About Us > FAQ
Why build a tall ship for educational
purposes?
Sailing
vessels are used around the world as a unique educational platform.
Specifically, California, Wisconsin, Maryland, Massachusetts and
Connecticut are managing tremendously successful educational initiatives
under sail using tall ships. Worldwide, ships are funded by countries
and regions to display their national pride, embrace the history
of ships, and mold leaders of the 21 st century through dynamic
curriculums at sea. South Carolina’s tall ship will
be an icon of history, bringing with it vast stories of discovery,
innovation, courage and skill. It will also offer a unique opportunity
for students to work as a crew, relying on each other to contribute
to the task at hand. Core goals of the curricula will include history,
teamwork, responsibility and leadership.
Why does South Carolina need this?
According to
the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2004
Kids Count Databook, South Carolina ranks 46th in the well-being
of children, our second worst rating during the past decade. The
indicators where South Carolina rates the worst nationally include:
Teen births (42nd), Teen violent deaths (42nd), and Idle teens
(41st). There are 61,000 persons age 16-24 who are not enrolled
in school, are not working, and have no degree beyond high school.
The percentage of teens not attending school and not working from
1996 to 2001, worsened by 22%, while the national average improved
11%. The state ranks 49 th nationwide in high school dropouts.
We must improve the daily lives of children and families so that
they thrive and develop into productive workers, form their own
strong families, and become contributing members of their communities.
When was the Spirit of South Carolina completed?
Building a tall ship is a massive undertaking, which requires
complex logistics, such as engineering, building, and launching a large
vessel which complies with US Coast Guard regulations and provides
a safe and productive learning environment. The foundation is faced
with the task of funding this grand effort through individual, foundation,
corporate and government donations. Comparable undertakings in the
U.S. have taken from 2-10 years to complete. We launched the Spirit of South Carolina during March of 2007.
Where will the ship voyage?
The Spirit of South Carolina will provide a broad
range of excursions, from day sails in the harbor for elementary students
to week-long sails to coastal cities and even Bermuda for high-school
and college students. The destination and length of excursion will
be determined by who is onboard. A typical year of programming might
see the Spirit of South Carolina visit Charleston, Beaufort,
Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, Georgetown, Norfolk, Baltimore, Boston,
Connecticut, Newport, New York, and Bermuda.
How can I help?
Tell your friends. Tell your teachers. Share the vision of a tall
ship in South Carolina with all relevant contacts. We are eager to
raise awareness, and prompt statewide support for the Spirit
of South Carolina. You can specifically help us succeed by sharing
information about the program, and donating time and/or money to
the project. See our Support
the Spirit menu for more information.
How do I donate?
Our Buy-a-Plank program allows individuals the chance to help build
the Spirit of South Carolina. Planking may be purchased
for $50/foot, so your options are broad in giving $50-$5,000 to the
effort. You will be recognized as a donor and receive a beautiful
Plank Certificate. The SCMHF is a 501(3)c nonprofit organization.
Your contribution is tax deductible. For other options of giving,
such as corporate sponsorship, large gifts, and product/service donations
please call 843-722-1030 or email chaigh@scmaritime.org.
|
