William Starling Burgess’ Columbia Sets Sail from Eastern Shipbuilding

Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG), located in Panama City, Florida is known for churning out a steady stream of workboats for the offshore oil and gas industry, but their shipbuilding skills have proven today to be a bit more diverse.

Last week, ESG conducted the sailing trials of the Columbia (ESG Hull 981), a steel hulled replica of the Gloucester fishing schooner that was lost with all hands in a gale off Sable Island on August 24, 1927.

Columbia was originally designed by William Starling Burgess, an early 20th century naval architect that had been mentored by Nathanael Greene Herreshoff and had gone on to design three America’s Cup-winning J-class yachts, among many other designs.

ESG notes the new Columbia was redesigned by John W. Gilbert & Associates and will continue to undergo final outfitting and delivery preparation this fall and be exhibited at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show at the end of October.

Her spars and rigging were built by Covey Island Boatworks of Lunenberg, Nova Scotia from a combination of laminated Douglas fir (lower section) and laminated Sitka spruce (upper section).  The blocks have been built by A. Dauphinee & Sons and sails by Michelle Stevens Sail Loft.

DESIGN DETAILS:

• Length on Deck………………………………………………………. 141’-2”
• Length @ Waterline………………………………………………..110’-0”
• Beam (Molded) ……………………………………………………… 25’-6”
• Hull & Superstructure Construction…………………………. Steel, ABS Grade A-36
• Main Mast …………………….One (1) 17” x 124’-10”
• Foremast ……………………….One (1) 17” x 115’-7”

CERTIFICATES/REGULATORY:

• Registry/Flag/Certificate of Documentation: United States of America

CONSTRUCTION GUIDANCE:

The vessels hull, superstructure and underwater gear are designed constructed and Classed in accordance with the Lloyds Registry Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels.