Video Clip: Christening of USCGA New 44

BruceRTalbot

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http://stonington.patch.com/articles/video-christening-and-launch-of-new-coast-guard-sailboat-2#video-6387153

Nice video clip of the ship christening ceremony for the first of eight new Leadership 44s coastal sailing ships for cadets.

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Bob Hallock, chairman of the procurement committee, spoke about the unique design of the boat, which was customized for the Academy's sail training program.

"This is our boat," he said above the noise of flags waving vigorously in the wind. "And today is a very good day to go sailing."

The L44-01 Shearwater will be used by the Academy's cadets for a 12-day sail training program where five to six cadets take the boat out to sea and work in rotating stations, from cook to captain. The eight new boats will replace four 40-year-old boats and open up the program to all junior and senior cadets.

"I can't tell you how excited I am to have a boat better than a Navy boat," said Rear Admiral J. Scott Burhoe, the outgoing superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy.

Burhoe joked that the inclusion of hot water will give the school an advantage with new recruits.

The entire process was quick, according to Hallock, who said the entire process, from the first phone call through design, construction and to the launch took "three days shy of 30 months."

The USGA Class of 1953 sponsored the first boat, which costs around $800,000.

"We decided we wanted to be part of this," said Rear Admiral Richard Cueroni, who spoke on behalf of the Class of 1953. "One letter, a few phone calls and we met the goal."

The boat was built by acclaimed boat builder Morris Yachts and designed by world-renowned naval architect David Pedrick of Newport, Rhode Island in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the Coast Guard Foundation, Alumni Association and Parents Association.
 
Great deal! Made possible in large part by the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association! :thumb:
 
Great deal! Made possible in large part by the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association! :thumb:

Yes, the Alumni have taken a leadership position in funding the 8 boats with significant contributions by the parent's association, the cadets themselves, and the government, among others. I think it speaks well for the love of the organization that the alumni quickly accepted the lead in raising funds for the Leadership 44s. I hope to see the first one on R-Day weekend.
 
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