Oliver Hazard Perry Education at Sea

Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island (OHPRI) is dedicated to the commissioning of the Oliver Hazard Perry , the largest active education at sea Tall Ship in the U.S. operated by a nonprofit organization. To accomplish this goal, we must raise $2.6 million in philanthropic funds.

This $5.7 million shipbuilding project has already attracted $1.6 million in charitable contributions. As a result of this early funding, OHPRI acquired the seaworthy hull of the former HMS Detroit for $325,000.

The remaining $2.6 million, combined with a pending $1.5 million Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation guaranteed loan, will enable OHPRI to begin construction in 2010 and conclude with a commissioning in 2011.

OHPRI's objectives for the Oliver Hazard Perry include:

• Offer education at sea programs for all ages.
• Develop and teach education at sea programs for secondary and college level students.
• Build and maintain the largest, privately owned, active Tall Ship in the U.S.
• Provide pre-professional training for individuals wishing to make their careers at sea.
• Work with Rhode Island marine trades to establish training programs and to create job opportunities.
• Represent Rhode Island in American and foreign ports.
• Display and interpret the ship's history for the education and enjoyment of the general public.

OHPRI has developed a business plan that charts a nearly $1.4 million annual operation once completed, that employs approximately 17 people. Oliver Hazard Perry will carry a certificate of inspection for up to 49 persons for overnight accommodation, and approximately 100 for day sails. Oliver Hazard Perry will be able to enroll approximately 2,000 students annually, and thousands will be able to tour the ship while in Newport and other ports.

When not performing its education at sea objectives offshore (approximately 40 weeks per year), Oliver Hazard Perry will be prominently displayed and available to the public in Newport, Rhode Island. Thus, Oliver Hazard Perry will strengthen our tourism industry and add value to the visitor experience in Newport.

This project is incredibly important to Rhode Island's marine trades industry. Thus, as well as becoming an educational and cultural asset, Oliver Hazard Perry is first and foremost a job retention lifeline, estimated to employ approximately 50 skilled workers over the next two years.

This historical, educational opportunity on Newport's waterfront will support local marine trades, educate residents and tourists, and expand our rich cultural traditions, including U.S. naval history.

Oliver Hazard Perry will be fully operational and nationally prominent by the bicentennial activities of 2012-2014. As a result, Rhode Island will be well positioned to benefit from international publicity regarding Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's accomplishments during the War of 1812, which will be manifested within the Oliver Hazard Perry .

From engineering systems, to navigation, to ship handling, Oliver Hazard Perry will also serve as an invaluable training and skill building platform for anyone interested in careers in our marine and boating industries. OHPRI will have the opportunity to collaborate with career-training partners such as the New England Technical Training School and International Yacht Restoration School.

Collaborating with public and private schools, colleges and universities, and educational and cultural organizations, Oliver Hazard Perry will be a flexible ocean classroom, equipped with state-of-the-art systems, that helps fulfill diverse educational missions with day trips, week and semester-long passages, port visits, and other physical and internet-based activities.

Marketing & Fundraising Overview

Already generating strong publicity, this project has significant economic development, educational and cultural benefits. As such, the City of Newport, as well as the State of Rhode Island, has enthusiastically endorsed the Oliver Hazard Perry . In November 2008 Governor Donald Carcieri attended a welcoming ceremony on the deck of the Oliver Hazard Perry and raised the state flag symbolizing its new distinction as Rhode Island's official Tall Ship.

Chaired by respected community leader Thomas P.I. Goddard, the fundraising committee is responsible for managing the $2.6 million two year fundraising plan and the $1.5 million loan for a total of $3.7 million to complete the shipbuilding plan, and fund the first two years of program development.

2009-2011 Sources of funds include:

Organizational & Operational Profile

OHPRI was co-founded by widely respected community leader, Vice Admiral Thomas R. Weschler, USN (Ret.), who now serves as Chair Emeritus. Under his leadership, three major Tall Ships events in the last 10 years were effectively managed contributing millions of dollars to the economy as well as generating international publicity.

Bartlett S. Dunbar, also a co-founder, now serves as chair of the board of directors and made the first leadership investment of $100,000 to this project through his business, Bowen's Wharf Company. Well suited to lead OHPRI, Mr. Dunbar is a founder and past president of Sail Newport, past chairman of the American Sail Training Association, a retired U.S. Navy officer, and co-author of the U.S. Naval Academy's seamanship program, Sail and Power.

As a 501(c)(3) and Rhode Island nonprofit organization, OHPRI is governed by a Board of Directors that also includes a former captain and director of HMS Rose , professional mariners, yachtsmen, and local business, military and community leaders. A distinguished Board of Advisors contributes additional talent and resources to this growing organization.

Shipbuilding Overview & Relevance to the Marine Trades

Oliver Hazard Perry is moored in Newport Harbor while pre-construction design work continues through 2009. Under the direction of board member Captain Richard Bailey a highly experienced shipmaster, Warren-based naval architect David Bonney has been engaged to develop the building plans and equipment specifications. Mr. Bonney recently designed the full-rigged ship Friendship of Salem for the National Park Service.

Construction will commence at one of Rhode Island's most respected shipbuilding companies. Upon completion of the major steel and mechanical work, Oliver Hazard Perry will be moved to State Pier 9 at Long Wharf for finish work to include installing the masts and rigging, interior accommodations and other improvements. It's here that Oliver Hazard Perry will be viewable as an educational and historical public exhibit to help build publicity and interest in the education at sea programs. It's currently estimated that the three-masted, 207 ft. Oliver Hazard Perry will complete its construction in 2011.

To help sustain a weakening marine trade's economy on Aquidneck Island and throughout Rhode Island, Oliver Hazard Perry is now poised to become a much-needed construction project for an industry that includes over 500 businesses employing 6,000 people, according to the Marine Trades Association and the Governor's Workforce Board. A Marine Trades Committee has been assembled to participate in the shipbuilding process.

For more information about this time-sensitive, $2.6 million fundraising initiative, please contact OHPRI at 401.841.0080.

Click HERE for a pdf of the OHPRI Case for Support.