Tall ships Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington are normally early year fixtures at various California waterfronts, including Ventura Harbor and Channel Islands Harbor.

Both ships, managed and maintained by the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport in Washington, will not be visiting either harbors this year due to routine and major maintenance projects.

“We will sorely miss the annual visit from the tall ships because they add tremendous value to our community, particularly with regards to providing tours to our local youth,” said Mark Sandoval, Ventura County Harbor Department Director. “We hope both ships are fully repaired and can come back to the Harbor next year.”

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According to Grays Harbor, the Hawaiian Chieftain is undergoing extensive repairs that will keep her out of operation until later this year. Lady Washington is also out for the entire month of January.

“We love visiting the Ventura and Oxnard community, and we are disappointed to miss this year,” said Brandi Bednarik, Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Executive Director. “Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain are aging and that requires more care and attention.  We look forward to sailing again soon.”

The Lady Washington, a replica of the first American ship to round Cape Horn and land in the Pacific Northwest and the Hawaiian Chieftain, a replica of a sailing vessel that ran the trading routes in the 1800s, visit the Harbor annually for walk-on tours, battle and adventure sails, and a passage cruise.

Tall ship enthusiasts who wish to contribute funds to help pay for the maintenance can do so by visiting www.historicalseaport.org/support/donate

Editor’s Note: this story was published on January 23, 2020.