updated May 18, 2008

The Project The Compass Rose, featured in books and movies, used as a research vessel. visited by Royalty and celebrities alike, is a truly grand Lady of the Seas. She has joined other tall ships on numerous occassions, including the bicentennial celebration at the Statue of Liberty. Built in 1968 - 1970, undergone a major refit in 1986, she is once again having a major refit. She had fallen into a state of disrepair, and was soon to be claimed by the seas, on which she had spent forty years. The hull was rotting, main mast blown down in a storm, and some of the blocks and pins holding the rigging had or were failing. Cosmetically the Rose appeared in good seaworthy condition, yet lurking below the surface was trouble in gigantic proportions, a grand wooden vessel going by the wayside. Rescue was from an unlikely place, in northern Texas. Ron and Tamie Odom found her for sail on Sea Dragon's Schooner Links. Further investigation led to a trip to Key West to see, and fall in love with her grand elegance. They purchased her in March of 2008. The plan was to sail from Key West to Freeport , TX. There, to have her hauled out and decommissioned, then be recommissioned on Lake Texoma, which is one of the largest lakes in the US. Crew and provisions ready, she set sail. However, the trip was cut short due to the severity of her deterioration. Immediate plans scraped, the next major refit was underway in Key West. Not only did the Odoms come to her rescue but so did some very skilled and knowledgeable people to complete the restoration work. Matt J. Olk, Boatwright and his crew have done all the work. Mark Nagel, Director of Operations for the Odoms, has been coordinating liason. Months and much difficult work later she is being returned to her former grandeur. When she finally arrives on Lake Texoma she will be a portal into a lost world of wooden ships and the iron men and women who lived in that age. Being a grand lady of the sea, she will be given strict dedication and time to maintain her, giving others a glimpse into real history. The Odoms believe she is worth it. She will be available for very limited charter, winning the hearts of the lucky few who board her. Ron and Tamie Odom

Rotted spot on hull.

The Compass Rose on stands ready for work to start.

Rudder assembly.

Extensive rot required that much of the hull be replaced.

Extensive rot required that much of the hull be replaced.

The lower transome was previously repaired with tar and tin, a temporary and dangerous repair, this are had to be completely reworked

Master Boatwright, Matt Olk, and one of his crew

Sanding, sanding, sanding.

Progress report coming soon!

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