Texas Clipper I, RIP

The Bryan-College Station Eagle > Community: "Texas Clipper I, a ship that for three decades helped train thousands of Aggies for careers at sea, now floats at dock in Beaumont with dozens of other idle vessels.

The 473-foot ship used to sail each summer on voyages that provided maritime experience to student cadets from Texas A&M University at Galveston. Now, state officials plan to write another chapter in the life of the retired ship.

In November, Clipper I will be towed into the Gulf of Mexico and sunk to create an artificial reef, school officials said."

Editor note: I sailed as a watch officer for the Shakedown cruises of 1989 and 1990.