Governor Stone Schooner — Attraction in Panama City

I found it exciting to be in heavy weather 100 miles offshore, racing a sloop or ketch-rigged sailboat to Mexico! But I have always found it to be exciting to be sailing in the very last schooner of its kind. The National Historic Landmark Governor Stone is a unique piece of history, and it was always an honor to be a part of the G.S. team at the helm, helping willing guests to raise or adjust the sails or just helping her dock and then setting everything right until the next time.

Experiencing what it was like on a 140 year old small schooner gives one a better understanding of people’s lives back then. I always learned something new listening to those who have been part of Governor Stone for many years longer than I have.

She has been damaged and sunk before - and her supporters have always brought her back. You can be one of those types of supporters now. I strongly recommend participating in her recovery and making the special effort to come and be a part of her history-making relaunching. It will feel good to know that you have had a role in preserving that unique piece of history and making her a living museum to enjoy again. You can ride on her and feel proud to say, “I helped this to happen!"

In the past, she was active and usually had the honor of leading the local annual Christmas parade, the blessing of the fleet, and other events up and down the coast. And we carry a small sailboat race starter cannon to get everyone else’s attention when needed. 😃 Or enjoy a quiet, relaxing sail around the bay with a picnic basket and small talk with whoever is on board. I look forward to enjoying those things again and hope you join us!

John Darrah - member...

I was a frequent visitor to the marina where the Governor Stone was usually berthed and had seen the placard with information about it. I was stunned to learn that it was not a static museum piece, but instead was a working functioning vessel and that, for a reasonable donation you could go sailing on her. I took it for granted that it would always be there and eventually I would "Get around to it." Enter Hurricane Michael. I was so wrapped up in making repairs to my own place that it was months before I thought about the Governor Stone. I thought to myself, "Surely they got it out and sailed it somewhere safe." Alas, the storm hit our area and gained strength faster than anyone predicted and she was wrecked. I have been a member of the Friends of the Governor Stone for several years now. This community needs to come together and help rebuild this proud vessel, so that she may once again ply the waters around Bay County and the Gulf Coast, as she was designed to do. ...

The schooner Governor Stone is a gulf coast treasure. The vessel has been plying these waters for over 145 years. There is nothing like raising the sails, feeling the wind fill them, and watching as the vessel comes to life. Sadly the G.S. had a run in with Hurricane Michael and the hurricane won. Now thanks to the herculean efforts of the Friends of the Governor Stone {also known as F.O.G.S.} and local Panama City Shipwrights, the vessel is well on the way to sailing these waters once again. Help with this effort by joining F.O.G.S. and be a part of the resurrection of this this historic part of gulf coast...