HomeMy Public PortalAbout3rd Lecture.tifTHE UNIQUE HISTORY
OF THE HALF MOON SHIPWRECK
Presented by the Key Biscayne Historical & Heritage Society
and the UM Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science
istoric p oto of the Half ► oon
Courtesy of Underwater Archaeological Preserves, Florida Division of Historical Resources
Captain Mike Beach
The wreck of the Half Moon (formerly the Germania) lies just outside Bear Cut, between Virginia
Key and Key Biscayne. For decades, she remained a mystery to local Miami divers, snorkelers,
and fisherman who knew about her location. Today she is recognized as the 7th established
Underwater Archaeological Preserve in the State of Florida. The 151 -foot sail -powered racing
yacht was built in 1908 at the Krupp Shipyard in Kiel, Germany. She carried German nobility,
raced in the Cowes Regatta in England, was auctioned in Britain after World War I, served as the
dream of former Assistant Secretary of the Navy Gordon Woodbury, and served as a floating
saloon in Miami during prohibition. After sinking twice, the wreck settled into its final resting
place in the 1920's. Join Capt. Mike Beach, an alumnus of the Rosenstiel School who helped
establish the Half Moon Underwater Archaeological Preserve, as he presents his unique
perspectives about diving on one of South Florida's sunken treasures.
THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2008
Lecture begins at Too p.m.; reception immediately follows.
Village Council Chamber, 56o Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne
Free and open to the public; however seating is limited.
Lecture will be broadcast live on Channel 77.
RSVP to Carla Lovinsky at (305) 421-4061 or clovinsky@rsmas.miami.edu.