Schooner Ernestina Gets Boatload Of Restoration Funding

Restoration efforts will once again be underway for the Schooner Ernestina in New Bedford.

Governor Deval Patrick has released a five-year capital plan, which includes $2 million for the Ernestina.

Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey Association board member Mary Anne McQuillan says the goal is to get the Ernestina licensed for the open ocean.

Work on the historic vessel will likely begin later this month, says McQuillan, taking up to several years to complete.

Once fully licensed, McQuillan says the Ernestina will continue to educate people on it's history and sailing tradition, but on a much broader scale.