Center For Living History, Inc
FAQ
On this page we will answer questions submitted by emails and encountered during our public meetings. We will update this page as we receive your questions. Thank you for your participation.
- Question: Why did you pick the USS Cyane for your project?
We researched for many months, various vessels that came into Monterey Bay and had close links to California history. We wanted a ship that was exciting and would have a broad appeal and attract attention. Merchant vessels played an important role here, but have a limited appeal. Whaling ships were also important, but the design and layout of the ships would be difficult for sail training as they were generally packed with equipment and the nature of whaling may be distressing to some.
The USS Cyane had a very colorful history here and will provide an exciting platform for our planned programs. From the current amount of public interest we are receiving, we have no doubt as to the Cyane's ability to attract public attention.
- Question: Once built, how will you get the ship into the water?
Marine travel lifts are readily available for the tonnage we anticipate to be moving. The picture below shows the Friendship, based in Salem being moved to the water for launch. The Friendship is roughly the same size as the Cyane.
- Question: What sort of cannon did the Cyane have?
The Cyane was armed with 18 carronades (32 pounders) and two long 24 pounders mounted in the bow.
Replicas of these cannons are readily available from several sources on the east coast. The carriages, which moved from side to side only, will be made by our craftsman.
- Question: What will the ship be built out of?
The Friendship back in Salem was constructed the same way we would build the Cyane. Using a laminate epoxy construction a majority of which is Pine. The photos below are from the Friendship web site and give a detailed view of the construction technique.
- Question: Once built, what will the ship be used for?
Our main focus will always be "At Risk Youth Sail Training" and historical programs for our schools. We will be able to generate income from these programs through donations and various governmental and private foundations that are already setup to support such programs. We will not offer tourist sight seeing or whale watching type trips, as we do not wish to intrude upon those venues that are already setup in the area. We hope to establish a working relationship with those tour operators and steer those who are interested in such trips to the appropriate tour operator.
