DON'T CALL ME ON SATURDAY

[Oswego John]

Hi all,

Don't call me this Saturday, I'm going to be very busy.

After seventeen years of working, mostly on weekends, our dream of building a schooner has been fulfilled. This Saturday, Aug 27, the tall ship OMF Ontario (Oswego Maritime Foundation) will be formally commissioned.

As part of a traditional commissioning ceremony the 19th century-style vessel will leave it's construction dock at the OMF Boating Education Centre and sail out into Oswego Harbour to be greeted by other vessels of all types and sizes.

The 85', two masted, gaff, topsail schooner has passed the required USCG equipment and construction tests but it won't go into active service until next summer or so. The interior has to be completed and some spiffy woodwork will be added to make it more authentic.

If you would like to see what it looks like, type in www.oswegomaritime.org/eti.html

The picture was taken before the mainsails were completed.

For me, this is the culmination of 17 years of a little blood, lots of sweat, and I have a hunch that there might be a few teary eyes. One thing that I am sure of is that through the years, shipbuilding being the common denominator, many strong friendships have developed that will never be forgotten. Lots of good stories, too.

Thought some of you might appreciate this
O J
Crew of CD85 OMF Ontario
Oswego, NY USA

[rtbates]

How exciting for you and all those associated with the project.
I wish you all the best and following winds.

Randy25D seraph #161

[Frank Vernet]

A splendid addition to the fleet. Well done to all. She is beautiful and I suspect will be happiest sailing along a bowline.

Fair Winds and Following Seas.

[SeaBelle]

OJ,

Clearly you have not been rusting (and hopefully neither will s/v Ontario)

[M. R. Bober]

Here's hoping for great weather.


Every best wish,
Mitchell Bober
Sunny Annapolis (home of plebe summer) MD

[Parfait's Provider]

John,

Many thanks for lunching with Shelley and me yesterday. As I suspected, you are even more delightful in person than you are as Oswego John. I wish we could be there for the OMF Ontario's dedication, but we will be somewhere between
Gaithersburg, MD and Raleigh while you enjoy that inaugural sail.

Don't you dare rust up on us!

[Joe Myerson]

Congratulations! Please check the personal message I posted.
--Joe Myerson

[Bill Watson]

Peace and Fair Winds - a project of a lifetime!
Kittiwake

[Plumber]

Well its been a wonder to watch the building of the Ontario and I'm pleased to see it is going to be leaving the dock for the first time.
My wife and I will be there on Dreamer to help escort her on her first outing.
See you there!
Brace & Wendy Tallents
CD25 Dreamer