Schooner Earnestina Headed Out-Of-State For Repairs
The Schooner Ernestina _ the official tall ship of Massachusetts _ is heading out of state for a multimillion dollar restoration project, which is not sitting well with some people on Cape Ann.
The 112-foot fishing schooner was launched in Essex in 1894. It is now based in New Bedford. Maritime Gloucester submitted a bid to do the work on the ship that was built in the next town. But a company executive says the state Department of Conservation and Recreation granted the $5 million to $6 million project to a company based in Boothbay, Maine.
Maritime Gloucester Executive Director Tom Balf said he was ``disappointed.'' Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr of Rockport tells the Gloucester Times he too was disappointed and contacted the state agency to express his displeasure.