History (sort of) of a Sailing Ship

[Schooner Man]

Well, in a sense, I guess you could call it history.

Saturday at about 0900 (9:00 AM) the schooner OMF Ontario cast off from it's pier at the foot of West 1st Street and slowly motored across the harbor and out past the lighthouse, into the lake.

At about 0940, the volunteer crew hoisted the schooner's sails, one by one, until the two masted schooner was fully clad in canvas. On cue from the captain, the diesel engine was turned off and the schooner was now sailing by wind power for the first time.

To the follower of maritime history, Saturday, July 8th was a memorable day. According to my knowledge, it was the first time in over 100 years that a full size sailing ship was built, launched and fully operated in Oswego.

The ship's keel was originally first laid in 1988. After 18 years of volunteer labor, the cocoon of an idea has finally emerged into a beautiful butterfly of a Great Lakes, merchant, cargo type sailing ship.

By the end of the sailing season, the ship will be refined and debugged and ready to serve as a school on water for various marine studies.

The Lizard Of OZ

[Truth]

Great post! What's OMF stand for? I have no idea about sailing stuff, so I bet it's something standard.


Did you have a picture of the vessel? This is really some exciting news.

[Schoonerman]

Hi Truth,

The letters OMF stand for Oswego Maritime Foundation. The foundation is comprised of dedicated workers whose mission is to teach and make others aware of the great history of Lake Ontario and it's part in the development of the country as it pushed westward with the canal systems.

The Foundation also contributes to involve people of all ages in activities concerning the lake. We offer free youth sailing lessons and other such training. This year we will resume teaching the youth how to fish safely and properly. We are also undertaking a new program called Venture. It is a water related activity, programmed by the Boy Scouts Of America and is open to teenagers, both boys and girls.

OMF is always eager to accept new members with an interest in things related to our great asset, Lake Ontario. Further information can be had by calling our waterfront office Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM at (315) 342- 5753.

Why not drive to the northern end of west 1st Street and look to the left and see the schooner for yourself.
Schoonerman