This period was one of action. First, we celebrated Falls of Clyde’s 140th birthday on12/12/18. A small group was allowed to come aboard for a small celebration.  A birthday lei was put on the bow, a short history of the Friends of Falls of Clyde was reviewed and then the attendees had delicious birthday cupcakes followed by the annual whisky blessing given by president Bruce McEwan. Here are a couple of pictures.

To commemorate her 140th birthday, Friends of Falls of Clyde had a special t-shirt designed. Here is a picture. The shirts are made to order and are available to anyone who wants to make a donation of $15 or more. Local mailing needs an additional $2 and a mainland order needs $5 for mailing. Orders can be made by sending name, address, size and a check to Friends of Falls of Clyde, P.O. Box 4674, Honolulu, HI 96812.

We are happy to announce that David O'Neill of Save Falls of Clyde International has concluded the agreement with the company that will pick up Falls of Clyde in Honolulu and transport her to Scotland. See his post on Friends of Falls of Clyde Facebook page for some details. The date to leave Hawaii is set at February 3, 2019. Let's be sure to communicate this far and wide to gain support for the ship's repatriation to Scotland. .

Fortunately Hurricane Lane has come and gone. Friends of Falls of Clyde met the administrative requirements of the Coast Guard and Harbors Division to remain in port, which included confirmation of our mooring plan that has been in place for heavy weather for many years. We checked all of our lines prior to the arrival of Lane and removed the gangway from its platform as a safety measure. Post Lane, we have handled the deck leakage into our rain buckets. All is well.

We are happy to announce that David O’Neill of Save Falls of Clyde International has secured a contract to begin the repatriation of Falls of Clyde to Scotland on February 3, 2019. This information has been communicated to the Harbors Division to gain their support for an extension now that we have a firm date for moving the ship. Hopefully common sense will prevail with all parties working together. David will be launching an international crowdfunding shortly and he will be communicating details.

Friends of Falls of Clyde are excited as we prepare the ship for her repatriation to Scotland. We are at the stage where we are getting together documents and pictures that help tell the Falls of Clyde story. It is especially gratifying to see pictures of the ship when she was fully restored and to know that she can be back in her prime again. Here is an prime area that will be renewed.

As we continue to prepare for the ship’s return to Scotland, we are excited about what we are finding as we find storage space for loose items. It seems that Falls of Clyde feels it’s time to return home. Her mana is strong and even as she gets older she maintains her strength. Here are some pictures of the ship’s bell and belfry with the plate showing that they were made in Scotland and donated when Falls was first restored in Hawaii.
The need right now is to find sponsors that want to support and underwrite the ship’s return to Scotland. If you want to sponsor or know someone who does, please contact us through our website at www.friendsoffallsofclyde.org.  This is an opportunity actively participate in the next phase of the Falls of Clyde story,

FFOC continues to work to prepare the ship for her trip to Scotland. There are many little things to do. We want the move to go smoothly.
David O'Neill of Save Falls of Clyde International has sent the following message to provide an opportunity for organizations or individuals to support this major event by becoming a sponsor: Here is what you can do:
Sponsorship or Branding opportunities available during this Global News, event, sailing from Hawaii to Scotland, via Panama Canal, possible multiple stops in U.S. to maximise News coverage, the ship is 325' X 40' Hull height approx 20', if you see an opportunity to promote your brand across Asia Pacific, U.S. Mainland and European regions, then contact us at savefallsofclyde@gmail.com
​

We just had a meeting with the Harbors Division folks to update them on David O’Neill’s progress. They were pleased with his progress and want to work with all of us on the moving details when they become available. There is a plan underway to have a big event to celebrate the Falls of Clyde return to Scotland, where she will be restored and recognized for the important maritime artefact that she is. 

​The main deck recoating has been completed. The weather has not been totally cooperative.  We are working on roof repairs where needed. We will continue to work on small projects in preparation for the move later this year.
The report from David O’Neill in Scotland is that the plan to return Falls of Clyde to Scotland is on track and he is making progress toward putting together all the resources needed.
Friends of Falls of Clyde is still accepting donations to offset our costs to prepare and move the ship and to help Scotland defray their expenses.