THE CAUSE:
'Dorothea' our first expedition boat founded a whole new kind of learning in Nova Scotia. She is in dire need of repair and new outfitting to make her expedition-worthy. Our goal is to raise $24,700 by summer 2013 so that we can offer youth a unique experience on an original sailboat built by teenagers.
THE IMPACT:
17 years 754 program days 15,000 sea hours 106 expeditions 1200 participants
THE DESIGN:
Dorothea is a 30’ spritsail, ketch-rigged pulling-boat. Modeled on the Sable Island surf-boats that used to transport people and gear from Tall Ships to the shores of Sable Island, Nova Scotia they are wooden boats powered by sails and oars. They are our home for the length of the trip. These boats are a traditional seaworthy design, proven safe in all conditions, fast, responsive and exciting to sail. From setting sail in the morning to dropping anchor at night, Dorothea requires teamwork.
THE NAME:
Dorothea was named after Dorothea Dix, an advocate for mental health who gave money to buy the first lifesaving boats for the Sable Island Lifesaving Station.
THE CONSTRUCTION:
Built from eco-forested wood at Windhorse Farm by 15 teenagers and four adult staff in 10 months
THE TIMELINE:
1994 - Sea School is Incorporated / Dorothea is built over 10 months
1995 - Launch at Halifax Waterfront - carried by 40 friends / Maiden 7 Day voyage Halifax to Mahone Bay
1996 - Training with YMCA Camp Big Cover leaders / Sea School operates out of Maritime Museum
1997 - Move to Lunenburg Base / Drascombe luggers built - sailied alongside Dorothea
1998 - Alford Lake Girls Camp completes first trip on Dorothea / 14 day trip for youth with 5 days on a tall ship
1999 - 65 expedition days and 9 trips / Sea school runs 5 partnership programs on Dorothea
2000- 2002 - First professional development trip for adults / 4 trips in partnership with Tall ships
2003 - 2005 - Sister boat Elizabeth Hall is built and launched / Sea School offers 3 additional expeditions per year
2006-2007 - Dorothea gets new sails
2008 - First September Classic trip and race
2009 - First ages 11-13 program
2010 - 2011 - Dorothea rests - waiting to be revived!