The Historical Seaport Blog

Jobs: First Mate and Cook on Hawaiian Chieftain

2012-01-25T11:28:00.000-08:00

The Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority is inviting applications for the positions of First Mate and Cook aboard the topsail ketch Hawaiian Chieftain.

The First Mate is second in command and works closely with the Master to ensure safe and profitable operation of the vessel. The First Mate provides direct oversight and is actively involved with ongoing maintenance, restoration, and crew training. The position starts March 24, 2012.

The Cook’s primary function is to provide the crew, both paid and volunteer, and occasionally paying passengers, with three nutritional meals per day plus snacks and beverages as appropriate. The position starts Feb. 18, 2012.

For a complete job description and for application materials, send email with your resume attached to Roxie Underwood, runderwood@historicalseaport.org or call 360-532-8611. More information about working aboard Hawaiian Chieftain is available at our website, www.historicalseaport.org/volunteering-jobs.

Fan Photo: Working Hard in Oxnard

2012-01-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

Oxnard-area photographer Will Moneymaker sent us this photo of a hard-working crew member on the Lady Washington. You can see a set of his photos on our Facebook page. If you have photos to share, send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photo: Hawaiian Chieftain in Yaquina Bay

2012-01-21T07:21:00.000-08:00

Photographer Vern Bartley emailed this image of the Hawaiian Chieftain sailing in Yaquina Bay, Ore., reminding us that we'll be in Coos Bay and Newport in May. Vern will be sailing on one of our port-to-port Passages, a great way to get a taste of 18th century sea travel. For the full schedule, visit the Public Sails Schedule on our website. If you have a photo to share, send it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photo: Painterly Pic from Oxnard, Calif.

2012-01-16T08:37:00.000-08:00

Photographer Bob Jensen of Canogo Park, Calif., submitted this photo of Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain during a Battle Sail near Oxnard on Saturday. The boats appear near the beach, but it's an artifact of the big 400 millimeter telephoto lens Bob used. He also applied a technique called "Venice Painting" to get the colors just so. If you have a photo of Lady Washington and/or Hawaiian Chieftain to share, send it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

New volunteers meet at Seaport HQ

2012-01-12T15:19:00.000-08:00

New volunteers at the Historical Seaport went through an orientation session today at our headquarters in Aberdeen. The presentation included background on the organization, discussion of needs volunteers could fill, and some words of wisdom from Capt. JB Morrison, in the center of the photo towards the back. There's still time to sign up as a volunteer. Contact Jan Jorgenson, jjorgenson@historicalseaport.org, 800-200-5239. (Thanks to Jan for taking the picture.)

Volunteer Orientation Scheduled at Historical Seaport

2012-01-03T15:50:00.000-08:00

The Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority is calling for volunteers to help with several projects at its Grays Harbor facilities, including a planned move in 2012 to its new Seaport Landing facility on the Chehalis River, as well as important maintenance on the ships.

The Historical Seaport invites volunteers to an orientation scheduled for noon Thursday, January 12 at its headquarters at 712 Hagara Street in Aberdeen. During the one-hour orientation, volunteers will learn about the mission and activities of the Historical Seaport and its ships, which are now in California on their annual educational tour. Volunteers will be matched to projects that fit their skills, interests, and schedules. Specific opportunities include:

Ship maintenance – Painting, cleaning, restoration, rigging, engine maintenance
Seaport Landing - Site preparation, packing, moving boxes and gear, unpacking and storage, grounds-keeping, building maintenance, and office setup
Spar Shop – Shop set-up, equipment maintenance, cleanup
Archives – Cataloging and storage of Historical Seaport records, local history research
Business operations – Filing, copying, bulk mail preparation, assisting with public event planning, such as a 25th birthday party for the Historical Seaport.

Seaport Landing is a multi-use visitor destination and home port for Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain. The facility will be located on the Chehalis River in South Aberdeen just south of the Chehalis River bridge. The Spar Shop is a business unit of the Historical Seaport specializing in turning ship's wooden masts and spars, as well as custom columns and poles.

For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact Jan Jorgenson, 360-589-3999, jjorgenson@historicalseaport.org.

Logs delivered for Lady Washington planking

2011-12-21T10:18:00.000-08:00

We took delivery this week of these three logs, which the Spar Shop will turn into new planking for the Lady Washington over the next few weeks. We'll install the planking this summer. The picture shows the logs in front of our headquarters in Aberdeen, Wash. One of the logs weighed 17,000 pounds! Thanks to Sierra Pacific for their help, and the Washington Legislature for funding this project for the state's official tall ship. We'll post more pictures of the work as it progresses. If you have any questions about this project, or you're interested in custom woodwork for your vessel, email sparshop@historicalseaport.org or call 800-200-5239.

Lady Washington under escort near Long Beach

2011-12-06T07:00:00.001-08:00

Lindsey Hoffman, a deckhand on the San Pedro-based brigantine Exy Johnson, sent us this photo of Lady Washington nearing the marina at Long Beach on Dec. 1. The photo was taken aboard Exy's sister ship, Irving Johnson, as she escorted Lady Washington. "The two ships greeted one another with cannon fire and biodegradable water balloons to the great amusement of crew and passengers alike," Lindsey says. Lady Washington, Hawaiian Chieftain, Exy Johnson, and Irving Johnson will participate in a four-ship Battle Sail on Dec. 26 at 2 p.m. A great gift idea, eh? Buy tickets online at www.historicalseaport.org or www.lamitopsail.org.

Fan Photo: Aloft in Redondo Beach

2011-12-05T17:18:00.001-08:00

Gordon Glattenberg, one of our guests on the Nov. 26 Adventure Sail in Redondo Beach, shared this photo of Elyse Ruth and Connie Allen aloft aboard Lady Washington. If you have a photo of your adventure aboard Lady Washington or Hawaiian Chieftain, email it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photo: Lady Washington from a rowboat

2011-12-02T13:46:00.001-08:00

Guest Karen Williams took this photo of Lady Washington in Redondo Beach last weekend while her grandson looked on. The boat is in Long Beach for the next two weeks. This weekend would be a fine opportunity to go sailing on a real tall ship. Tickets are available on our main website. If you have photos to share, send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photo: Going Aloft in Morro Bay

2011-11-30T12:42:00.001-08:00

The photos from Morro Bay are pouring in! Here's one of a member of Lady Washington's crew going aloft. The crew member is near the center of the image, just left of the mast. The photo comes from guest Kathy Oster. We'd love to see your photos of crew going aloft. Send images to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photo: Lady Washington at Sunset in Morro Bay

2011-11-30T09:57:00.001-08:00

We've been getting a lot of sunset photos these days, probably due to the time of year. Here's the latest one of Lady Washington from Morro Bay, taken by guest Mary Williamson. If you have a photo to share of Lady Washington or Hawaiian Chieftain in the early evening or early morning, email it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photo: Calm after the Battle Sail in Tacoma

2011-11-28T16:15:00.001-08:00

Photographer David Boyle sent us this pic of Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain returning from a Battle Sail in Tacoma on the evening of August 28, 2011. "The lighting and the 'calm after the battle' struck me as something I wanted to remember," he says. You can see more of his work at www.pelesrain.com. If you have a memory to share, send it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photo: Approaching Morro Bay

2011-11-23T09:38:00.001-08:00

Sailing guest Richard Tao emailed this photo of his trip on Lady Washington in Morro Bay. The Dynegy Power Plant is the background. "It was freaking cold but we had fun!" he writes. If you have a photo to share, send it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Longtime volunteer Ken Adamson has died

2011-11-21T16:17:00.001-08:00

Everyone was saddened to learn of the passing of Ken Adamson last week. Ken was one of the first volunteers on the Lady Washington project, and he was a charter member of the original "Ancient Mariners" volunteer group. Ken volunteered at the Historical Seaport from 1986 into 2011, when his health restricted his activities. Over the 25 years that he served the Seaport, he built, restored and purchased many pieces of equipment that we continue to use today. The upper photo shows Ken driving a drift bolt into the hull of Lady Washington during her construction. The lower photo shows Ken milling planking for the ship.

A memorial service is planned for Ken at the Bethany Baptist Church in Satsop, Wash. at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 26th. If you have any memories or photos to share of Ken, we'd like to hear about them. Send your thoughts to ghhsa_admin@historicalseaport.org, and we'll pass them along to family and friends.

Fan Photo: LW outside the Morro Bay breakwater

2011-11-20T07:09:00.001-08:00

Photographer Rick Evans sent us this photo of Lady Washington with the Morro Bay breakwater in the foreground. If you have a photo to share, send it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photo: Sunset on Monterey Bay

2011-11-14T18:53:00.001-08:00

Donna Ventura, who sailed on Lady Washington on October 12 during our visit to Moss Landing, sent us this extraordinary photo of the sunset on Monterey Bay. If you have a photo to share of your experience on Lady Washington or Hawaiian Chieftain, send it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Sacramento Laundry Donates Washer to HC

2011-11-14T15:23:00.001-08:00

You may have heard that Hawaiian Chieftain was in dire need of a new washing machine for keeping the hardworking crew's clothing neat and clean. A Sacramento-area laundromat came through for us, after a bit of help from the local media. Our development officer, Jan Jorgenson, called the Sacramento CBS affiliate and suggested that the broken washing machine might make a fun story. Ashley Williams, a reporter at Channel 13 who works on the Good Day Sacramento program, contacted Debbie Dower, co-owner of Paradise Laundry in Roseville, a suburb of Sacramento.

Dower says she was immediately taken by the idea of helping Hawaiian Chieftain after learning that the ship was built in Maui, which she says is "one of my favorite places" and the inspiration for her business' name. She made a couple of calls to suppliers and found a good refurbished Frigidaire washer with the same footprint as the Hawaiian Chieftain's broken washer. It was delivered to the boat, and brought aboard Sunday morning, with the cameras of Good Day Sacramento looking on. In the screenshot from the television report, Capt. JB Morrison (foreground in the hat) supervises bringing aboard Hawaiian Chieftain a newly donated washing machine.

Thanks so much to Paradise Laundry and Good Day Sacramento for their generosity and help!

Fan Photos: Tiller, and LW near SF's Pier 40

2011-10-31T17:47:00.000-07:00

Here's two photos from our friends in San Francisco. Above, Trisha Wolfe took a snap of Tiller, the Lady Washington's mascot, being extra friendly to her during her visit. In the lower photo, Lady Washington is sailing near Pier 40, with the Bay Bridge in the background. Note the San Francisco Ferry Building tower. If you have a photo to share, send it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fred Cool Joins the Spar Shop Team

2011-10-31T09:17:00.000-07:00

The Spar Shop at the Historical Seaport has added another member to its team. Fred Cool of Montesano has joined the shop as general manager. He'll oversee the Spar Shop's operations and pitch its services to new customers. Fred's background includes working as a tool-and-die maker at Kaiser Aluminum in Spokane, project management at the Port of Shelton, and sales at Lamb-Grays Harbor in Hoquiam. You can contact Fred about your custom wood needs, including masts and spars for tall ships, by calling 800-200-5239.

Fan Photo: Hawaiian Chieftain and Tower Bridge

2011-10-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

Steve Prey took this photo of Hawaiian Chieftain passing under the Tower Bridge in Sacramento as she was arriving a couple of weeks ago. The boat is currently in Old Sacramento and open for tours from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 13. If you have a photo of Hawaiian Chieftain to share, send it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Similar views of Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain

2011-10-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

Here's a great example of how two photographers "see" different, yet similar aspects of our ships.The photo at top was taken by Jim Scaccia of Lady Washington in Antioch. The one underneath was taken by Vance Koski of Hawaiian Chieftain in Sacramento. If you have an unusual photo of either or both boats to share, send it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

New Video Short with LW and HC Crew

2011-10-23T07:57:00.000-07:00

Scallywags from Tower Films on Vimeo.
Tower Films of Seattle visited Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain last summer and produced this short, which includes lots of interview footage of the crew: J.B. Morrison, Rocky Bonner, Sara Gempler, and many others. You'll need a high-bandwidth connection for stutter-free playback. Can't see the video? Watch it on Vimeo.

GHHSA Founded 25 Years Ago This Month

2011-10-12T17:03:00.000-07:00

The Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority was founded 25 years ago this month. On October 13, 1986, the Aberdeen City Council and the mayor of Aberdeen approved the charter creating a public development authority to build a replica of a tall ship commanded by Capt. Robert Gray, who discovered Grays Harbor in 1792. On June 7, 1989, the brig Lady Washington was launched at Aberdeen Landing.

“We’ve grown steadily from a simple mission of building a tall ship to an organization that offers education programs to tens of thousands of young people and adults a year in three states and British Columbia,” says GHHSA Executive Director Les Bolton. “We’re very excited about our next 25 years, including the establishment of Seaport Landing as our new home port and tall ship maintenance facility.”

Seaport Landing is a mixed-use public waterfront facility planned for South Aberdeen just south of the Chehalis River Bridge.

Scott Rubey joins the Seaport staff

2011-10-04T15:35:00.000-07:00

Master woodworker Scott Rubey of South Bend, Wash., joined the Seaport staff last month, and he's already built some custom cabinetry for the Lady Washington. We don't have a photo, but it's a cabinet for stowing gift merchandise in the boat's main hold. Rubey takes a lot of pride in his work, having added custom woodwork to several homes in Pacific and Grays Harbor counties. In the top photo, he's standing in front of the Capt. Matt Peasley, one of the Seaport's longboats. In the lower photo, he's working on the longboat's hull.

Jan Jorgenson Joins Seaport Staff

2011-09-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

The Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority is pleased to welcome Jan Jorgenson as the newest member of its Aberdeen staff. Jorgenson has taken the newly created position of Development Officer with responsibilities for fundraising, grant writing, and membership development. Jorgenson started her position on September 22.

A graduate of Washington State University, Jorgenson most recently worked as a marketing professional in the Yakima office of the Washington State Employment Security Department. She has also worked for the Washington State School for the Blind Foundation and the Don Donaldson Museum at the school. She’s an active member of the Northwest Development Officers Association.

Jorgenson plans to be active in the Grays Harbor community. “I am eager to be a part of the rich Seaport history, to explore and embrace the mission and existing programs and work with the board and staff to develop meaningful events and activities that lead to cultivation of volunteers and ongoing support of GHHSA,” she says.

Jorgenson is the author of several articles and books on local history, including Early Battle Ground, Washington and Meadow Glade Community Centennial. She has a keen interest in genealogy.

Jorgenson can be reached directly at 360-589-3999, jjorgenson@historicalseaport.org.

Crews and Staff Meet in Aberdeen

2011-09-23T15:27:00.000-07:00

The entire Historical Seaport staff and the crews from the Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain met as a group at the Olympic Gateway Plaza Mazatlan Restaurant in Aberdeen today. The group heard a pep talk from Executive Director Les Bolton, the office staff, and the command staff, who are furiously preparing for our upcoming California season. The photo below the group shows both boats at their berth in Aberdeen with the Chehalis River Bridge in the background.

Les Bolton Among Community Award Winners

2011-09-19T12:10:00.000-07:00

Historical Seaport Executive Director Les Bolton received a a prestigious award last week for his contribution to the local community. The Aberdeen Revitalization Movement held its second annual Aberdeen Community Leadership Dinner on September 15 at the Aberdeen Museum of History, and Les was recognized for his work with the Seaport. ARM also named six other local citizens as award winners, including Bob Preble, Tom Quigg of Windermere Realty, Kathleen Werner, principal of Stevens Elementary School, Mary Swarthout of Caring Coaches Foundation, Larry Bledsoe of the City of Aberdeen, and Karmen Ayres, a junior at Aberdeen High School. Congratulations to all the winners for making Aberdeen and Grays Harbor a great place to live and work!

Artist Donates Painting to Historical Seaport

2011-09-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

Historical Seaport Executive Director Les Bolton has accepted an original painting of Lady Washington by Judy Horn of Horn Fine Art Imaging in Ocean Shores, Wash. Horn is a member of the newly formed North Beach Artist’s Guild, based in Ocean Shores. The image shows Lady Washington sailing in Commencement Bay near Tacoma. Horn hopes to help the Historical Seaport with fundraising that will benefit the Seaport and the Gallery of Ocean Shores, a new visual arts space which is expected to open next month. The gallery will showcase and sell the work of 25 Grays Harbor artists.

Fan Photo: Lady Washington's Captain

2011-09-14T06:58:00.000-07:00

Judith Hajek, a friend of Lady Washington, sent us this snap of Capt. Jeremiah Gempler of the said craft while she was in Seattle's Lake Union over the weekend. If you have a photo to share, send it with a brief description of place and time to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photo: Tiller on Lady Washington

2011-09-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

Hah! I bet when you read the headline, you thought it was about the Lady Washington's tiller (the steering thingy on the quarterdeck). But no! It's a picture of Lady Washington's mascot, Tiller, standing watch at the rail, guarding the crew against all manner of dangers (catfish? one-eyed parrots? Johnny Depp impersonators?). Tiller looks "noble and responsible," according to Calin Taylor, a guest in Seattle who sent us the photo. Good dog! If you have a photo of Tiller or anything else Lady Washington-related, send it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Peugh Wedding on Lady Washington

2011-09-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

The Lady Washington hosts several weddings a year, including Trisha Peugh's ceremony on July 16, 2011 in Anacortes. Both boats took her family and friends out on Puget Sound. You'll find more photos on our Facebook page. If you'd like Lady Washington and/or Hawaiian Chieftain to host your wedding, visit our charters page to learn more or call 800-200-5239.

Steampunk Knitting on the Lady Washington

2011-09-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

A Seattle artist collective called Ladies of Mischief is planning to publish a book described as "steampunk-themed knitting patterns" and they visited the Lady Washington today to take some photos. Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain are frequently chartered for photo shoots and film productions. If you need an historical accurate maritime set for your project, visit our Charters page for more information.

Fan Photo: LW & HC In Profile

2011-09-07T11:26:00.000-07:00

Jessica Nicole Zuniga, one of our guests on our Sept. 2 Evening Sail, sent this unique photo of Lady Washington (right) and Hawaiian Chieftain (left) in profile at Port Plaza Dock in Olympia. "I can't wait to go again next time you guys are in the area," she writes. We hope to return to Olympia around Labor Day next year. Right now, Lady Washington is in Seattle's Lake Union, while Hawaiian Chieftain is on her way to Port Townsend for a routine haulout. If you have photos to share, send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photos: Olympia Sailing and Singing

2011-09-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in Olympia over the weekend, and our fans sent us some photos to show they liked us, too. The top photo shows shanty singers from the Budd Bay Shanty Sing group enjoying their monthly sing-along Sunday evening on Lady Washington. The bottom photo shows one of Hawaiian Chieftain's crew working on a yard. If you have photos to share from Olympia or any of our other stops this summer, send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Guest Blogger: Ryan McCutcheon

2011-08-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

Ryan McCutcheon, a member of the Hawaiian Chieftain's crew, wrote a guest blog post about his ship-board experiences.

August 4, 2011

“Have you ever wanted to do something for so long then suddenly found yourself doing it?”

Sanding, painting, varnishing: casting off. Sailing on Flathead Lake as a kid with my grandfather I loved hearing of his Pacific Coast cruising a variety of home built boats. Montana boy me dreaming “I must sail the San Juan Islands,” that’s exactly where I am. And I’m exploring them aboard a classic square rigged tall ship. Forty days now aboard the Hawaiian Chieftain; “Two Weeks Before the Mast” just wasn’t enough. Welcomed to continue on as a volunteer topman, though I may never be an amazing hand-over-hand rig monkey like some of my crewmates – Tyler and Maple Syrup – but I don’t need to be. Mine are more simple joys. “Welcome to my home. Yes, I do live here. I’d love to take time and share with you this heartbeat passion’s steady silence binding such a beautiful asymmetric kaleidoscope of souls into nothing less than honest family.”

Exhausted after the first 24 hours boarding in the midst of Westport Pirate Daze, I started wondering why people do this; it’s so much work. Looking out our aft cabin windows that evening our neighbors eternally convinced me; a pair of playful harbor seals not a heaving line away. Cruising upriver to home port Aberdeen. Taking my school kids to visit last year, and they walked away in utter amazement that inside that big blue shed, virtually in the middle of no-where, Black Pearls get built, the Lady Washington now hallowed ground to any true fans of Depp or Bloom. and as Chieftain crew I get to shoot her (with blanks) every weekend. Unleashing “Lady Killer,” the dark deck gun does its dirty deed echoing off Lady’s hull the skillful precision of both our gunner and our crew. Battle Sails are far from staged, aching palms the evening’s reminder: “Yeah, that was a great sail today.”

The crew skylarking, watching fireworks aloft from the yards, and two days later it was transit time. Quickly sea stowing gear below deck, there was nothing to see topside either. Gray fog, grim channel markers, a growling bar crossing swells guarding the river mouth from the open ocean, it took four hours before I finally found out, “Yes, I do get seasick.” A tough 22 hours up the unseen coast rounding Cape Flattery into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, away at sea appeared a dim light. Quickly closing getting brighter by each bell, the four of us on watch soon envied in mile apart wonder, “She has private staterooms.” “And Jacuzzis.” “And all you can eat buffets.” “And can go twenty-plus knots when we’re struggling to reach eight,” me adding in silent angst, “and I bet the cruise ship has sea stabilizers.”

Sailing into Anacortes, literally realizing, “Yes, I like boats again,” picking up our youth camp kids and cruising the San Juan Islands I couldn’t help laugh at the girls on Stuart Island shopping, stopping mid-hike going through “honor system” t-shirt boxes. And exploring Sucia Island, young teenage boys constantly exclaiming at the sandstone cubby holes, “Wow, this would be a great spot to make out.” A few weeks later, laughing no longer, it’s scary realizing I’m suddenly an old hand teaching new crew to furl sail aloft when I’m still figuring it out myself. Purple sunsets high in the rigging, our Peter Pan shadows cast nimbly across the sails seem almost wasted on transient volunteers, only making goodbyes that much harder; such defining moments just beg to be cherished together. I wonder now how long I’ll have to wait before they finally are.

If you are former Lady Washington or Hawaiian Chieftain crew who'd like to guest write for the Historical Seaport blog, send your submission to ghhsa_admin@historicalseaport.org.

Lady Washington, Hawaiian Chieftain, Mount Rainier

2011-08-26T19:35:00.000-07:00

We're in Tacoma this weekend for the annual Tacoma Maritime Festival and we took this photo just as the boats were heading out for an Evening Sail. If you look closely between Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain, you'll see Mount Rainier on one of the most perfect evenings of the summer. There's lots of tickets available for Saturday and Sunday sails. Buy online at our website or at the boats.

Thanks to Hank Cramer for His Gift!

2011-08-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

We'd like to offer an extra special thanks to Northwest folk musician and shantyman Hank Cramer, left, who met with Historical Seaport Executive Director Les Bolton today on Lady Washington in Tacoma. Les and the Seaport staff and crews are grateful for Hank's gift of the $1,000 prize he won from Humanities Washington earlier this summer. The money will fund new costumes for the Seaport's educational programs, and we're encouraging all our supporters to match Hank's gift. To donate, go to the Seaport home page and click the orange Donate Now button. Thanks!

Fan Photos: Brownsville Birthday Battle Sail

2011-08-25T17:36:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in Brownsville last weekend, and so did one of our guests, Richard Gray. He sent us these photos of Hawaiian Chieftain under attack by Lady Washington during a Battle Sail on his birthday. Now that's a wonderful way to celebrate! If you have photos to share of your experience on Lady Washington or Hawaiian Chieftain, send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

New Products Added to the Seaport Store

2011-08-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

We've added two new products to the Historical Seaport Store! The top photo shows a new gray beanie with a nice brim to keep off the sun on those bright winter days. The words "Hawaiian Chieftain" or "Lady Washington" are sewn near the back. You can order the beanie today for just $12.00 plus shipping.

The lower photo shows a traditional dark blue ("navy") baseball cap with an embossed image of Hawaiian Chieftain above the bill. The words "Hawaiian Chieftain" are sewn in red on the left side. Very suave. (We're getting similar hats with an image of Lady Washington later.) Just $15.00 plus shipping.

These new products will sell quickly, so order today. Hey, it's not too early to think about the holidays. See all our products at the Seaport Store website. (Washington State residents will pay sales tax. The governor's gotta pay the bills, too.) All proceeds of web store sales support education programs aboard our ships.

Seaport Board, Staff Tour Sawmill Property

2011-08-19T15:51:00.000-07:00

The Historical Seaport staff and board of directors visited the Weyerhauser sawmill property in South Aberdeen today as we work with the company on a potential purchase. Last November, we made a purchase offer for the land and buildings, and we've been in discussions with Weyerhaueser since then. If we're successful, the property will become the core of Seaport Landing, a home port for Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain.

Today, we toured the 28-acre facility, which was shut down several years ago. The property is immediately adjacent to 2.5 acres of land, including 320 feet of riverfront, that the Historical Seaport has leased from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources just south of the Chehalis River Bridge. We hope to make an announcement soon about the results of our discussions with the company.

Many thanks to Rob Laishley and Gary Willis of Weyerhaeuser who graciously led the tour.

Fan Photos: Lady Washington in Coupeville

2011-08-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

We love visiting Coupeville, and our fans love us back by sending us great photos. Here's two by guest Claudia Harrison of Freeland, Wash. If you have pics to share, send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photo: Another Gorgeous Sunset on B'ham Bay

2011-08-09T06:45:00.000-07:00

Here's another sunset photo from our visit to Bellingham Bay last month. It was sent to us by one of our guests, James Weaver, who sailed with us on July 20 aboard Lady Washington. If you have a sunset or sunrise photo to share from any of your trips aboard our ships, email it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photo: Bellingham Bay Sunset

2011-08-05T06:53:00.000-07:00

Gina, one of our Bellingham guests last weekend, sent us this photo of Hawaiian Chieftain appearing to sail off into the sunset. The weather has been near perfect for beautiful sunsets in northern Puget Sound and the San Juans, and the good days are expected to continue through the weekend in Blaine. If you have a photo to share, send it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photo: Hawaiian Chieftain in Bellingham

2011-08-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

Battle Sail guest Margaret Haro sent us this photo of Hawaiian Chieftain taken on Saturday, July 30 in Bellingham. "This sail was so much fun! My brother and I had a blast," she writes. On Tuesday, the boats will arrive in Blaine for Drayton Harbor Days, including Battle Sails on Saturday and Sunday. Purchase tickets on our home page.

Fan Photos: Lady Washington in the San Juans

2011-07-19T17:25:00.000-07:00

LeAnn Buse, who recently participated in our Two Weeks Before the Mast volunteer program, sent us these photos of Lady Washington in the San Juan Islands, near the Canadian border. If you have photos of Lady Washington or Hawaiian Chieftain to share, send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

New Children's TV Demo Features HC

2011-07-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

A children's television producer has created a demo for a new program, and the demo includes shots of Hawaiian Chieftain in Yaquina Bay on the Oregon Coast. The shots are the beginning and end. The producer, Michael Blakeley, hopes to interest major kids TV networks, such as Nickelodeon, in his project. "The Adventures of Captain Book" is described as "Peter Pan meets Sesame Street, with a flavoring of Mr. Rogers and Animal Planet thrown in for spice." The Seaport is also credited at the end. You can reach Michael at michaelblakeley@q.com. We wish him luck!

Fan Photos: A 1750s Costume on Lady Washington

2011-06-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

Long-time Lady Washington fan and supporter Lisa Pirkkala sent us these photos of her visit to the boat during Rusty Scupper Pirate Daze in Westport last weekend. She's wearing a circa 1750s dress, which is about the period the original Lady Washington was built near Boston. "My friend had never been to the Washington coast before, so being aboard a tall ship and sailing was a treat," she wrote. "Thank you all for such a wonderful experience, and it is always a joy to come aboard and meet more tall ships friends. If you have photos to share from Rusty Scupper Pirate Daze or any other trip aboard Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain, please send it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Congratulations to the Purple Pirates!

2011-06-25T17:40:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Melody Miranda and the Purple Pirates of Discovery Tours for winning the 2011 Float the Fleet: Pirates fundraising contest. The Purple Pirates competed with other pirate groups for a chance to win several prizes, including the opportunity to claim Lady Washington herself as the group's official ship for the next year. The winner was announced today at Rusty Scupper Pirate Daze in Westport, Wash.

Fan Photos: HC in BC, LW in Port Ludlow

2011-06-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

Photos from our visit to British Columbia earlier this month are still coming in, such as the top photo of Hawaiian Chieftain from Gerry Slobod. The lower photo was taken by Hira Barbara Reid last weekend in Port Ludlow. She also wrote about the boats' visit on her blog. Send your photos of our ships to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Job Announcement: Development Officer in Aberdeen, Wash.

2011-06-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

Fundraising professional to support programs aboard tall ship Lady Washington

Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority seeks a unique individual for the position of Development Officer. This person must be a self-motivated team player with leadership abilities and an entrepreneurial spirit. The successful applicant will have tremendous attention to detail, excel in being creative, dependable, flexible and resourceful. Applicant must have a record of development experience, outstanding management skills, and a demonstrated capacity to motivate supporters, staff, and volunteers. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for this position.

The Development Officer will help lay a strong foundation for the continued growth of Historical Seaport programs and facilities into the future. Working as part of the Historical Seaport’s management team the Development Officer will be responsible for planning, implementing and managing a coordinated program of fundraising and donor cultivation. Primary responsibilities include developing strategic and long range development plans; leading a new program sponsorship campaign, participating in an upcoming capital campaign and major gifts program; defining appropriate procedures to engage the full organization in effective fundraising and development efforts; and overseeing the building and maintenance of relationships with individual, corporate and foundation funders.

Responsibilities/Duties

Planning / Strategy (20%)

Plan and manage fundraising/development activities to set and achieve annual goals for contributed income. Work with the Seaport management team, shipboard and homeport staff and Board Members to develop an annual development plan that will support the Historical Seaport’s long-range strategic plans.
Work closely with shipboard and administrative staff to oversee the set-up and full utilization of an efficient donor database and gift tracking record system that will support grant compliance and donor-specific financial reporting.
Work closely with the Historical Seaport management team to ensure marketing and PR efforts are aligned with fundraising and development efforts.
Work closely with the Executive Director, Staff and Committees to ensure a fully integrated development effort and coordinated communication with funders.
Prepare and present regular reports to Staff, Board, and Committees.
Develop and manage volunteers to help support fundraising/development efforts.
Work closely with and support efforts to grow and steward members.
Become knowledgeable about the Historical Seaport’s mission, values, programs and strategy in order to identify and develop funding opportunities which capitalize on unique resources or exceptional opportunities.

Overall Fund Development (70%)

Develop and implement solicitation goals and strategies for major gifts, sponsorships, and upper level membership. Provide leadership and coordination to Board members, committees, staff and volunteers to meet these goals.
Work to build and deepen relationships with Board Members, current and prospective donors and volunteers, and actively steward such relationships.
Plan and manage fundraising efforts including sponsorships for shipboard education programs.
Assist with planning and successful implementation of a major upcoming capital campaign.

Grants (5%)

In cooperation with Executive Director, steward relationships with foundations and other grantors. Help strategize and develop grant proposals.

Membership / Annual Appeals (5%)

Provide support and backup as needed to oversee stewardship and growth of Historical Seaport general membership.

Qualifications

BA in fund development, marketing/communications, or related field, or equivalent related work experience required; experience in heritage, vocational or experiential education, or marine sciences a plus.
2-3 years experience in development and communications required, preferably in a dynamic, fast paced environment where flexibility was key to success
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills reflecting solid customer service in person, via the telephone and via email.
Motivated with demonstrated ability to engage and train other staff, board members and volunteers.
Demonstrate experience working both independently, exercising good judgment, decision making and problem solving; and as part of a proactive team in a dynamic environment working on multiple projects while maintaining headway on accomplishing key strategic elements.
Proficient in Word, Excel, Outlook programs required; experience working with donor management software highly desirable; experience working with publishing programs and social media a plus.

Hours

Full-time position. Schedule will be flexible, with the opportunity for some travel.

Compensation

A competitive salary and benefits package.
A flexible but focused work environment in an atmosphere that is casual yet professional.
Dedicated, innovative co-workers who take their work seriously but enjoy a good laugh.
Supportive environment in the office and aboard our two tall ships.

To Apply
E-mail cover letter with resume and references (at least two professional references in the area of fundraising from the last three years) to Les@historicalseaport.org Subject: Development Officer.

Fan Photos: An Old-Timey Lady Washington & Hawaiian Chieftain

2011-06-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

Photographer Dori Lee of Port Hadlock, Wash., sent us this enhanced photo of Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain near Port Townsend. If you have a photo to share with an old-timey or modern look, sent it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Laurence H. Dorcy Passes, Ceremony Planned

2011-06-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

Laurence H. Dorcy, one of the driving forces behind the construction of the Hawaiian Chieftain, passed away this month. Known to his friends as "The Baron," Mr. Dorcy recruited nautical architect Ray Richards and shipwright Drake Thomas to build Hawaiian Chieftain as a working cargo ship in the Hawaiian Islands. Built at Lahaina Welding Co., the vessel was launched in 1988 with Mr. Dorcy as the first owner. Hawaiian Chieftain came into the possession of the Historical Seaport in 2005. In the photo, Mr. Dorcy is shown aboard the Hawaiian Chieftain helping the Seaport prepare for the vessel's 20th birthday in Westport in 2008.

The Seaport will honor Mr. Dorcy with a ceremony during the June 25 Battle Sail in Westport. Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain will fire a 13-gun salute and dip their flags in remembrance. The ceremony will take place at approximately the same time a celebration of his life is held in Molokai. A Hawaiian lei will be dropped into Grays Harbor waters and allowed to drift into the Pacific Ocean.

Mr. Dorcy's friends and colleagues are invited to the Molokai celebration. For information, please call 808-294-6515 or 808-375-3775.

Fan Photos: Our Boats in British Columbia

2011-06-20T15:11:00.000-07:00

We sailed in British Columbia waters earlier this month and one of our guests, Harry Kaiser, sent us a few photos. In the top photo, Capt. Rob Mizer of the Hawaiian Chieftain waves to a replica Viking longship that sailed alongside for a time. In the lower photo, Capt. Tommy Cook stands by while Lady Washington is at the dock in Richmond, BC. If you have photos to share of your experience on our ships, send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photos: LW and HC at Port Ludlow

2011-06-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

Our friend Pete Leenhouts of the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding sent us these photos of Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain at Port Ludlow, where they will give tours and host guests for Battle Sails and Adventure Sails through Fathers Day. The top photo is Lady Washington; pictured in the lower photo in front of Hawaiian Chieftain is Breckon van Veldhuisen, a NSWB student. If you have photos to share, send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photos: Transit Across the Canada/US Border

2011-06-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain's transits, which we call "Passages," are growing in popularity. The boats welcome passengers aboard for our trip from one port-of-call to the next. They can last a few hours or several days. Earlier this week, we sailed from Vancouver, BC to Blaine, Wash., crossing the Canada/U.S. border. Rawn Mongovius and his friends were along for the eight-hour ride, and he shared a few of his photos with us.

Rawn says the weather started out miserable and wet, but soon cleared up, leaving a blue sky and favorable winds. "The crew was now given the order to hoist the sails. This is what I had been waiting for, the ultimate experience on a tall ship, a brig, a feeling that the early sailors must have had when the ship was free and at the mercy of the wind in her sails," he wrote. He also lavished praise [blush] on our wonderful crew.

If you'd like to take Passage on Lady Washington or Hawaiian Chieftain, check out our website schedule or call us at 800-200-5239. If you have photos to share of your adventure, send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Astoria: Ray Gardner and Rob Mizer

2011-05-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

Inez Wall sent us these photos from our visit to Astoria last weekend. The top one shows members of the Chinook Nation getting ready for the trade reenactment with the Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain on Saturday. The bottom photo shows Chinook chairman Ray Gardner, left, sharing a moment with Capt. Rob Mizer of Hawaiian Chieftain. If you have photos to share of our Astoria visit, send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photos: Astoria's 200th Birthday

2011-05-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain are winding up a fantastic visit to Astoria, Oregon for the opening weekend of city's 200th birthday celebration. Photographer Felecia Eby sent us these photos of our boats (Hawaiian Chieftain above, Lady Washington below) on the Columbia River just off the Astoria waterfront. More of her photos are available here and here. If you have photos to share of our Astoria activities, please send a sample to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photo: Lady Washington in Grays Harbor

2011-05-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

Guest Nicole Cafall sent us this photo of Lady Washington sailing near Aberdeen on May 7. If you have a photo to share of Lady Washington or Hawaiian Chieftain, send it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photos: Crew at Work in Grays Harbor

2011-05-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

Sailing guest Anne Fonken sent us these two photos of our Hawaiian Chieftain crew at work in Grays Harbor earlier this month. That's Lady Washington in the background. If you have pics to share, please send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Pirate Invasion II: Mayor Simpson Captured!

2011-05-05T17:01:00.000-07:00

In the previous blog post, we noted the "theft" of Lady Washington from Westport and the impending invasion of Aberdeen by the Rusty Scupper Pirates. The photo above, smuggled out by one of the Lady Washington's crew, shows Aberdeen Mayor Bill Simpson in the stocks submitting to the pirates' demands that they be allowed in Aberdeen. Shortly after this photo was taken, the mayor was released, and all was well.

Of course, it's all in fun as way for Westport and Aberdeen to promote Rusty Scupper Pirate Daze June 24-26 and Aberdeen SPLASH July 4. Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain will be in both cities for these events. More information about our schedule is available on our website. See you then!

Pirate Invasion I: Lady Washington Commandeered

2011-05-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

The Rusty Scupper Pirates and their Ocean Shores brethren "stole" the Lady Washington in Westport today and they're now sailing for Aberdeen ready to invade that city. The rather orderly and friendly takeover of Washington state's official ship in this morning's May drizzle is all in good fun as the pirate troupe and the Historical Seaport promotes Rusty Scupper Pirate Daze in Westport June 24-26 and Aberdeen SPLASH on July 4. The Westport festival features dozens of booths, maritime music, demonstrations of pirate-like goods and skills, and hundreds of pirate reenactors drawn from all over the country. Aberdeen SPLASH is the annual community festival at Riverside Park. The Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain will be at both events, offering public sailings and walk-on tours. (More photos and info coming.)

Fan Photos: Sunrise, Sunset on the HC

2011-05-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

The beginning and the end of the day are magical times for photographers at sea, as shown by these Hawaiian Chieftain fan photos from John Paul Leeming (top, from his April 17 passage from Newport to Astoria) and Patrick Neal (bottom, from his April 28 Columbia River trip). Note the rainbow in Patrick's pic. If you have photos to share, send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

One Last Trip for Wawona Parts

2011-04-21T16:09:00.000-07:00

We made one last trip to Seattle today to bring home parts of the 1897 schooner Wawona. Northwest Seaport had given the Historical Seaport and other organizations objects salvaged from the historic vessel, which was broken up in 2009. Les Bolton, Kent Wall, and other members of the Seaport crew and volunteers have already brought back two loads of Wawona pieces, including a steam winch. This time, we picked up a section of the keel (the single large object over the axles in the photo), structural knees, chain plates (part of the standing rigging), and a partial bowsprit assembly. All the parts will eventually be incorporated into a display at the planned Seaport Landing facility on the Chehalis River.

The Spar Shop: On the Set of 'Water for Elephants'

2011-04-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

OK, so the Spar Shop wasn't actually ON the set of 'Water for Elephants,' but we did help out by turning poles for the big top circus tent and animal menagerie tent that appears in the movie.

The Spar Shop turned out 122 Douglass-fir poles ranging from four inches to 12 inches in diameter and up to 52 feet in length in just under 28 days. We achieved the “distressed” look specified in the contract by using dull cutting tools. The Spar Shop also worked with Precision Pipe Fabricators in Aberdeen to manufacturer some of the hardware required by the production. The work was completed in April 2010.

Top photo: Steve Carr and Matt Bale install the ironwork on top of a "king pole," the center pole of the big top tent. Middle photo: Matt Bale trims the top off the king pole. Bottom photo: The poles loaded on a trailer for shipment to the producers.

Our poles also appeared on the cover of the current issue of Vogue magazine and in a video about the photo shoot for the cover. It's about as close as we'll ever get to Reese Witherspoon!

Fan Photo: Rigging as Wallpaper

2011-04-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

One of our guests, Allen Boothe, had such a great time on our April 9 Coos Bay Battle Sail that he's using this photo as wallpaper on his computer. If you have a photo to share (for use as wallpaper or not), email it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photos: Coos Bay Battle Sail

2011-04-18T15:27:00.000-07:00

Guest Wayne Tonski sent us this photo of Hawaiian Chieftain firing on Lady Washington during a Battle Sail in Coos Bay. We had a great time in Coos Bay and can't wait to return! If you have a photo to share, send it to us a photos@historicalseaport.org.

Lost video of LW resurfaces in Coos Bay

2011-04-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

A lost video (or, at least, a misplaced video) of Lady Washington has resurfaced, thanks to our friends at a Coos Bay community television station. Edwin Armstrong of Stack Armstrong Productions contacted us, saying he had a copy of a 1992 documentary about the history, construction, and first voyages of Lady Washington. Ed transferred the VHS video to DVD and sent it to us, and now it's available to the whole planet via YouTube. Whom do you recognize after 20 years?

Ray Gardner, Seaport friend, diagnosed with terminal lung disease

2011-04-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

We learned today that Ray Gardner, a dear friend and supporter among Pacific Northwest native peoples, has been diagnosed with terminal lung disease. Over the years, Ray has helped us organize our traditional trade meeting with the Chinook Nation at the mouth of the Columbia River to give Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain permission to sail on the river and conduct business. Ray is scheduled to be an honored speaker at the bicentennial of Astoria, Ore., May 19-22, if his health permits. Our boats are scheduled to participate in a trade meeting on the river May 19.

"As the tribal Chair of the Chinook Nation, Ray has been a strong leader and advocate for his people," wrote Les Bolton, executive director of the Historical Seaport in an email to supporters. "He has helped us many times to reach out and connect with tribal members from around the region. He has taught us about traditions and that it is okay if we make mistakes, so long as our intent was honorable and we were acting out of respect."

Ray is currently waiting for admission to a list of potential lung transplant recipients. We ask that you keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Ray can be reached via the Chinook Nation website. He also has a Facebook page.

Photos of Zodiac mast installation

2011-04-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

Last week, the schooner Zodiac install the two masts turned by the Spar Shop earlier this year. Inez Wall sent these photos of the action in Bellingham. The main mast replaced one that split last September, and the foremast was due for replacement, so both were done at the same time. Here's an article in the Seattle Times about the installation. Congratulations to the Zodiac team!

Fan Photos: Two from Coos Bay

2011-04-04T07:01:00.000-07:00

We had a blast--literally--in Coos Bay over the weekend. You can tell by the top photo of Lady Washington, submitted by Doug James, a guest on one of our Battle Sails. The Lady Washington has just fired a cannon. The misty lower photo of Hawaiian Chieftain was sent to us by Glenn Smith, another Battle Sail guest. If you have photos to share, send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Seaport, Whitney's Partner on Scholarships

2011-03-31T16:32:00.000-07:00

The Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority has partnered with Whitney’s Auto Group of Montesano to raise scholarship funds for Grays Harbor and Pacific County public school students. During the month of April only, for every person who visits Whitney’s Chevrolet, Aberdeen Honda, or Whitney’s Value Ford, and says, “I'm here to take a test drive for the kids," Whitney’s Auto Group will sponsor one student for a Voyages of Discovery educational program aboard Lady Washington or Hawaiian Chieftain.

Every “test drive for the kids” at Whitney’s Chevrolet, Aberdeen Honda or Whitney’s Value Ford helps match a four-year, $425,000 grant by the Seattle-based Magic Cabinet Foundation. The MCF grant funds 85 percent of the cost of the program for “economically challenged” public schools designated “Title I” by the U.S. Department of Education. The Whitney’s Auto Group contribution provides the balance of the program cost, which means the program is free to the schools and the students.

“We are pleased that a prominent and community-minded local business like Whitney’s has stepped up to help us provide free shipboard education programs to local students,” said Les Bolton, GHHSA executive director. “Whitney’s Auto Group has a long history of supporting our programs and local education.”

Other individuals or businesses interested in sponsoring a student or a classroom are encouraged to contact Roxie Underwood, Historical Seaport programs manager, 360-532-8611, education@historicalseaport.org.

The Voyages of Discovery education program invites students aboard Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain to raise a sail, learn a sea shanty, and take the helm of a real tall ship under sail. The program is at the core of the Historical Seaport mission, which is to promote and preserve the maritime history of Grays Harbor, the Pacific Northwest, and the nation while serving the needs of the community. Grays Harbor public school educators interested in signing up for a program should contact Roxie Underwood, 800-200-5239, education@historicalseaport.org.

Lost Hawaiian Chieftain Figurehead Found in a California Garden

2011-03-31T13:51:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, we hear an amazing story that demonstrates how small our world has become. In 2006, exactly five years ago, the Hawaiian Chieftain was sailing off the northern California coast on her way from Eureka to Brookings, Ore. She encountered a terrible storm with waves so powerful, they tore the figurehead off the boat. We all thought the carved image of a Hawaiian king was lost forever.

Then we heard recently from Stephanie Morrissette of Eureka and her friend Kevin Staples, who had sailed with us during our stop there earlier this month. Stephanie and Kevin sent us the above photo, thinking we might recognize it. Sure enough, it's the lost figurehead. Stephanie says she found it about five years ago on a beach near Arcata, missing its right shoulder and part of the jaw. It's sitting now in the garden of her Eureka home, "casting a watchful eye from his position under the rhododendron," as she puts it. Thanks to Stephanie for telling us about her discovery.

Hawaiian Chieftain received a new figurehead with a similar design in 2008.

Purser Wanted for Lady Washington, Starts May 5

2011-03-24T15:42:00.000-07:00

Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority has an opening for a purser aboard the brig Lady Washington. The purser is a paid staff position responsible for the accurate tracking, recording and reporting of all income and expenses aboard the Lady Washington. This includes oversight and responsibility for the Ship’s Store, admissions, charters, donations, sailing and education program fees, as well as all ship-related expenses. Accurate record keeping, daily and weekly reports are essential. The contract is for three to six months. The position starts May 5, 2011. (Lady Washington is scheduled to be in Aberdeen, Wash. on that date.) More information about working for the Historical Seaport is available on this page. To apply, send a resume and a brief introduction to marine_ops@historicalseaport.org.

Author Speaks in Hoquiam about Lady Washington

2011-03-20T18:13:00.000-07:00

Author Scott Ridley, left, and Dr. Price Chenault share a moment at the Polson Museum after Ridley's talk today about his new book, Morning of Fire: John Kendrick’s Daring American Odyssey in the Pacific. Kendrick was captain of the original Lady Washington when it visited the Pacific Northwest in the late 18th century. Ridley traveled all the way from Boston to the Polson Museum to give his talk to an enthusiastic crowd of more than 50 people. Ridley said Kendrick's story was one of the great untold stories of American maritime history. Many thanks to Dr. Chenault for organizing Scott's talk and helping us raise funds for Seaport Landing, our planned maintenance facility and tourism destination in Aberdeen. Thanks also to the Polson Museum for hosting our event.

Fan Photo: Lady Washington and the Bay Bridge

2011-03-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

A guest who goes by the name "Swabby Bobby" sent us this unusual photo of Lady Washington about to pass under the Bay Bridge near San Francisco. The image creates the cool illusion that the boat's masthead is just about to scrape the underside of the bridge, which is of course, far taller. Here's how Swabby described his experience.

We enlisted on the good ship Lady Washington as land-lubber passengers last Sunday, 3/13/11, for the Adventure Sail cruise of our life on San Francisco Bay. The three-hour tour (sounds ominously familiar, somehow) was the best experience I've had in a long time! After sailing the Bay in an historically accurate square-rigged boat, cutting through the edge of the tidal flow, and seeing the City through ropes, lines, and yards like sailors did hundreds of years ago, I much more fully appreciate that cutting edge technology that transported people across vast distances of open ocean. I have remarked to some friends that during our adventure sail I didn't observe one person on board whip out a cell phone, iPod, Blackberry, or laptop. A tribute to the excellent crew who managed to educate and entertain all of us jaded world-travelers the entire time we were under way.

If you have a story and/or pictures to share, send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photos: LW Crossing the Humboldt Bay Bar

2011-03-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

Photographer Steve Cousins captured these images of the Lady Washington crossing the Humboldt Bay bar near Eureka on Wednesday about 8 a.m. Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain are at the Adorni Center downtown and tickets are selling well for the Battle Sails and Adventure Sail this weekend. Buy your tickets online or call 800-200-5239.

Video: An Adventure Sail in San Francisco

2011-03-15T06:47:00.000-07:00

One of our guests during our recent San Francisco visit was Javier Ideami, a photographer and videographer, who shot and edited this beautiful portrait of Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain. The video captures the experience of an Adventure Sail, one of our most popular activities. See more of Javier's work at http://www.ideami.com. If you have video to share, send your YouTube link to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photos: San Francisco

2011-03-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

We received an avalanche of beautiful photos from fans who sailed with us in San Francisco. Top: Yvonne Bowers captured crew climbing the foremast on Hawaiian Chieftain. Middle: Lisa Joseph took a great portrait of one of the crew aboard Hawaiian Chieftain. View more of Lisa's photos. Bottom: Konrad Sosnow took a photo of the Bay Bridge through the shrouds of Lady Washington. Share your photos of our ships by sending them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Tsunami: Our Boats Unaffected; Crescent City Visit In Doubt

2011-03-11T16:37:00.000-08:00

We've received a number of calls and emails about the condition of Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain after the tsunami that hit the California coast this morning. The tsunami was caused by today's devastating earthquake in Japan. The boats are currently at Pier 40 on the San Francisco waterfront, a well-protected area of San Francisco Bay. We contacted the boats at 1 a.m. Pacific Time, as soon as we heard about the impending tsunami. The boats took appropriate precautions, and they reported only minor wave action and no damage when the tsunami reached them about 8:30 a.m.

However, the news out of Crescent City is not good. According to news reports, the city's harbor was heavily damaged during the tsunami, and we're not sure if we will be able to visit as scheduled March 24 to 30. We are attempting to reach harbor authorities, but they are understandably busy assessing the damage. We'll post any change to our schedule as soon as we know more details.

Cook Wanted for Hawaiian Chieftain, Start 4/25

2011-03-09T13:25:00.000-08:00

The Historical Seaport is seeking an experienced cook for its spring and summer season aboard the topsail ketch Hawaiian Chieftain. The cook prepares three meals per day for a paid crew of seven, a number of volunteers, and transit passengers. Pay is $750 to $1,000 per month, depending on experience. Room and board provided. Medical benefits available after 90 days. Tall ship sailing experience is helpful, but not required. Position starts on April 25, 2011. (Hawaiian Chieftain will be in St. Helens, Ore., on that date.) More information about working for the Historical Seaport is available on this page. To apply, send a resume and a brief introduction to marine_ops@historicalseaport.org.

Video: The Spar Shop's Tracer Lathe

2011-03-01T08:51:00.000-08:00

Check out this just-produced video featuring the tracer lathe at the Historical Seaport's Spar Shop. The mast on the lathe is the new one for the schooner Zodiac, which we delivered last month. It will be installed in the next few weeks.

The Spar Shop at the Historical Seaport is a unique operation specializing in ship's wooden masts and spars, as well as custom columns and poles. We also provide custom milling of wood gaffs, booms, timbers, beams and cants. Learn more about the process for wooden spar making and mast making. Call us now at 800-200-5239 to discuss your project or email us at sparshop@historicalseaport.org for a free quote! Check us out at http://www.thesparshop.org/. For a larger version of the video, go to our YouTube channel.

Fan Photos: LW & HC in September 2010

2011-02-28T15:38:00.000-08:00

Tall ship fan Kim Lincoln sent us these photos of Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington at Port Angeles and Port Townsend in September of 2010. "As a photographer they are one of my favorite subjects to photograph," he writes. "Thank you for sharing these wonderful ships with all of us." And thanks to you, Kim, for sharing the photos! If you have photos to share, send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

FtF Competition for February Down to the Wire

2011-02-28T12:18:00.000-08:00

The competition among Float the Fleet: For the Next Generation Team Leaders for the most donations and highest dollar amount in February is going down to the wire. Barbara Kraler of Astoria is leading the pack, with Roxie Underwood of Aberdeen promising to catch up by the end of the day.

Float the Fleet Team Leaders need to turn in their donation reports by 5 p.m. Pacific Time today to be considered for the February prizes. The winner will receive thank-you gifts and a chance to win the grand prize of a trip for two to Hawaii and $500 cash. Fax your reports to 360-533-9384, or email a scanned report to ghhsa_admin@historicalseaport.org.

Transferring the Schooner Wawona's Winch

2011-02-25T16:53:00.000-08:00

Several staff and volunteers, including Les Bolton (in the cap) and Kevin Barton, converged on Magnuson Park in Seattle today to collect the anchor winch from the 1897 schooner Wawona. The winch, which weighs an estimated 10,000 pounds, will become part of an exhibit at the planned Seaport Landing tall ship maintenance and tourism destination facility in Aberdeen. The winch is one of several dozen artifacts transferred from Northwest Seaport, the former owner of Wawona, which was deconstructed in 2009.

Fan Photos: Valentines Day Eve Sail, Oakland

2011-02-23T16:19:00.000-08:00

Guest Tiffany Tamboury sent us these photos of Lady Washington crew, including James "Shiny" McClurg (the black and white photo) on an Adventure Sail out of Jack London Square in Oakland the day before Valentines Day. "We had a blast because Captain Shiny graciously answered our 300 million questions," she writes. Next stop for Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain is San Francisco's Pier 40 starting February 25. If you have photos to share, send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Volunteers Needed in Seattle for Artifact Transfer

2011-02-23T07:12:00.000-08:00

Volunteers are needed in Seattle at 9 a.m., Friday February 25 to help the Historical Seaport transfer artifacts from the schooner Wawona to trucks bound for Aberdeen. The artifacts will be displayed at Seaport Landing, our planned tourism destination facility on the Aberdeen waterfront.

The artifacts, including a large winch weighing several thousand pounds, are located at Magnuson Park near the NOAA facility. A map link is below (The green arrow is the exact location of the artifacts):

http://bit.ly/goJubE
OR
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=47.686597,-122.262383&aq=&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=31.150864,71.191406&ie=UTF8&ll=47.68625,-122.262812&spn=0.012914,0.034761&z=15

Driving directions:

The entrance to the park is at 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle
Drive east from the entrance
Take second left (63rd Ave. NE)
Take first left (NE 77th St.)
Continue on NE 77th until you pass under an overpass
Drive generally north through the parking lot
Drive around the north side of the large hanger
Drive generally south to a group of shipping containers containing the artifacts

More info: ghhsa_admin@historicalseaport.org, 800-200-5239

Please forward this information to whomever you think might be interested. Thank you!

(Photo of Wawona circa 1930 courtesy Northwest Seaport)

Fan Photos: Cannon Fire, Airship in Oakland

2011-02-16T07:06:00.000-08:00

Here's a couple of spectacular photos, both captured by guest Evan Lim during our current stay in Oakland. The top one shows Hawaiian Chieftain just after a cannon shot. What's unusual is the white spot in the upper right above the bridge. No, it's not a UFO, it's the airship Eureka, which is based at Moffatt Field in Mountain View. And below is one of the best cannon firing photos we've seen in a long time. Evan caught the flame, as well as the excellent fighting pose of the crewman. To take your own photos, join us on an upcoming Battle Sail. If you have photos to share, send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photos: LW & HC at Redwood City

2011-02-03T17:45:00.000-08:00

Tall ship fan Joanna Potts sent us these portraits of Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain at Redwood City. On Friday (Feb. 4), they depart for Oakland and a two-week stay. Tickets for all our weekend sails are available on our website. If you have a photo of our ships to share, send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Zodiac's new masts depart the Spar Shop

2011-02-03T13:21:00.000-08:00

The schooner Zodiac's new main mast and foremast are on their way to Bellingham! These photos were taken this morning at the Spar Shop facility in Aberdeen just before the mast got on the road. The top photo shows the masts tied down to a stretch flatbed trailer. The middle photo shows the truck backing out of the Spar Shop. The bottom photo shows the truck leaving the gate. Thanks to KCPK trucking of Everson, Wash., for their expertise.

A new future for an historic ship artifact

2011-02-01T19:06:00.000-08:00

Plans for Seaport Landing include displays of 19th century shipbuilding technology using parts of the now-deconstructed schooner Wawona, which was built near Eureka, California in 1897. Wawona served as a lumber schooner and fishing vessel in the Pacific Northwest from her launch until 1947. GHHSA Executive Director Les Bolton traveled to Seattle today to bring the ship's rudder back to Aberdeen for storage.

The top photo shows the wooden rudder on the left still attached to the wood stern post with the original hardware. The middle photo shows the back of the stern post with the bent drift bolts that once held the assembly in place on the stern. The bottom photo shows Les at the controls of the forklift with Wawona project manager Emmett Smith of Northwest Seaport lending a hand.

Many thanks to Northwest Seaport in Seattle for its stewardship of Wawona and her history.

Fan Photo: Lady Washington and Rainbow

2011-01-31T08:41:00.000-08:00

One of our guests, Ralph Spickerman, sent us a picture of the Lady Washington taken from the deck of the Hawaiian Chieftain. Ralph was out with his daughters over the weekend in Redwood City. If you look closely, you can see a rainbow, which appears to be anchored just behind Lady Washington. Share your photos with us by emailing them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photo: Hawaiian Chieftain Under Full Sail

2011-01-31T08:32:00.000-08:00

Photographer Michael Marfell composed this shot of Hawaiian Chieftain under full sail over the weekend in Redwood City. You can view more of his photos on Flickr. Send samples of your photography of Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photo: Hawaiian Chieftain at Aberdeen

2011-01-31T08:26:00.000-08:00

Madison Judkins, a sixth grader at McDermoth Elementary School in Aberdeen, Wash., took this cell phone photo of Hawaiian Chieftain in front of a partially open Chehalis River Bridge in fog. Many thanks to her mom, Rabekah, for passing this nice pic along. If you have a photo to share, send it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Latest Zodiac Mast Photos, 95% Complete

2011-01-24T09:28:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest photos of the new mast for the schooner Zodiac, taken on Wednesday, Jan. 19. Spar Shop manager Kent Wall says the project is about 95 percent complete as of today. We're making arrangements to have the mast shipped to Bellingham, Wash., for installation into Zodiac in time for the beginning of the spring sailing season.

Fan Photos: A Good Time at Ventura Harbor

2011-01-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain are surrounding by crowds at Ventura Harbor yesterday in this photo taken by Dan Harding and provided by Stacey Reed of the Ventura Port District. The folks in Ventura are some of our biggest boosters in California and we love working with them. For our visit, they brought in a Civil War re-enactment troupe, including cannon, which Stacey says "they love to fire at the Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain as they're setting sail." Of course, we return fire, creating a lot of noise and a lot of smiles. We're in Ventura through Jan. 17 offering Battle Sails and value-priced Adventure Sails. See our website for details.

Fan Photo: Capt. JB Morrison

2011-01-07T16:41:00.000-08:00

An amazing photographer by the name of Merc Boyan sent us some of the most unusual photos we have ever seen of Lady Washington and her crew. They're in the form of ferrotypes, more widely known as tintypes, a popular photographic process in the nineteenth century. Above is JB Morrison, Lady Washington's master at the time the photo was taken. Except for his modern t-shirt, you'd never know that this is a 21st century image. For more of Merc's Lady Washington photos, visit his website.

Sunday AM Adventure Sails Now on Sale!

2011-01-05T15:46:00.000-08:00

The Historical Seaport would like to announce that we've placed our Sunday morning Adventure Sail tickets for Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain ON SALE through March 13. Starting Sunday, January 9 in Ventura, tickets for the 10 a.m. Sunday Adventure Sails are just $35 each, a savings of up to $20 per ticket over our regular ticket prices. It's the same great experience: three hours of tall ship sailing with a chance for you to learn a sea shanty, hear maritime stories, raise a sail, or take the wheel and steer a real tall ship!

To order your tickets, visit our website or call 800-200-5239 and ask for the Sunday morning Adventure Sails. We're looking forward to having you aboard!

Fan Photos: Our Boats near Oxnard

2011-01-05T06:35:00.000-08:00

A Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain fan sent us these photos taken New Years Day. Jean Swenson writes, "My husband and I were sailing just offshore of the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard and had the rare experience of being able to see these two beautiful tall ships out in the channel together." If you have photos to share, send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Video: Assembling a Steady Rest

2010-12-23T15:46:00.000-08:00

Here's a brief video of the Spar Shop crew assembling a steady rest on a large cant that will become a new mast for the schooner Zodiac.