Schooner Ernestina

New Bedford State Pier
P.O. Box 2010
New Bedford, MA 02741-2010
(508) 992-4900

The Schooner Ernestina is a one hundred year old ship designated by the Department of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark. Originally built at the James and Tarr Yard in Essex, Massachusetts and launched February 1, 1894 as the Effie M. Morrissey, she has sailed on through the century to become one of six remaining Essex-built schooners.

She reached within 600 miles of the North Pole and is the last ship to bring immigrants to this country under sail from the Cape Verde Islands. Ernestina was given to the people of the United States by the people of the Cape Verde Islands in 1982. Her history is a remarkable legacy that spans continents, races and generations.


Schooner Ernestina Metrics*

   • Sail Area: 8,323 square feet

   • Tonnage: 98 gross tons

   • Designer: George M. McClain

   • Builder: James and Tarr Yard, Essex, Massachusetts

   • Launched: February 1, 1894

   • Sparred Length Overall: 156 feet

   • Hull Length Overall: 112 feet

   • Length on Deck: 106 feet

   • Length at Waterline: 93 feet

   • Breadth: 25 feet, 6 inches

   • Draft: 13 feet


Directions to the New Bedford State PierThe office is on the Southeast corner of the Pier and the Ship is on the Southwest corner.Take exit 15 off of 195 either east or west to Route 18 South. At second traffic light take a left on to State Pier The ship is on the right.

Important Websites:
http://ernestina.org/news/
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/schern.htm