Pride of Baltimore

RAISE THE RIG!

Marylands Tallship Pride II
Needs your Support.

On Monday, September 5, 2005, Pride of Baltimore II experienced a catastrophic rig failure, which also resulted in the collapse of both masts, while sailing in the Bay of Biscay, off the west coast of France.

Miraculously, no one was injured. Captain Miles, the crew and guest crew are all fine.

The incident occurred when the ship was underway during a squall. The bowsprit broke about halfway along its length, in turn bringing the rigging down. With no support system, the foremast splintered and collapsed, hitting the mainmast on the way down. The mainmast then splintered and also came down. The Captain and crew responded quickly, and due to their excellent seamanship, were able to retrieve much of the materials.

Captain Miles motored Pride II to the nearest port, approximately 80 miles away, in Saint-Nazaire, France. The Captains and crew are busy assessing the damage, salvaging materials, and starting the process of rebuilding. The port location for major repair work has not yet been determined.

Repairs to Pride II are estimated to take 3 - 4 months, and costs associated with rebuilding the rig and repairing the damage are estimated at $500,000. We need your help and support now more than ever. Here is how you can help:

RAISE THE RIG - This fundraising campaign is to ensure the timely rebuilding of Pride II. The financial impact goes beyond the vessel's physical damage. With the remaining season halted, vessel revenue and visibility is lost. Every dollar donated to RAISE THE RIG brings Maryland's PRIDE closer to sailing the seas again.

Donations of any amount are appreciated.

Individual donations of $250 - $499 will receive a commemorative piece of the square yards, topmasts, or jibboom.

Donations of $500-$999, will receive a 19" diameter piece of the mainmast or foremast.

Donors who give $1,000 or more will have the option to hand select a commemorative piece of the masts, bowsprit, or spars; as well as have your name on a permanent plaque in Pride II's midship's cabin, acknowledging your support.

In appreciation for your support all donors will receive an 8x10 photo of Pride II sailing majestically.

Please send donations, payable to Pride of Baltimore, Inc., to

RAISE THE RIG
World Trade Center
401 E. Pratt Street, Suite 222
Baltimore, Maryland, 21202.

For additional information, please call toll free (888) 55-PRIDE or (410) 539-1151. Email inquiries can be sent to pride2@pride2.org.

PICTURES of the incident.

Contact, Phone: 888-55-PRIDE. Email: Pride2@pride2.org