PANAMA CITY — The sounds of creaking wood in the wind and splashing of the water — noticeably unhindered by the persistent hum of a motor — are reminders that sailors are on a piece of history.
Beginning this year, the Governor Stone, a National and Florida Historic Monument, sets sail the second Saturday of each month at the St. Andrew Marina at 10 a.m.
Normally people would be able to enjoy a two hour sail around the bay, but this Saturday the Governor Stone will reach its 20 person capacity with members of the nonprofit organization that pays for maintenance of the ship. However, the group — 130 members strong — will have a booth in front of their slip to sign people up to the organization — $25 is the minimum — and to solicit other donations.
“This is looking to promote the vessel and make people aware of it,” Secretary Treasurer Carol Visalpatara said.
The Governor Stone was built in 1877 and was one of the last commercial schooners, Visalpatara said. It was used to transport cargo all over the Gulf and as an oyster fishing boat. In the 1920s, it was even used to run rum originally transported from Cuba.
The boat has sunk three times — 1906, 1939 and 1956 — and was restored to its commercial boat condition in the 1990s after being used as a yacht for a time. The vessel requires considerable upkeep, undergoing a $100,000 rehab in 2013 — $50,000 of which was paid by a State Historical Monument Preservation grant. A reconstruction like that is required every 20 years — which was the planned life span for the boat.
“It’s expensive,” Visalpatara said of yearly maintenance.
The Governor Stone also receives about $5,000 a year from Panama City and a free slip at St. Andrews Marina.
After this Saturday, the next sailing trip will April 11.
