Well, folks, after 5+ years under construction, almost 2 years of sea trials, crew training, technological additions, safety demonstrations and drills, the U.S. Coast Guard inspector(s) issued a Certificate of Inspection which indicates the vessel can now carry out her plan of carrying passengers around the San Francisco Bay as the Bay Area's own "Tall Ship". The all wood ship was constructed in a yard in Sausalito, CA under a tent, a rather large tent, a temporary one at that which cost in excess of $75,000. At 135' long and 175tons, this is a serious ship.
The ship exists under the banner of the Educational Tall Ship Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to young students who will sail on board under the observation of instructors and crew members who will teach SF maritime history, oceanography, weather, sailing skills, teamwork, and maybe a little food prep in the galley. Due to the COVID pandemic all classes and cruises have been put on hold as the organization grapples with the reality of social distancing, closed schools, reduced mass transit options, and unemployment figures that came upon the state suddenly in March of 2020. All passenger vessels have come under increased scrutiny not only because of severe outbreaks on cruise ships around the world, but here in California, the deaths of a number of passengers in Southern California waters while on a dive boat cruise rocked the coastal community. The investigation continues and a final report has not been issued. Five crew members survived the tragedy, swimming to nearby anchored boats for assistance.
The Tall Ship Foundation has its headquarters in Sausalito, and the ship is docked at teh Army Corps pier a quarter mile away. The Mayor was a recent visitor and chatted with Alan Olson, founder of the organization that birthed the entire project, and supervised its construction. I took a number of fotos to show her current appearance at the pier.
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| starboard name plate |
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| Binnacle, motor controls, wheel well |
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| Anchor @ cathead-starboard side |
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| Main mast with radar and radio antenna |
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| Foremast shrouds and halyards, navigation light |
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