Aberdeen, WA - The Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority is recruiting local volunteers to help on a day-long work party Saturday, January 9 at the Historical Seaport’s headquarters in Junction City. The volunteers will work with experienced crew and members of the Seaport’s board of directors in the Spar Shop to disassemble blocks, strip down rigging, and repair the Lady Washington’s sails. The public is invited to inspect the ship’s old diesel engine, which will be removed from the vessel over the next few days. The new engine, which the manufacturer is expected to deliver the week of December 28, will also be on display.

 

The public work party is part of the Historical Seaport’s SAILING GREEN project to re-power Lady Washington with a new fuel efficient engine and marine gear that reduces the ship’s carbon footprint.

 

The Seaport is taking the opportunity presented by the re-power to complete needed maintenance work on the ship’s rigging. Crew under the direction of Marine Operations Manager Micah Allnutt will remove the foremast and other gear for refurbishing in the Spar Shop facility. The January 9 work party is a chance for the public to watch and participate in the restoration and repair of Grays Harbor’s tall ship.

 

The work party is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No experience is necessary. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All tools and liquid refreshments will be provided. Volunteers should wear suitable clothing. For more information, call 800-200-5239.

 

The Historical Seaport has raised approximately $82,000 of the $100,000 SAILING GREEN fundraising goal.

The Seaport is gratefully accepting donations to its SAILING GREEN campaign online at www.historicalseaport.org. Donors may also call 800-200-5239 or mail a check to SAILING GREEN, Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority, PO Box 2019, Aberdeen, WA, 98520. For more information, contact Capt. Les Bolton, GHHSA executive director, 800-200-5239, les@historicalseaport.org.