Schooner Governor Stone ~ Historic Wooden Vessel

The boat returns to The Boat for a brief visit

Destin to Ft. Walton Beach

The Governor Stone made a quick trip between rainstorms from HarborWalk in Destin to The Boat Marina in Ft. Walton Beach. She was hauled out, observed, given some minor repairs, pronounced in great health for her age and returned to the water. She made the trip back to Destin in under an hour. Not bad for a schooner of 134.

Spectacular showing in local holiday lighted boat parades
The Governor Stone won best of class!!

Panama City Parade

Panama City Destin Boggy Bayou

Thanks to Jim Tucker and The Boat Marina

Jim Tucker was presented with a glicee print of the Governor Stone from a painting by Don Scafidi. Many thanks of the services and repairs to the vessel Jim and his crew at the Marina have provided since 2003. She might well not be afloat without you.

Thanks to Uncle Ernie's

Uncle Ernie's Bayfront Grill & Brewhouse hosted a fundraiser for the Governor Stone June 31th. Thanks to Sean Lyon and Erin Pigneri for donating a portion of the day's proceeds.

Friends' Harry Denard receives a check from Sean Lyon

Stern Repair by Eastern Shipbuilding Group

Justin Smith of the Eastern Shipbuilding Group is leading a group of volunteer carpenters and carpenter's helpers to replace rotted wood on the stern and starboard bulwark of the Governor Stone. The Friends are most grateful to Brian D'Isernia of Eastern and to Justin and his vast array of woodworking and power tools.

Justin Smith Bulwark repair

Justin Smith at work Justin and volunteer Jeff Lawson

Reunion in Apalachicola

Kady Neilsen attended the Apalachicola Antique Boat Show along with 10 family members to see the schooner her father, Thomas Burns, owned for 18 years and her grandfather owned for 40 years before him. We are grateful for her stories about the Burns family.

Kady Neilsen

The Friends of the Governor Stone were honored the vessel was invited again to the Apalachicola Antique and Classic Boat Show April 16th and was the subject of the lecture by Gibby Conrad at the Saturday dinner. The Governor has many friends in the area due to her 11 years as a sail trainer and tour vessel there. Sunday morning the schooner was reluctant to leave and needed the assistance of a passing oyster boat to begin the trip back to Panama City.

Reluctant to leave

Founding of Camp Walton

April 9th and 10th the Governor Stone took part in the 150th anniversary of the founding of Camp Walton at what is now The Ft. Walton Beach Landing. While the Walton Guards Civil War reenactors demonstrated the many aspects of camp life, Captain Dick Gercak narrated the history of the Governor Stone to attendees of the event. Later in the day a Union advance force disembarked from the vessel to fight a losing battle with Confederate troops. Members of the Friends of the Governor Stone were pleased to take part in this free family event sponsored by the Ft. Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and to see the Sound so successfully defended. Captain Dick tell the story of the Governor Stone Union troops aboard the Governor Stone

Fabulous Membership Perk
Kristin Anderson of Kristinworks is offering one of these beautiful custom made silver pins to each new member at the Staysail ($500)level. Thanks for her generosity. Browse her website, www.Kristinworks.com.

Many Thanks
The Friends of the Governor Stone, Inc. is proud of its relationship with the AMIKids Emerald Coast. Students from this superb program for troubled youth monitor the Governor Stone while in her slip at The Landing in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida and assist with maintenance as needed. Visit their site at AMIKids.org