Rhode Island Replica 18th Century Ship Being Prepped for Repairs

The owner and crew of an 18th century replica ship damaged in a storm last week are preparing it for repairs.

The Newport Daily News reports that owner and captain Thorpe Leeson says the Continental Sloop Providence has a hole in the hull and a broken mast. He says it will take time before it can be lifted.

Strong winds blew the vessel onto its side at Newport Shipyard. Leeson says insurance will likely cover the damage and he plans to get the ship in the water by the end of the summer.

He bought it in 2010 from the Providence Maritime Heritage Foundation and is looking to sell it.

The ship was built for the 1976 bicentennial and is a replica of John Paul Jones’ first command ship.