Editor's note: Commentary updated to correct amount of Park Service grant.

The need for a new boiler was known by all involved with Sabino and seriously discussed for almost 10 years. It was known before the new exhibit building contract was signed. It was known before The Charles Morgan sailed. It was known on April 28, 2015, when The Day reported on a $200,000 grant from The National Park Service for Sabino restoration. It was known on Sept. 14, 2015, when The Day reported a $149,000 grant from The Institute of Museum and Library Services for Sabino.

At that time, Steve White, Mystic Seaport president, stated, “This project will maintain the vessel’s historical integrity and perpetuate skills and professional licensing necessary to operate a unique technological artifact of maritime history and culture.”

The first plan was to replace the boiler over one winter so Sabino would not miss an operating season. The next plan was to replace the boiler and Sabino would miss only one operating season.

The new plan is to make Sabino an indefinite static dockside exhibit.

Thus, its slide begins.

Licensed engineers will be let go after engine installation. Next, Sabino’s Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection will expire. Then, continuity in skills and licensing will be lost. After 40-plus years on The Mystic River as the country’s last and only wood, coal-fired certified passenger steamer in regular service, Sabino will now sit dockside, venerated perhaps, but greatly diminished in capacity as the last and only of her kind.

My intent is not to criticize, rather to draw attention to this great loss. Fortunately, over 1,500,000 passengers had the experience of riding Sabino since she came to Mystic in 1973.

Sadly, Sabino is no longer a real steamer.

The next plan appears to be to have creative exhibits in the new building serve as a substitute for the real thing.

Dick Lotz was the senior captain on the Sabino from 1979–2009.