PORT TOWNSEND — The schooner Adventuress took a “shakedown cruise” Wednesday afternoon, giving the 98-year-old vessel its first workout since an extensive series of repairs this winter.
“Everything was great,” said Capt. Daniel Evans shortly after docking.
“The boat is in better shape than it ever has been.”
The renovation project included restoration of the stern, reframing the bow and, most significantly, the replacement of the horn timber — the key structural extension of the keel that runs to the transom.
The projects were partially subsidized by a $125,000 historical grant awarded by American Express to Sound Experience, a nonprofit organization based in Port Townsend that provides educational programs and cruises aboard the tall ship built in 1913.
The Adventuress earned the American Express award by capturing first place in an Internet vote contest last summer.
In a recent blog, Capt. Korie Griffith said all components of this project were slightly redesigned for added strength, ventilation and ease of future repair without compromising the vessel’s original lines.
“In addition to strengthening this historic landmark and creating local jobs, one of the exciting results of this project was in preserving the traditional shipwright techniques that get lost as ships of this age quietly slip away,” she wrote.
Evans said the shakedown cruise proceeded flawlessly, though there were “a few glitches” in the rigging that were fixed right away.
Wednesday’s test run was in preparation for the season’s first public sail Saturday, which is sold out.
The boat has scheduled public sailings 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 from 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.
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.
