About The Ship

We want to build a 90-foot wooden steam and sail ship that resembles the Blockade Runner of 1861 to 1865. This ship is scaled down to meet the requirements of both finance and practicality. Here are some general facts that will be changed as required:

• Beam-- 30 feet (20 feet at the waterline)
• Power-2- 75 H.P. triple expansion Steam Engines driving two side mounted paddle wheels
• Sails -- as required to move the ship at a reasonable speed, about 6,000 square feet
• Electricity-- Diesel powered generator
• Cooking-Propane stoves
• Classrooms-as needed to be designed with the help of teachers
• Sleeping quarters-we can have about 15 to 20 students plus crew so bunks and separate showers/bathrooms will be needed
• Bunks-designed for self stowage when not in use

Why 90 Feet?

• The cost goes up several times for each foot above this design.
• We do not have the space to build the ship any larger
• We can build a ship of this size in a reasonable time frame
• Docking is available for this size ship
• Crew size is not too big
• Cost to maintain a ship of this size is manageable
• The wood is available for this length but almost impossible to get when it goes beyond 90 feet
• Why wood? -- This is a building experience for the public. Metal or fiberglass, besides being expensive, is not a skill the volunteer worker can perform.
• We have a good source of alumni from past CFCC boat building classes that are eager to assist in the building of the ship.

Construction Logistics:

We want to build the "SHIP" in the space behind the existing boat building shop at Cape Fear Community College. This will allow us the use of large wood working machines that are required for this type of a project.

There is a space allocated adjacent to the waterfront that will allow the public to witness the birth of the "SHIP" and continue to see its growth to completion. On weekends free parking in the front of the building assures that many people will drop by to see the ship as it's being built.

A building/shed will be built to provide weather protection and storage for the ship and the workers tools. This building will be built in such a way as to let the public witness the building of the ship and ask questions on site. It is our intent to have someone there to just answer questions and to take names for future contact if they are interested. We want the public involved.

It has been suggested to dock the "SHIP" on the waterfront between the Hilton and PPD. As plans develop we will enter into talks to see the best location for this attraction.

There is a great deal of history in Blockade Running. It all started in America with the Revolutionary War when the English blockaded New York and Boston Harbors. This history of providing supplies and commerce was again used during the Civil War. We will have an extensive history of blockade running on display at the ship. This is the history of survival and commerce when at war.

The Builder:


The ship will be constructed by a crew under the supervision of master boat builder Ed Verge - a 30-year boat building veteran and lead instructor of the boat building program at Cape Fear Community College.