Captain Sterling Tallman writes that after six years of not having a Tall Ship visit the Marina, the famous “Bill of Rights” returns on May 15 through 20 for a week long series of public and educational activities. Del Rey Yacht Club is the event sponsor and organizing authority. The “Bill” had the honor of leading Bicentennial Celebration Tall Ship Parade into New York Harbor in 1976. She is now operated by the non-profit American Tall Ship Institute (www.american tallship.org).
On Wednesday, May 16th, the “Bill” makes its first stop at DRYC for ship tours by club members, VIPs, Press and other dignitaries followed by an “Open House” throughout the day. The “Bill” then moves to Fisherman’s Village for the remainder of the journey. During this time, she will conduct educational sails for local non-profit organizations serving area youth on May 17 and 18. The “Bill” then takes part in the Marina Fest over the weekend of May 19 and 20 providing deck tours and sunset sails. DRYC will be providing electric boat transport from the Festival to the “Bill.”
The “Bill of Rights”is a replica of a 19th century gaff topsail schooner (1856). She was built in 1971 at South Bristol, Maine, by Harvey F. Gamage, and was designed by McCurdy, Rhodes & Bates. Her length is 137 feet; beam is 25 feet, draft is 10.5 feet, with a gross tonnage of 98 (empty). With two masts up to 115 feet high, the “Bill” carries 6 sails totaling 6300 square feet of sail area.
The “Bill of Rights” is operated by The American Tall Ship Institute (ATSI). The Institute was founded as a non-profit in 2007. The “Bill” is home ported in Oxnard, CA and serves communities and non-profits on the south coast. The ATSI mission is to encourage positive youth and community development through environmentally aware, hands-on, ocean based programs aboard Tall Ships, and in ATSI’s boat building shop.
Through its programs, ATSI serves youth of all backgrounds and circumstances to teach them teamwork, collaboration and leadership skills through one day and multi-day learning experiences. Consisting of curriculum based marine science, history and social science programs, they utilize the “Bill of Rights” for ship-based programs as well as a fully equipped shop for boat building courses.
The American Tall Ship Institute has many active partnerships in the Oxnard community and works with a variety of youth – many of them high risk. Community partners include: Ventura County School Districts and local schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, Boy and Girl Scouts, many local gang intervention programs, youth service non-profits, US Fish and Wildlife, native habitat restoration non-profits, and many others. In addition, ATSI has conducted programs for schools throughout California and Navy Sea Cadets from across the country. ATSI is looking forward to developing similar programs in the Los Angeles area on a regular basis.
Planning is currently underway for a gathering of Tall Ships at Marina del Rey for a weeklong event that will include “Cannon Battles,” ship tours, sunset sails, and a Del Rey Yacht Club’s Tall Ships race to the Isthmus at Catalina Island.
For further information contact Del Rey Yacht Club at (310) 823-4664 or American Tall Ships Institute at (805) 436-7805.