Launching the Whelp

     The weather was squirrely on Friday. Some sun, some drizzle, and some wind. The waterfront began collecting people by 2 o'clock. By 2:30, Bucky was ready to begin the procession. Quite a sight to see this huge vessel moving slowly through the parking lot followed by nearly 40 people. Phin Sprague, Jr. spoke to those assembled (some 150+!) about the work and planning that had gone into the vessel. A waterfront commissioner presented a plaque to commemorate the launching. Abbott Sprague spoke about the transformation from hull to beauty. Phin Sprague, Sr. spoke about the history of the name and how important this vessel is to the Sprague family. Joanna (Phin Jr's wife) and Leslie (Abbot's wife) stood on the trailer to break the champagne on her bow. (The first strike whiffed; the second hit solidly, spraying both of them!) After this, the boat was backed into the water and Phin held her alongside the dock while everyone who had a hand in her building and designing were helped aboard for the 300 foot journey to the service dock. These folks were the first to sign a guest book to show whom had been present for the event. (The book, reusable and varnished wood bound, was a gift from the crew one past Christmas.)

[ A toast by Phin Sprague, Sr. ] [ Photos ]

"How proud and humbled I am to see this beautiful vessel about to be launched and take on a life and destiny of her own. She combines the traditional beauty of a classic schooner and the most modern technology.

Mary Lou joins me in paying homage to the marine engineers, technicians, and craftsmen who have worked diligently and with superb skill to build this well designed, sturdy, tidy, and beautiful vessel! It has been a challenge which you have met with endless patience and strength.

We hope that this newest Lion's Whelp will safely carry her crew to their desired destinations, as did those former Lyon's Whelps, starting with our ancestral ship which brought our family to America in 1629, and followed by many namesakes.

She will be carrying treasured friends and those whom we hold most dear, OUR FAMILY, some seasoned sailors and many youthful sailors.

They will be sailing on familiar waters to favorite harbors and also to new places we have never seen, setting forth to new experiences and adventures. We hope these trips are enjoyable, challenging, and worthwhile. It will be a joy to sail on this magnificent vessel, a privilege that will be shared by many.

In the near future, the Lion's Whelp's masts will be stepped, he rigging tuned, and canvas unfurled. It is our fondest wish that from the very first moment her sails will rise to the winds of grace."

July 18th, 2003
Mary Lou & Phin
Our toast at the launching of the Lion's Whelp

The last week before the launching has the Whelp looking like an anthill. Here we see her after two primer coats topsides and bottom paint. Plastic covers the boat's decks to keep the sanding dust off.	Grandpa in pink shirt is deciding whether or not to bet against the Friday 3PM launching time.
Sunday- First primer coat Topsides Monday - Second primer coat Topsides Tuesday - First finish coat Topsides Wednesday - Second finish coat topsides Thursday - First Boot top coat & Second Boot Top Name on transom Friday - Bowsprit on scaffolding down load at 12, launch at 3PM
Work continued overnight and into the next morning. Here we see the acrobatics necessary to attach the handrails to the bowsprit.	The resident expert, Bucky. He's the hauler known for the ZZ Top look. His operation is located onsite.
Once the whelp was away from the blocks and jackstands that had held her for for months and years, one lucky man went underneath to bottom paint the spots impossible to get beforehand.	Dave watches has the deck slowly moves by. Wasn't he onboard, later?
Sunlight hits the deck.	People told stories of how the boat never seemed to end when watching her come around corners or out of the building. Loooooong boat.
Backing SLOWLY into the water. A second truck was attached so as to keep her from launching prematurely... and bringing the cab with her!	Joanna & Leslie Sprague break the bottle.
Then she was slid in. The drizzle stopped just as she began backing in.	Four lines attached to the bow and stern were used to control and guide her from the ramp to the dock. All of the craftsmen and designers, those involved with her construction, were onboard for the first "voyage".
There will be more photos as the hundreds of pictures from the many watchers and well-wishers come trickling in.