The Peacemaker, a beautiful 150-foot-long tall ship, is docked in Perth Amboy.
Built in Brazil, the ship features rich mahogany wood throughout, even in the construction of the berth bed, some bathroom sinks and the dining room table; stained glass windows, several with two kissing dolphins which serve as the ship's logo; and huge white sails tied down by ropes neatly knotted.
Capt. Larry Clinton said the ship has Old World-quality craftsmanship.
"It has many unique features unlike most tall ships," said Clinton, adding the ship has a powerful diesel engine that can cross the ocean. "There is not a half dozen like this on the planet."
Clinton and his crew are in town through at least Sunday. During that time the ship will be open for tours by the public. Local schoolchildren are especially being welcomed.
"It gives them an opportunity to see a big sailing ship and go in one," said Clinton, adding crew members will demonstrate how they raise the main sail, a job that takes the strength of at least eight people using pulleys. "More is better."
Clinton said people are in awe when they first see the ship. They are even more in awe when they put out the swing plank and offer tours.
"Things are so much more enjoyable if you share them," said Clinton, adding the tours also give people an introduction to the crews' way of life.
Clinton thanked Vilma Novak, chairwoman of the Kearny Cottage Historical Association Board of Trustees, who had previously met other crew members and invited them to bring the ship to Perth Amboy, as well as city resident and sailing enthusiast Barry Rosengarten and Cornucopia Cruise Line owner Mustafa Kilic for their hospitality and interest in having the ship in Perth Amboy.
"It's a beautiful ship," said Kilic.
The Peacemaker, which left Massachusetts last Wednesday, Sept. 9, and will be headed south for the winter, participated Sunday in the flotilla of ships celebrating the 400th anniversary of Dutch explorer Henry Hudson's sail into New York Harbor.
"We were the largest sailing vessel in the parade," he said.
The ship, originally designed and owned by Brazilian industrialist Frank Walker, arrived in Perth Amboy on Monday.
The ship was built as a yacht for Walker's family, which had planned to use to travel around the world but never did. Clinton said the ship was originally called Avany, named for Walker's wife.
It was in storage for about eight years before being purchased and refurbished by the group Twelve Tribes.
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