PORT TOWNSEND — The schooner Adventuress kicked off its season Saturday with its only public sailing out of Port Townsend this year.
The public sail followed a week of test sailings and inspections to prepare the 98-year-old vessel for a season of sailings and educational programs.
The sail was sold out, with 35 guests and 25 crew members taking a three-hour tour around Port Townsend Bay and Admiralty Inlet, stopping just short of the ferry lanes.
Crew and guests were at times indistinguishable as both worked together to perform basic boating duties such as raising and lowering the sails and pulling the ship into the harbor.
During the sail-raising, the guests were taught a simple sea shanty, with the dual purpose of setting the maritime mood and providing a steady rhythm for the task’s completion.
In excellent shape
Capt. Daniel Evans said the vessel was in excellent shape after a series of winter renovations and that the only flaw inspectors found this week was a small section of the hull that needed a spot of varnish.
While the day began with overcast skies, the clouds gave way to sun at the beginning of the voyage, with sunny weather continuing throughout the afternoon.
In the middle of the voyage, the crew announced that two of the guests were celebrating birthdays and passed around commemorative cookies.
Saturday was also Evans’ 41st birthday, though he did not publicly disclose that fact to the guests and crew.
During the voyage, a carpenter worked to complete some final construction on the inside of the vessel in time for a rigourous schedule of public sailings, special events and educational programs around Puget Sound throughout the summer, originating from Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Bellingham and Friday Harbor.
It is scheduled to return to Port Townsend on Sept. 9-11 for a series of special-event “festival sails.”
The cruises last about three hours, with participants raising sails, taking the helm and singing a sea shanty or two.
Nonmember prices for public sails are $40 for adults and $20 for 18 and younger, while special-event sails are $55 for adults and $30 for youths.
Sound Experience, a nonprofit organization based in Port Townsend, provides educational programs and cruises aboard the tall ship built in 1913.
For more information about sails and overnight programs aboard the Adventuress, visit www.soundexp.org or phone 360-379-0438.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
