1-15 August 2015

The Friends of Falls of Clyde board completed work on the Falls of Clyde Business Plan to make Falls of Clyde a museum ship and venue for community and private events. We believe this is a viable plan, but cannot be implemented until after the drydocking for hull work and restoration of the main salon and Captain’s cabin. These will allow safe access to the ship and be the basis for both tours and events. We hope that the plan will be implemented in 2017. 

As a small organization, Friends of Falls of Clyde often feel overwhelmed by our important mission. However, we are not the only nonprofit committed to preserving and restoring a historically significant ship. In an article in the Autumn 2014 edition of Sea History, Captain Walter P. Rybka wrote “Ranking of Historic American Ships” in which he listed his ten historic ships worth saving. While Falls of Clyde was not on his list, he made several very important points that resonant will with what we are trying to accomplish. Here are some of his main points:

1. Many vessels have local significance. (Falls of Clyde was an both part of the Matson fleet carrying passengers and cargo to and from Hawaii, as well as a sailing tanker for Associated Petroleum, carrying oil to the plantations and ships in Honolulu Harbor.)
   
   
2. Many vessels have multiple operational careers. (Falls of Clyde in her now almost 137 years has had several very pivotal careers, including that of a museum ship.)
   
   
3. Much of the success of our ship preservation efforts is due to community support: grassroots, entrepreneurial, loyal, and independent—true reflections of our national character. (This is just what Friends of Falls of Clyde is trying to stimulate.)
   
   
4. A significant part of our maritime heritage is being preserved only by the energy, dedication, and resources of volunteers and local supporters. (This is where we are coming from, so we are in the preservation mainstream.)
   
   

The following statement reflects the belief and hope of Friends of Falls of Clyde: “I hope a case can be made for certain vessels to be recognized as having special merit for their rarity, and/or the importance of the deeds associated with them. The debate should be about how to speed resources to the vessels that should be saved for the nation.”      

We had a special treat recently when a supporter who owns a drone did some flyovers and videoed the Falls of Clyde. To see drone’s eye view of the ship go to:

https://Youtu.be/JjiN9-sHTpc and enjoy the wonderful Scottish music.