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Ship Enters First Maintenance Period at Historic site of Hobcaw Shipyard
Spirit of South Carolina Completes First Season with 1,000 Students Served
The Spirit of South Carolina is currently undergoing its first maintenance period. As of mid December, she was moored at the historic site of the Hobcaw Shipyard (archaeological site #38CH1049 also known as the Pritchard Shipyard). Two Charlestonians, Pepe and Cyndy Hernandez are generously hosting the ship at their dock on Hobcaw Creek in Mt. Pleasant. Dating back to 1702, shipwrights have built an impressive list of vessels on this site. The South Carolina Maritime Foundation is grateful for the support of the Hernandez family and excited to have its ship docked at one of the earliest known shipyards in the country.
On October 1, 2007 the very first students crossed the gangway from the dock at the Charleston Maritime Center onto the deck of the Spirit of South Carolina. Eager but cautious, the 6th graders peered up at the towering rig above and questions flooded their minds about the huge wooden booms, traditional sails and rigging. Two months later, on December 5, the ship completed its first season, having served more than 1,000 students in the day sail program entitled Sea Spray Scouts. Educators around the state are now raving about the ship and its crew, who not only sail the ship, but also act as onboard educators offering lessons in math, science, history and literature.
Nine school districts from across the state of South Carolina participated in the first season of Sea Spray Scouts, which was designed for 5th and 6th grade students. The districts served include Aiken, Berkeley, Charleston, Chester, Chesterfield, Dorchester, Georgetown, Greenville, and Orangeburg. Unanimously, the teachers surveyed stated that the experience met their expectations, and 100% of them agreed that the curriculum provided prior to the voyage was beneficial. The feedback from the educators was consistent in expressing that the educational experience onboard was very helpful in explaining concepts that are difficult to communicate effectively in the classroom. Collectively, these teachers expressed enormous enthusiasm for the ship as a platform for learning.
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