Repair Update and Fundraising Launch

11 Jun Repair Update and Fundraising Launch

It has been a bit of a wait, but this past month we officially began repairing and restoring Providence! This is phase one of a multi-phase repair plan to revitalize our ship over the next several years.

Phase One of the repair will cost approximately $87,300 and focus on making the ship safe and accessible for dockside operations. Work will include stabilizing the mast and repairing or replacing key parts of the rigging. These essential fixes will allow us to reopen Providence as a dockside attraction for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

Phase-One Repair Breakdown 

1. Replace Samson Post – $22,000

The Samson post is a strong vertical post at the bow of the ship that anchors our bowsprit and mast, and holds the windlass which is used to weigh our anchor, as well as lift heavy things off our dock and into our rigging.  Replacing it is crucial to maintaining the structural integrity of our rigging.  

2. Install Collar Around Mast Step – $4,500

The mast step is where the base of the main mast is secured within the hold of our ship. Installing a collar around the base of the mast will provide additional support, ensuring the mast stays securely in place until we are able to potentially replace it in a future phase of the restoration project.

3. Stabilize Starboard Davit – $1,500

Davit arms are used to hoist and lower our small boat off the back of the ship. Our starboard davit has become worn due to years of use and strain. Shipwrights have begun to rebuild the davit to ensure the port and starboard davits can support weight as designed. 

4. Main Mast Work – $21,600

This is a major component of the ship’s repair and restoration. While this is just the initial work of the project, it is extensive and involves several sub-tasks:

a. Remove Doubling Cap –

This is the cap of our lower mast that helps anchor the upper mast when we are uprigged.  There is damage where the doubling cap is attached to the lower mast, so it is being removed for safety. 

b. Remove Crossjack Yard–

This horizontal yard is the lower of our two yards that support our Topsail. The Crossjack needs removal for assessment and routine upkeep. 

c. Remove Crane Iron –

A fixture that secures the crossjack yard to the mast.  This equipment is not historically accurate, so professional riggers will remove it to help bring our rigging closer to the original Providence. 

d. Tune Inner and Outer Bobstays

Bobstays are cables that secure the bowsprit against upward pull. Tuning them ensures proper tension and load distribution. 

e. Tune Rig –

Shipwrights will adjust all standing rigging that supports the mast and properly tension them for stability and safety.

5. Build Temporary Mast Wedges – $1,500

Mast wedges are wooden blocks shaped to fit between the mast and the hole in the deck that it passes through, to prevent the mast from shifting.  They have to be carefully shaped to fit the arc of the mast and the deck hole. 

6. Replace Tiller Tackle – $3,900

The tiller tackle is a system of lines and blocks that attach to the tiller as part of the steering system. This system provides extra mechanical advantage in conditions when steering becomes difficult.  The blocks and line are currently worn and are in need of replacement. 

7. Replace Danforth Anchor – $7,600

One of Providence’s two anchors Is rusted and in need of replacement. The Danforth design is ideal for firm holding power in the muddy or silty bottom conditions of the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. 

8. Replace Anchor Rode – $1,400

The rode is a combination of chain and rope that connects the anchor to the ship. The rope section of our current rode is worn and stiff to the point of being almost unusable. 

9. Build Temporary Pushboat Lift Bridals – $1,800 

Our small boat (or dingy) requires a wire bridal to raise and lower on the davits.  Our current bridal is worn and needs to be replaced. 

10. Build Temporary Bowsprit Wedges – $1,500 

Similar to mast wedges, these wooden wedges support the bowsprit where it passes through the hull at the bow.  These also require careful crafting to achieve the correct shape.  

11. Additional Work – $20,000

The gun mounts, railings, and stanchions surrounding our quarterdeck have been weakened by rot damage over time.  We are replacing large sections of the rail to ensure that passengers and crew can safely enjoy the quarterdeck.

This number also accounts for any unexpected issues and small fixes that may arise as we work.

What’s Next? 

While Phase One is focused on safety and stability, it’s just the beginning. This initial phase of the repair process will allow Providence to return home to Alexandria and operate as a dockside attraction for the time being. At this time, we are not expecting to offer public cruises or private charters during the 2025 or 2026 seasons. 

In the meantime, we will continue to raise money for full rigging replacement and structural rehabilitation. In addition to functional and structural benefits to our ship, it is our hope that these repairs will return Providence to a more historically faithful rigging. This project will take several years and multiple exciting phases to fully achieve, so follow along with our updates on how you can help! 

How can you help bring Providence back home?

Restoring a ship like Providence is no small feat, but with your help, we can get her back to inspiring, educating, and thrilling visitors for years to come. 

To donate, click below or email Kathy at kathy@tallshipprovidence.org  

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We’re thrilled that you’ve decided to follow along with our journey and can’t wait to see you aboard!