Porcu-pining for Spring

While it was technically the first week of spring, the weather for last Friday’s “Gunboat Gathering” carried the bite of a wet winter wind across the largely ice-shelled waters of Presque Isle Bay. But inside BMC’s Boatshop, Porcupine’s first true public event was plenty warm and cozy with a sense of camaraderie. While we formally announced the Porcupine Project at our annual Ales for Sails event in February, Porcupine had to share the spot light with seven excellent local craft brewers. This time our Schoolship was center stage.

Headlined by the formal presentation of a generous anchor grant from Erie Insurance, the Gathering teemed with Downtown and Bayfront neighbors—local sailors from Erie’s many yacht and sailing clubs, partners from other non-profits, volunteers and crew from our neighbors at Niagara and Scallywag,, as well as dozens of folks eager to get aboard this new project—filled out some of Porcupine’s first public “deck tours.” The night was draped with a true sense of Bayfront community. Or, dare I say, “quill-munity?”

That is exactly Porcupine’s goal, to create and strengthen community at every level through a shared appreciation of Presque Isle Bay and Erie’s History. She may still be a raw hull in our shop, but Porcupine’s power to inspire was sailing free last Friday. Disregard the blustery dregs of winter. Spring is here, and we’ve got something special starting to blossom here at BMC. Come check it out.

All best,

Jamie Trost, Team Porcupine, and the BMC Staff