events at sea. Maritime Leadership teaches traditional sailing skills. They offer adventures lasting from 3 to 48 hours.
Contents
History of the Amazing Grace Schooner
Like other schooners, Amazing Grace is a classic American sailing ship. Schooners were small but important vessels. They fought against the British in the War of Independence. They also fought in the War of 1812. Some were part of the U.S. Navy. Others were "privateers," which were private ships allowed to attack enemy ships.
Building the Amazing Grace Ship
Her first name was Tuolumne. This name came from a river in Yosemite National Park. Don McQuiston designed the ship. Don Patterson helped with the engineering. The ship was built on the Steven's Ranch in California. Don McQuiston and his son Donnie built it.
They first built a cover for the construction area. Then they started building the hull, which is the main body of the ship. After that, they added the deck, skylights, and inside walls. The last big part was the cabin at the back. Inside, there's a master bedroom, engine room, living area, and other rooms. All these areas are finished with shiny mahogany wood. The ship uses a Ford marine diesel engine for power. Building the ship took several years. During this time, Don also ran his family's design and publishing business. The ship was moved to a boatyard in San Diego. It was launched on October 25, 1989.
Sails and Early Voyages
The ship's nine tall poles, called spars, came from Douglas fir trees in Washington State. At first, she was set up as a brigantine. This meant she had three yards (horizontal poles) on the front mast. She has a bowsprit and other parts that hold three front sails. The main mast has a gaff rig with a large main sail. Between the masts are other sails. All the ropes and rigging, about a mile of them, were put in place by the McQuistons and their son-in-law. They used old-fashioned wooden blocks and deadeyes.
Seventeen months later, she sailed for the first time. This was off San Diego in strong winds. In 1994, with a crew of six, she sailed north. Her new home port was Bellingham, Washington. From there, she explored the San Juan Islands. She also took part in Tall Ships events. She raced with other schooners along the British Columbia coast. She even made one trip to Alaska.
New Owners and Changes
In 2005, Steve and Janny Denton bought the ship. They were part of the non-profit group Maritime Leadership. They renamed the ship Amazing Grace. The Dentons decided to make the ship a passenger vessel. This meant it needed to be approved by the US Coast Guard. After many changes to meet the rules, the ship got a Certificate of Inspection (COI). This allowed the ship to take passengers on sailing trips.
For a few years, the ship's home port was Gig Harbor, Washington. There, a part of her rigging was removed. She was then set up as a square topsail schooner. When the wooden deck needed fixing because it was leaking, the owners moved the ship to San Diego. This was because San Diego has good weather for repairs. After moving back and forth a few times, the ship stayed in San Diego. In 2015, she was sold to East Island Excursions, Inc. in Puerto Rico.
Rigging and Sails
The "rig" of a ship describes how its masts and sails are set up. Amazing Grace has a square topsail on her front mast. She also has seven "fore and aft" sails. These include a gaff main sail, a gaff topsail, and several staysails and jibs. These different sails can be used in many ways. This helps the ship sail well in different wind conditions. The way her sails are set up is complex. It has been improved over the last two hundred years.
Flags and Their Meaning
The ship flies a large American flag with 13 stars. This flag is at the top of the gaff. She also flies a 13-star pennant from the top of the main mast. These flags show the time period and history of this type of ship. After the ship arrived in Puerto Rico, the new owners changed the American flag. They replaced it with a Puerto Rico flag.
Non-Profit Work
Before Amazing Grace was sold to East Island Excursions, Inc., she was the main ship for Maritime Leadership. This non-profit group used the ship to help people. They offered leadership training and sailing lessons. The ship was a source of inspiration for many. Maritime Leadership took many groups on sailing trips. These included military veterans, foster children, and youth groups. They also worked with the Make A Wish Foundation.
Racing Success
Amazing Grace has taken part in many races. These include the America's Schooner Cup and the Tall Ships Challenge. Even though she is a "tall ship" (an older, traditional sailing vessel), she is very fast. Other tall ship sailors are often impressed by her speed. Amazing Grace races against much newer schooners. She still manages to be a strong competitor. In the America's Schooner Cup, she has done very well. She placed 3rd in 2010, 2nd in 2012, and 1st in 2014 in her category.
Images for kids
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The bow (front) of the Amazing Grace
