Schooner Zodiac to Race with the Tall Ships

The schooner Zodiac has just announced plans to help host the international tall ships when they call on Northwest ports this summer. The fleet of magnificent square riggers and other traditional sail training ships form all over the world will call on Richmond B.C. and Seattle in mid August. The Zodiac, a well known 127' schooner will be participating in the welcoming ceremonies and port festivities during this historic visit. She will then participate in the Tall Ships Challenge Race to San Francisco.

"We'll have room for 12 guests who want to join our experienced crew for some open-ocean sailing", says her Captain, Tim Mehrer. "This will be a hands-on experience and a rare chance to sail this former ocean racing schooner in the open Pacific." Plans call for the race to start August 19, from Cape Flattery, with the Golden Gate as the finish line. Guests will have a chance to help in all aspects of handling the ship, and will participate in festivities here and in San Francisco.

The Zodiac is a Coast Guard inspected, passenger carrying charter vessel. The $2000 cost includes all meals aboard from August 18th thru the 28th. Guests will need to make their own arrangements for return to Seattle. There will also be space for 12 guests on the return leg of the trip, leaving San Francisco about September 1, for a cost of $1100.

Details are available at www.schoonerzodiac.com , or by calling 425 483 4088

Zodiac was built in 1924 in E. Boothbay Maine for the hiers of the Johnson & Johnson Pharmecutical family. In 1931 she was aquired by the San Francisco Bar Pilots' Association, and worked as a pilot schooner for over 40 years, as the California. Her present owners aquired her in 1975, and have restored her body and soul to her original rig. The Zodiac charters out of Seattle and Bellingham Washington, cruising the San Juan Islands, the Canadian Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound in British Columbia.