2014 Eastern Shipbuilding Replica Schooner 144′

The original COLUMBIA was a 141’ Gloucester fishing schooner, built at the historic A.D. Story shipyard in Essex, Massachusetts, and launched on April 17, 1923. Designed for speed by William Starling Burgess, she nearly defeated Canada’s legendary BLUENOSE in the 1923 International Fishermen’s Cup Races. Tragically, on August 24, 1927, COLUMBIA was lost with all hands near Sable Island, the infamous “Graveyard of the Atlantic.”

Decades later, the owner of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc., discovered the original lines plan at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum and embarked on a mission to resurrect COLUMBIA. Working with John W. Gilbert & Associates, the vessel was re-engineered with a steel hull and modern enhancements, including an engine room and staterooms. Covey Island Boatworks of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, crafted the rigging and spars, while Teakdecking Systems of Florida completed the teak decking.

Construction began in 2006, with COLUMBIA’s hull redrawn using AutoCAD and built using state-of-the-art ShipConstructor software. She was equipped with modern propulsion, bow thrusters, and twin electrical power systems, meeting all contemporary marine regulations. Advanced navigational technology, including two 36-nautical-mile radars, autopilot, and VSAT broadband, ensures high-performance sailing.

Blending 1900s craftsmanship with today’s technology, COLUMBIA underwent successful sea trials on September 18, 2014. This robust steel-hulled replica preserves the legacy of the original while offering modern amenities for global voyages.