FRIENDS OF THE GOVERNOR STONE INC

Description

We are a group of people who share a love of the sea, sailing ships and their history. Our specific focus is sharing our love and knowledge of the sailing vessel Governor Stone, a designated National Historic Landmark that is 145 years old.

We offer educational opportunities for various youth groups and day sailings for the general public. We teach historic and current maritime practices; boater and sailing safety; historic sailing skills; local and regional history; and we encourage appreciation and preservation of the waterways and aquatic creatures.

Category 5 Hurricane Michael destroyed the Governor Stone in October 2018. Matching funds were raised to receive a FEMA historic grant and rebuilding started in May 2022. We anticipate relaunching her in late 2023, which will be her 146 year in existence.

After the Governor Stone is back on the water, we will embark on a multi-city sailing tour from her original birthplace in Pascagoula, Mississippi along the entire Gulf Coast with stops in major cities like Mobile and Pensacola, but more importantly, the smaller towns like Spanish Fort, Fort Walton, Port St Joe, Apalachicola and Carrabelle where shallow draft sailing vessels like the Governor Stone played a major part in both commerce and recreation for our area.

Whether you are hands-on with woodworking or nautical skills or you prefer to help with administrative tasks like newsletters, fundraising and grant writing, come aboard and become a FOGS Shipmate!