Skipjack Wilma Lee to Arrive Soon on Ocracoke

The Skipjack Wilma Lee, a restored 47 foot, 20 ton, sloop-rigged, centerboard sailboat will soon be making its entrance into Ocracoke harbor around the Easter holiday. The 70 year old boat has been donated to the private non-profit organization Ocracoke Alive Inc, which is dedicated to promoting arts and culture on Ocracoke Island.

The intent of this press release is to answer the most frequently answered questions about the Skipjack Wilma Lee and Ocracoke Alive, Inc. Feel free to contact Ocracoke Alive for updates on the Wilma Lee’s arrival and additional information.

• What is Ocracoke Alive, Inc.?

Ocracoke Alive is a private non-profit 501(c)3 registered in North Carolina. The purpose of Ocracoke Alive, Inc. is to enrich the Ocracoke Island community by encouraging and sponsoring cultural, artistic, educational, and environmental activities including the production of plays, musicals, musical events, exhibits, schools, workshops, and festivals.

• What is the Wilma Lee?

The Wilma Lee is a restored 47 foot, 20 ton, sloop-rigged, centerboard skipjack sailboat that was built in 1940.

• Does Ocracoke Alive, Inc. own the Wilma Lee?

Yes.

• How did Ocracoke Alive obtain the Wilma Lee?

The Wilma Lee was donated to Ocracoke Alive, Inc. by Herb and Liz Carden of Kinsale, Virginia.

•  When did Ocracoke Alive acquire the Wilma Lee?

Mr. Herb Carden contacted members of Ocracoke Alive in early 2011 and opened a dialog about the Wilma Lee. Although Mr. Carden made no offer to Ocracoke Alive at that time, suddenly in February, 2012 he offered to donate the Wilma Lee. For personal reasons, he wanted to transfer ownership by the end of the month. After serious consideration the board of Ocracoke Alive decided to accept the Cardens’ generous offer.

• Was taxpayer money used to obtain the Wilma Lee? 

No, the Wilma Lee was an outright gift from the Cardens. We anticipate that the Wilma Lee will be able to generate sufficient funds for its maintenance and for community programs (see below).

•  Is the Ocracoke Foundation presently involved with Ocracoke Alive on this project? 

No, but Ocracoke Alive welcomes participation from any organization or individual as we begin to develop the educational and cultural programming around the Wilma Lee.

• Why did the Cardens donate the Wilma Lee to Ocracoke Alive?

The Cardens have restored several historic vessels. The Wilma Lee was the largest and most impressive. They wanted the Wilma Lee to be used “to educate the history of its past,”…to be “used for educational purposes to all the young and old who might have the privilege to sail on her," and to “inspire young people to learn a love of boats and boating.” They knew about Ocracoke, and when they learned about Ocracoke Alive, Inc. they decided that they wanted to donate the Wilma Lee as a cultural and educational exhibit.

• What will it cost to maintain the Wilma Lee?

Even though the Wilma Lee was restored to pristine condition using the highest quality materials and workmanship, the governing board of Ocracoke Alive, Inc. is well aware of the costs necessary to maintain a wooden boat. Ocracoke Alive does not have an exact figure, but there are initial costs for inspection, painting the bottom, life jackets, etc., ongoing costs for maintenance and repair, and normal operating expenses (fuel, insurance, dockage, etc.).

• How will funds be generated to pay for maintenance, upkeep, and normal operating expenses?

Ocracoke Alive, Inc. has contracted with Captain Rob Temple to lease the Wilma Lee for sightseeing tours. Capt. Rob will pay for advertising, dockage, and basic maintenance and repair. A portion of gross proceeds will be returned to Ocracoke Alive to be used for cultural and educational programs, and to establish a contingency fund to pay for unexpected costs and major repairs.

• How and why was the lease offered to Capt. Rob Temple?

To our knowledge, Capt. Rob is the only Ocracoke Island resident certified by the US Coast Guard to operate the skipjack Wilma Lee as a commercial vessel, carrying passengers for hire. Because of his experience, and safety and professional records, he is exceptionally qualified to lease the Wilma Lee.

• What cultural and educational programs are being planned?

As of March, 2012 specific programs have yet to be established. Ideas that have been discussed include free on board excursions for Ocracoke school children, free dockside talks for locals and visitors about Ocracoke Island seafaring traditions, and low cost programs for local and regional educational and non-profit groups. If funds permit, a local educational director will be hired to coordinate programs. Ocracoke Alive welcomes community input and ideas for cultural and educational programs.

• What connection do skipjacks have with Ocracoke?

Skipjacks were designed for oyster dredging in the Chesapeake Bay in the 1800s. By the early twentieth century skipjacks were used in the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds for harvesting oysters and she crabs, and for hauling lumber and other cargo. Although schooners were more common, skipjacks were sometimes used because of their shallower draft. At least one skipjack, the Ada Mae, was built in Hyde County in 1915.

Contact: David Tweedie, President, Ocracoke Alive 252-921-0260 info@ocracokealive.org Tom Pahl, Treasurer, Ocracoke Alive 860-933-0259 thpahl@earthlink.net