Port Alberni Tall Ships

Hawaiian Chieftain-USA

The Hawaiian Chieftain is a 103-foot square-rigged topsail ketch owned and operated by Grays Harbor Historical Society. She is a replica of typical European merchant trader during the turn of the 18th century in her hull shape and rigging configuration. She was built of steel in 1988, and was originally designed for cargo transport between the Hawaiian Islands. The early merchant ships that she was designed from were primarily traders of goods as well as occasionally transporting passengers. These ships sailed alongside the small coastal towns and ports of the Atlantic. This design was particularly favoured, as the ships could sail remarkably well, and enter the small ports with relative ease due to the presence of a shallow draft and eventually led to the evolution of the some of the best clippers in the 1850’s.

In 2004, the Grays Historical Seaport Authority purchased The Hawaiian Chieftain to sail alongside The Lady Washington and help promote educational maritime and sailing opportunities for youth and children In addition, both ships act as “maritime ambassadors” sailing 10 months of the year and stopping at 40-50 ports a year between B.C. and Mexico. Over 200,000 students have completed an educational programs aboard the two ships since 1989, and an additional 800 individuals have served as crew during that time as well.

Click here to book an evening cruise aboard the Hawaiian Chieftain. The cruises start at 6:00 pm on the Friday or Saturday.

Information		Specifications
Flag:		Rig:	Square Topsail Ketch
		LWL:	62’
Country:	USA	LOD:	65’
Built:	1988, Lahaina, Hawaii	LOA:	73’
Crew:	8, passengers-45 overnight	Draft:	9’5”
Home port:	Westport, WA	Beam:	22’
Designer:	Raymond R. Richards	Rig Height:	75’
Certification:	Passenger Vessel (Subchapter T)	Sail Area:	4,200 sq feet
Website:	www.historicalseaport.org	Tons:	64 GRT
Email:	les@historicalseaport.org	Power:	twin diesels 235 hp
Who Sails?	individuals and groups	Hull:	Wood
Program Type:	sail training for apprentices and paying trainees; maritime heritage programs for schools, homeschools and youth organizations; public programs include summer programs include summer camps, three-hour sails, dockside tours and passages	Freeboard:	3’