LISTEN: Conservancy Executive Director Susan Gibbs Interviewed on Around the Buoy Podcast
Recorded in Newport, Rhode Island, Around the Buoy is a monthly podcast that features the stories of people who live, work, and play on the water — from sailboats and superyachts, to wooden boats and classic cruisers.
This week, hosts Carter and Helena were joined by Conservancy Executive Director Susan Gibbs, who discussed the singular history of the SS United States, and the urgent need to save our nation's flagship.
Susan Gibbs, SS United States Conservancy Executive Director and granddaughter
of SS United States designer William Francis Gibbs.
As the hosts write:
"The story of the SS United States is also the story of the brilliant marine engineer and naval architect who brought her into being. To say that William Francis Gibbs had a long-running love affair with a ship would be, quite frankly, an understatement. Salty-tongued, superstitious, and with no formal training in the field, he quit his job in real-estate law in 1916 to devote himself to designing the world’s fastest ship. In this episode, we talk with William Gibbs’ granddaughter, who is heading up the charge to save the SS United States from a fate undeserving of such a passionate success story."
In the podcast, Susan Gibbs shares intimate stories of grandfather William Francis Gibbs' vision and passion for "the big ship."
Listen to the episode below:
Photograph of the SS United States in Norfolk, VA in 1984. Courtesy of Maurice Polak.
You can find more fantastic episodes of Around the Buoy on their website. The SS United States was also recently featured on the HowStuffWorks podcast, Omnibus. CLICK HERE to listen to the episode.
Interested in purchasing "A Man and His Ship," by Steven Ujifusa, the book that Around the Buoy host Carter credits with kindling his interest in this incredible vessel? Support the Conservancy by making your purchase through AmazonSmile.
The SS United States has always been a soaring symbol of ingenuity, innovation, and the nation's ability to join arm-in-arm to advance common goals. It is inconceivable that she has endured all of these years, only to be lost now.
Become a member of the SS United States Conservancy today, and follow us on Facebook to help spread the incredible story of the SS United States!
