The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

The tall ships of Grays Harbor Historical Seaport, Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain, are calling on their followers and fans for help. GHHS has just announced a new campaign to raise $120,000 by July 31 to fund new sails and critical maintenance needs for both vessels.

The two tall ships last purchased a new set of sails in 2008. The impact of 4,000 days of howling wind, bright sun, rain showers, and salt air have taken a toll on their existing sails, which have a lifespan of 8-10 years. For the past few years the crew has carefully sewn and patched the old sails to keep Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain going, but according to director Brandi Bednarik “a permanent solution is needed, and fast!”

The amount of sail fabric needed to be replaced can be broken down to $12 for every square foot. GHHS is asking supporters to consider sponsoring 1-square foot of sail for $12. For every $12 given, the Seaport will get that much closer to replacing the sails for both vessels, plus the costs of installation, inspection, and new navigational equipment.

Grays Harbor Historical Seaport is an educational non-profit based in Aberdeen. Its tall ships are the most active educational sailing vessels in North America, visiting nearly 40 ports a year. In addition to the family friendly sails and tours, Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain participate in films, private charters and weddings, and host nearly 10,000 students a year for K-12 field trips. The vessels are also active training vessels, with a new professional maritime training program called The Seafarer Collective.

“Sails are critical to everything we do” said Bednarik. “The impact of your gift will be felt by the thousands of people who take part in our educational field trips, public sails, workforce development programs and more.”

Interested supporters can make a gift to the tall ships sails by the July 31st deadline by visiting historicalseaport.org and clicking DONATE at the top of any page, or by making a cash gift directly during a visit to the tall ships. For more information call the GHHS office at 360-532-8611.