The 2012 Plankowners' Syndicate Party and Auction was held on Saturday at the Texas Seaport Museum at Pier 21. This annual fundraising event featured hors d'oeuvres, dinner, entertainment and “a hefty cargo of unusual auction items”. Funds generated help support the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA and the many educational and training programs of the Texas Seaport Museum.

“One of the things we are trying to do is keep ELISSA sailing,” said Joe Willhelm, president of Galveston Historical Foundation.  “I’m sure that all of you have heard about the damages to the hull which we are firmly convinced happened as a result of Ike.” Listen

Willhelm said that, because of the supporters of Plankowners and others, the ship will sail again.

“We are looking forward to going out, in the fall perhaps, and definitely next spring,” Willhelm said.  “There are only 19 sailing vessels left in the world that were built prior to 1900 that have iron or steel hulls.  Only three of those sail.”

Texas Seaport Museum Executive Director Jamie White thanked the volunteers who contribute their time to ELISSA.

“The volunteers have just been the life blood of the ship,” White said.   

For more information on the Texas Seaport Museum or the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA, please contact Becky Jones, at (409) 763-1877 or info@galvestonhistory.org.