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Winter Storm Juno Knocks Over Historic Tall Ship

Published Jan 28, 2015 10:08 AM by Kayla Turner

A piece of American history was severely damaged on Tuesday when a replica of a Revolutionary War tall ship was toppled by strong wind gusts produced by Winter Storm Juno in Newport, Rhode Island. 

The 110-foot Continental Sloop Providence fell on its side overnight, causing extensive damage – including a broken mast and punctured hull.

The ship was stored in Newport Shipyard for the winter. Extra support was added before the storm, but it could not sustain the heavy winds. Winds reached up to 60 miles per hour in parts of Rhode Island during the snowstorm.

The ship’s owner and captain, Thorpe Leeson, told local media outlets that he expects insurance to cover the damage, and he plans to get the ship in the water by the end of the summer.

The replica of the USS Providence is Rhode Island’s flagship and tall ship ambassador.