Vessel Stats

Type of vessel: Square topsail sloop

Homeport: India Point Park
Providence, Rhode Island

Specifications: (LOA): 110 feet,

LOD: 65 feet

Beam: 20 feet

Draft: 10.5 feet

Sail Area: 3,470 square feet

Sails: 6 (Flying Jib, Outer Jib, Inner Jib, Stays'l, Mains'l, and Square tops'l)

Tons: 68 GRT

Power: 170hp Detroit diesel

Hull: Fiberglass and wood,

Designer: Charles Wittholz

Built: Melville, RI, 1976

Ship's History

The tall ship Providence, an historic replica, was built in 1976 to honor the original vessel that played a key role in the fight for American Independence. As the original Providence was both a naval and merchant vessel, it also offers insight into the merchant history of Rhode Island and the Colony's growth into the State it is today. In many ways, the American revolution began in Narragansett Bay.

A full two years before the Boston Tea Party, Rhode Island merchant John Brown and his cohorts were responsible for the first act of defiance against the British -- the burning of the British customs schooner, Gaspee.

The struggle between Rhode Island's merchants for free trade and the British government led to the birth of the R.I. Navy. Soon after, the Continental Congress formed the American Navy.

The Providence (ex-Katy) was one of the first ships christened in the Continental Navy. She was the first naval command of John Paul Jones, and although far smaller than many of the British ships she faced, the Providence won over 40 battles - making her the most successful vessel of the Revolutionary War. Her accomplishments were well known, and she earned the nickname the "Lucky Sloop".

Today, the Sloop Providence berths visibly and conveniently at India Point Park in Providence. This is an especially appropriate location, as the original was built right there in John Brown's shipyard. The Sloop Providence is a significant educational, historical and cultural resource - a symbol of our maritime heritage providing a tangible link to the spirit of independence, enterprise and self-reliance that forged Rhode Island and the nation during the Revolutionary era.