2008 Construction Projects Hull inspection, bottom painting, watertight door, deck house hatch, companionway, wood deck, inflatable liferaft, electrical system, fire/bilge pump, rescue slings, engine gauges, and interior cabinetwork.

As a maritime and shipbuilding capital in the 1700s and 1800s, Oswego is looking to the water again for its future. Right on schedule in November of 1988, volunteers completed frame-up of the first schooner to be built in Oswego in over 100 years. This multi-year ship construction project is being sponsored by the Oswego Maritime Foundation. When complete, the 85-foot topsail schooner will be used as a floating classroom for the foundation's Education Through Involvement (ETI) program. It will be the only ship of its type of US registry on Lake Ontario, dedicated specifically to public service.

The ETI program was created to:

1. Foster appreciation for our maritime heritage.
2. Increase understanding of Great Lakes history.
3. Enhance knowledge of Great Lakes resources.
4. Develop awareness of the fragile aquatic ecosystem.

The ETI on-board program will consist of a three-hour hands-on experience for participants of all ages. An on-shore program can also be presented in schools and for private groups and organizations. Due to the uniqueness of the ETI program, OMF expects to serve groups from a broad geographic area, including many surrounding states.

The steel hull schooner is being built by a large group of dedicated volunteers (men and women, skilled and unskilled) with materials that are financed by private contributions. Welding equipment, steel plate and framing stock, engines, wood, and other materials have been donated so far, as well as special technical services and equipment. Commitments have been made for some of the schooner's navigational instruments and operating systems.

The OMF Ontario's hull was christened and launched on July 2, 1994, 115 years to the day (and in the same spot) as the last schooner built in Oswego. Commissioning occcured on Aug. 27, 2005. Completion and sea trials are expected to take approximately two more years. Donations of equipment, labor, and services to complete this project are greatly appreciated.

The figure on the bow is an arrow and its wake. The arrow symbolizes the search for knowledge. It leaves understanding in its wake.

For more information, to find out how you can help, or to donated money or equipment, contact Dr. Henry Spang, OMF President and ETI Coordinator, phone 315-947-5056, e-mail hspang@twcny.rr.com.

A Walk Through the OMF Ontario

A deck-mounted windlass and access hatch are located above the forward chain locker (Frames 21 to 24). This will bew used for chain, line, and anchor storage and is isolated from the crew area by a watertight collision bulkhead at Frame 21.

Crew cabin (Frames 16 to 21) has four full-size berths, enclosed head, hanging locker, and personal gear storage. Access to the crew cabin is provided by two deck hatches and ladders.

The main cabin (Frames 8 to 16), also known as the classroom, features group seating around a large table, perimeter shelving for the ship's library, and a laboratory research station. Access to this section is through two companionways. A large raised skylight above the table will provide light and ventilation.

The engine compartment (Frames 5 to 8) contains the 100 horsepower diesel propulsion engine, generator and controls for the electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems. Adequate working space and headroom here will insure a safe and efficient power system.

In the wardroom (Frames 3 to 5) will be found a settee, galley, and head with access to the dog house (desk house) above, which serves as the navigation station.

Two double cabins (Frames A to 3), each with two berths, are officer accommodations that open to the wardroom and deck through a large skylight in the raised trunk aft of the deck house.

The watertight collision bulkhead at Frame A separates the aft storage compartment from the officer cabins. This compartment will accommodate steering gear and will hold lines, fenders, and other mooring and docking gear (Frames C to A).

Copyright © 2007 Oswego Maritime Foundation