Rebuilding the Luna
The Rebirth of an 18th Century Trading Vessel
Luna: Controller of the Seas
Luna isn’t just the Latin name for the Earths’ moon. The moon itself was, and still is, known to sailors as the controller of the seas, causing the ebb and flow of the tides. It was sometimes used as an aid to navigation, and was often the only light on board a vessel at night, serving as a beacon of comfort and hope on long ocean voyages.
In the past, the moon was thought to affect one’s mental health, and those believed affected by it were called “lunatics.” In Roman mythology, Luna was associated with the goddess Diana, called Artemis by the Greeks. She was often portrayed as a hunter carrying a bow and arrow, and was later depicted with a crescent moon above her head. Luna is also the name of CSF's biggest and most ambitious project.
So what is the Luna project?
Luna at Sail, by Shipwright John "Chip" Collamore, III
Our mission at CSF is to preserve facets of America’s colonial (17th-18th Century) maritime heritage by providing historically accurate information and education to the public. To that end, we are repurposing a neglected modern ketch into a functional 18th century trading sloop. Once completed, we will use the Luna as a "classroom on the water", teaching children, students, and the public about our incredible maritime heritage. Books can teach many things, but an actual working sea vessel will have much more impact in learning this important history.
How Luna got her name
Marines at prayer, by Alex Raymond
A note from Scott Watts, from whom we purchased Luna:
I wanted to pass on a little info on why I named "Luna". Lt.
Commander L. Guy Moon was my father-in-law. He gave me half of the money
I needed to buy "Luna", then known as "The Old Girl". I felt that a
name change was in order, but did not want her to revert back to her
original name of "Privateer". As a tribute to Guy, I chose his surname.
The color scheme that I chose for her was that of a Luna moth. Guy was a Navy Chaplain during WWII in the South Pacific. He
was asked to pose for Raymond while in Philadelphia , while
commissioning a newly launched ship. The
image to the right was painted in watercolor by Alex Raymond, originator of
the Flash Gordon cartoon series and many tribute drawings done of
servicemen during WWII. The original watercolor is on
display at the National Marine Headquarters, behind the chaplain's
desk. We are currently trying to get an official reprint put on display
at the Veteran's Memorial Cemetary in Jacksonville, Florida, where Guy is buried.
Keep up the good work on Luna. We are all so proud [as would be Guy]
of the efforts of all of you at CSF,
Scott
Please read on to learn the ongoing story of the Luna.
Our Projects
As an educational organization, the Colonial Seaport Foundation is involved in a wide variety of projects and events. Events are short-term presentations, seminars or gatherings. We present information of our events on the News and Events page here.
Projects are more involved and long-termed than events. For instance, a major multi-year project we have undertaken is the rebuilding of the ketch Luna. We are in the process of transforming her into a working representation of an 18th century merchant vessel. Once finished, she will will be a portable classroom; a hands-on demonstration of our colonial maritime heritage. Click on the links below to visit our projects.
Rebuilding the Luna
Luna is starting to take shape
Luna's portside sheerline is cut
Custom House
CSF recreates British Custom House
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The Colonial Seaport Foundation is approved by the IRS as a 501c3 non-profit organization. Donations are tax exempt to the full extent of the law.
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