Wednesday, April 30, 2008

ABC Wednesday - Odyssey





At the Wooden Boat Festival last September we signed on for an afternoon sail aboard the 90 ft yawl, Odyssey. It was a beautiful day for getting out on the water and as we quickly learned, the Odyssey has quite an interesting history. Here is an excerpt from the website: http://www.sssodyssey.org/

The Odyssey is a 90’ yawl designed by Olin Stephens for Mrs. Barklie Henry, a Vanderbilt granddaughter. Built in New York in 1938, the Odyssey quickly proved herself as a winning member of the racing community of Long Island Sound. The family enjoyed cruises to Cuba to visit Ernest Hemingway, and also to the Galapagos Islands. The US Navy commandeered the boat for the duration of World War II, where she served our country in radar, sonar testing, and echo sounding studies. After the war, she continued to serve the Navy as a research vessel out of Woods Hole, later in San Diego, and finally in the recreation program. The Odyssey found a new home with the Pacific Harbors Council of the Boy Scouts of America in 1978, and now serves as a sail training vessel with the Sea Scouts of Tacoma.

During our sail the savvy crew of sea scouts ran a well conducted ship, encouraged their guests to assist the crew when needed and were excellent tour guides as well. They were tickled that the actual purchase of the Odyssey from the US Navy was for the staggering sum of a dollar. If you're interested in learning more about the Odyssey or its summer schedule check the website above.

To enjoy more ABC Wednesday sites, please visit Mrs. Nesbitt's Place.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh my, I think this is my second favorite O post. My husband and I would love to sail on The Odyssey.

Marcel said...

Great photo great text on your post. Port Townsend is a special town for sure!

Kyanite said...

Wow!
Lovely photo's.
I felt I was there... if only.

Anonymous said...

Wow. What an experience that must have been. If the photos are any indication then you guys must have had a ball.

Petunia said...

Very beautiful pictures:)
Love the post!!!

mrsnesbitt said...

It is grey and raining here, this was a burst of sunshine on a misserable day! Just what I needed!

Chuck Pefley said...

She is absolutely beautiful. And what a day you had for your sailing adventure. Another great post and photos today!

Rune Eide said...

The boat seems worthy of its name.

FO - 2 said...

An adventure! :)

Ida

Janet said...

Gorgeous photos, RAF!

Lake Lady said...

It is so wonderful that such a fantastic vessel lives on and serves still. She's making memories for so many. Thanks for sharing!

Small City Scenes said...

Beautiful pictures and wonderful info. I bet you had a lot of fun. MB

Miss_Yves said...

Beautiful name for a boat...and beautiful pictures which make me dream...
Miss Yves

Unknown said...

What a great compilation of photos here. Great post Raf!

Louis la Vache said...

Great post, "raf"! Louis loves the photos and the history! Louis likes to see these old vessels preserved (or restored) and kept in use! Louis is also pleased to read that you were able to sail on her! Excellent subject for "O" Wednesday!

Texas Travelers said...

Nice "O".
Bet that was fun.
Liked the above co-ordinates post.
Nice weather, sky, sea, etc.

Troy