Prudence Ready for Duty

By Ross D. Hudson

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI — A 36' ketch named Prudence stands to make a difference for North Kingstown residents who can appreciate sailing. Recently a team of supporters gathered at Dock C of the Wickford Shipyard. Their task was to remove the winter cover from a 36’ Wooden L. Francis Herreshoff designed Ketch. Prudence, built in 1972, was donated to Live Life Vibrantly earlier this year in recognition of the charity’s mission of community outreach. In response, a special project, The Classics Project, was formed. Prudence and another all-wood boat, Bessie, are going to be used for education and therapy and enrichment, the Live Life Vibrantly organization said.

In the weeks to come the vessel will be prepared for her role as not just a venue for sailing, but more importantly, in support of the far-reaching objectives of Live Life Vibrantly. There will be partnerships and associations with local schools, businesses, scout troops, craftspeople and other non- profits. Public involvement will be encouraged so that other appropriate Classics Project programs can be designed. In addition, to partially defray the costs associated with maintaining Prudence, she will be available for group charter and some B&B activities.
Prudence is in exceptionally good shape, having been completely overhauled in the past years. She has been maintained under the expert guidance of noted Wickford wooden boat experts, George Zachorne and his son Dominic.
Along with preparing Prudence for the upcoming season, Live Life Vibrantly is completing work on the administrative team, including an advisory panel, to manage the many aspects of the project. More details will be forthcoming.

Courtesy Photo Caption: Prudence at Berth: The 36’ L. Francis Herreshoff designed Ketch at her dock in August, 2016.