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The Waterfront Historic Area League (WHALE) served an initial role for the Ernestina, beginning in November 1984, that included provision for office space and support for Ernestina staff, contributions of approximately $5,000 along with the donation of the masts in memorial to Charles Dunbar.

Dan Moreland guided the restoration effort with removal of stone ballast and the initial gutting of the ship followed by design and installation of knees, bulkheads, lead ballast, etc.

The image to the right shows First Mate Julia Brotherton and deckhand Craig Walsh rigging the jumbo in Spring 1984. Julia did some of the initial research and writing to help publicize the ship and programs.

The Schooner Ernestina Commission operated out of WHALE’s office for the 1985 season before moving into an upstairs office at 30 Union Street in winter 1985/86.

Charles E. "Chick" Dunbar was an avid and experienced sailor who loved the waters of Buzzards Bay and became an enthusiastic supporter of WHALE. (Waterfront Historic Area League) After his death in 1981, his wife, Anne Dunbar, wanted to contribute to WHALE in memory of her husband. She felt the Ernestina would have captured her husband’s heart more than any other WHALE project and provided two new masts to Ernestina. She felt these two masts, that will return to Ernestina the grace and speed of her original design, a most appropriate memorial.

Norman Gomes (left) rigs the main gaff in spring 1984. Norman was one of the crew during the crossing from Cape Verde in 1982.

Tommy Grace (playing flute on left) served as mate on Ernestina
and has gone on to receive his captain's license today.

Ballast is moved up (above) and out (below)

Norman Gomes and David Huntley carving tamarack knees to add to the deck structure.

The new sign is mounted at 30 Union Street.

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