#lilacpreservationproject

[nicks-lunchbox-service]

Lunchtime drawing: The Lilac, the last surviving steam-powered lighthouse tender in America, docked at Pier 25 in Hudson River Park. It was built in 1933 and carried supplies to lighthouses and maintained buoys for the U.S. Lighthouse Service and the U.S. Coast Guard.

[sailorsnyc]

MOVE A SHIP!

The Lilac - the lighthouse ship that had become Sailors NYC club's new home - was scheduled to be moved from its regular berth to a berth about 150 feet down the pier - due to maintenance of the fenders. Sounds like a piece of cake. But of course it's not...

On Tuesday morning a dozen volunteers gathered onboard at 9am to move that ship. Charlie - the marine surveyor and Mary - the Lilac's Executive Director made a meticulous plan. The move was scheduled for ebbing slack. The idea is to ease on the stern spring lines while pulling the bow spring lines. An offshore spring line was hooked to assist with the pull. It took the party about an hour or so to complete the task, during which they got a glance at the US Navy Oak Hill ship departing the New York Harbor after Fleet Week.

On Thursday morning another group gathered (mostly the same people with a few replacements) to move the ship BACK to its regular spot. This time the bow springs were being released as the stern ones were pulled in.

Capt. Nitzan of Sailors NYC who joined the group - taught the tug-of-war-like-crew to count to three in Hebrew - which for some reason seemed to produce a better pull - Achat, Shtayim, Shalosh! Only 30 minutes later the experienced crew finished moving the Lilac back to its spot.

Thank you to all volunteers of the Lilac Preservation Project and Sailors NYC community who joined this collaborative effort. Kudos Mary Habstritt, Charlie and Frank of the Lilac for a well planned and orchestrated smooth transition!

 Anyone is looking for experienced ship movers???