Oliver Hazard Perry will be Rhode Island's own Tall Ship, providing our state with a 207-foot long, three-masted sailing vessel to join the select fleet of Class-A size Tall Ships hosted by the nations of the world. With this extraordinary ship we can provide education at sea programs to youth of all ages while proudly advancing the Ocean State's rich maritime heritage.

The hull for this new ship was initially begun in Canada. It can now be seen on the waterfront in Newport, Rhode Island. Much of the first phase construction has been completed. The steel hull has been built; fuel and water tanks are installed, as well as shafts and propellers for its twin-engine propulsion system. Steel platforms await her twin generators. Initial work on a bow thruster has begun, as has a mechanically sophisticated rudder system. She will have a training participant capacity up to 100 for day sails and 49 overnight.

After a short Rhode Island shipyard construction period at Promet Marine Services in Providence,   Rhode Island, the final fitting out will take place on the Newport waterfront at a location accessible for public viewing. This will encourage and foster an interest in the ship as well as showcasing opportunities for sailing aboard her.

The ship is named for Newport's War of 1812 naval hero Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. Completion is planned for 2012. Once completed, Oliver Hazard Perry will be owned and operated in trust for the people of Rhode Island by Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island (OHPRI). She will be based in Newport, serve America and sail the world as an ambassador of our proud state.

The success of the Tall Ship Oliver Hazard Perry relies on the generosity of donors and supporters, both large and small, from individuals and businesses to students and corporations, so please consider making a generous gift or donation today.

OHPRI announces an Educational Symposium to be held on March 12, 2010 in partnership with the University of Rhode Island Foundation, the URI College of Arts and Sciences and the Newport County Chamber of Commerce. It will gather educators from secondary to college levels to discuss the seemingly endless possibilities for the Oliver Hazard Perry's integration into Rhode Island school curriculums. Educators will learn more about the ship and what she can do for the education system in RI and we will hear from educators what needs they have and programs they want so that we can plan and design appropriately.

It is OHPRI's intention to be a partner with Rhode Island's educational systems as well as its marine trade industries, There is no doubt the Oliver Hazard Perry will make a very large impact on this very small state, creating jobs and inspiring young people with diverse educational possibilities, personal growth and memories to last a lifetime.

Click here to learn more and register to be a part of this exciting opportunity.