Port Townsend - Boat Yard

One of the many attractions for me on this RV trip is the fact that Port Townsend is famous in the Northwest for hosting the Annual Wooden Boat Festival, so it's not an accident that the region has a lot of craft persons familiar with restoring classic boats. I love walking the boatyard at Boat Haven (less than two miles from our campsite at Point Hudson Marina and RV Park) because of the variety of vessels to be viewed under repair. My seventeen years in Sea Scouts was aboard wooden boats, the biggest being sixty-three feet. The experience of restoring and maintaining these craft created my deep love of wooden boats.

YB-701 (circa 1987)

As I walked about the yard, much to my surprise I came upon proof that our modern Navy still employs wooden boats.  Here is the YB-701 under repair.  Originally built in 1987. Currently operating out of Keyport, WA, and assigned to the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division.

Westward (circa 1924)

The Westward is a famous circumnavigator and Pacific Rim cruiser built in 1924.  The classic lines are gorgeous, and the rounded stern is a piece of shipwright magic.

Major framing and planking work being performed on Westward.  Yes, that is concrete that has been poured into the bilge. 

Wells Gray (circa 1927)

Built in 1927, the Wells Gray (www.wells-gray.com) has been completely restored.  Do visit the website, because it is a beautiful piece of floating furniture.

Hawaiian Chieftain (circa 1988)

Although built of steel, the Hawaiian Chieftain is a pretty craft to see in person.  Operated by the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority, owners of the Lady Washington tall ship, the vessel is used for education and sail training.

Port Townsend Shipwrights Co-Op

The P.T. Shipwrights Co-Op is famous for their skills, particularly with wooden boats.  I got to takes some photos of a restoration in progress.

Laura cringes every time I look at some neglected wooden boat.  I do love working on them and sailing and cruising them, but it can be a lot of work to maintain.

Live well, Laugh often, Love much