FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      
Contact:  Meaghan Van Liew           
(843) 722-1030 office
(843) 814-3966 mobile
mvanliew@scmaritime.org
August 19, 2005

CHARLESTON, SC - The South Carolina community is clearly embracing the Spirit of South Carolina. Merely one month after announcing a Leadership Gift of $125,000 from entrepreneur Kevin High, The South Carolina Maritime Heritage Foundation announced additional commitments today of $500,000, which take the project's capital campaign past the $2 million mark.

The latest major gifts to the project were committed by The Ginn Company, Bennett Hofford Companies, Centex Homes, and Bill and Heather Bundy. The capital required for construction of the Spirit of South Carolina is $4 million, with 50% of that now secured.

“The foundation's reorganization in 2004 seems to be paying dividends,” said Executive Director Brad Van Liew. “We've got a solid strategy in place for raising money, and a clear vision of the future educational programming that will take place with the ship.” The Spirit of South Carolina will act as a mobile platform for lessons in responsibility, teamwork, and leadership for South Carolina students.

“We are pleased that many of South Carolina 's business leaders are recognizing what this incredible ship will bring to the students of South Carolina although we clearly still have a long way to go,” continued Van Liew. “Our donors are giving back to the community with an asset that will serve students for decades to come. South Carolina needs more community-based programs that help our youth discover their potential and grow into productive, contributing members of our society.”

From frigates to warships and windjammers, traditional sailing ships have played a vital role in the history of South Carolina and the world as well. Today these vessels play many different roles – as museums, as classrooms, as research platforms, as ambassadors, and more. Pamela Dewell Smith of the American Sail Training Association (ASTA) explains it eloquently in her essay What is Sail Training?

“Aboard a sail training vessel, as in life, our small piece is a critical part of the whole. The quality of work, and the spirit in which we do it, has a profound effect on the well-being of everyone else aboard. Leadership, paradoxically, is arrived at by learning to take direction. Becoming a team player. Pulling your share of the load. Being absolutely responsible. Dependable. And, learning to depend on the responsibility of others. For no matter what the particular mission of a ship might be, it is essential that she be safely navigated and handsomely attended.”

Along with its educational mission, the Spirit of South Carolina will reflect the rich maritime history of South Carolina. The classic pilot schooner is being constructed with traditional methods and materials, including Live Oak frames, Long Leaf Yellow Pine planks, and bronze fasteners. The Spirit will reflect the lines of an 1879 working pilot schooner called the Frances Elizabeth, which was built in Charleston Harbor and served mariners for many years guiding larger trading vessels in and out of this historic port. The shipyard crew, which includes both paid shipwrights and volunteers, has started planking the vessel. Sea Island Boatworks, headed by Mark Bayne, is in charge of construction.

Learn more about the Spirit of South Carolina by calling (843) 722-1030 or visiting www.scmaritime.org.

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