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Schooner Zodiac
| Year built | 1924 |
| Sparred length | 160 feet |
| Length on deck | 127 feet |
| Beam | 25.5 feet |
| Height | 127 feet with the topmast |
| Draft | 16 feet |
| Sail area | 7000 square feet |
| Engine | Caterpillar 500hp diesel |
| Speed under power | 9 knots |
| Passengers | 26 |
| Extras | Two double sea kayaks |
The Zodiac is the largest working schooner on the West Coast. It is a U.S. Coast Guard Certified vessel. It is fully equipped to take up to 24 passengers comfortably on a week-long cruise.
The Zodiac is operated by licensed Captains and experienced crew in the protected waters of the Pacific Northwest. Novice and experienced sailors alike will love the challenge of standing watch and taking a turn at the wheel. Seals, otters, orcas and other wildlife frolic alongside the ship as you sail through the emerald waters of Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The Zodiac’s unique history comes alive as the Captain and crew literally “show you the ropes.” All aboard learn and participate in the tradition of tall ship sailing. As you take part in onboard activities, you’ll feel the power and grace of the historic vessel responding to the wind.History
| Launched | 1924 |
| Builder | Hodgdon Brothers Shipyard, East Boothbay, ME |
Originally designed by William Hand Jr. as an ocean racing yacht, the Schooner Zodiac was built with painstaking care in 1924 in East Boothbay, Maine. Robert Wood Johnson and J. Seward Johnson of the Johnson & Johnson family were her first owners.
In 1931 the Zodiac was purchased by the San Francisco Bar Pilot Association and renamed California, beginning her long service as a bar pilot schooner. Her new responsibility was transporting harbor pilots to ships through shallow and dangerous waters off San Francisco's Golden Gate.
Retired in 1972, she was purchased by the Vessel Zodiac Corporation. Through the efforts of hundreds of dedicated volunteers, the vintage wooden schooner has been restored to her original beauty. In 1982, she earned a spot in the National Register of Historic places, and on her 60th birthday in 1984 was given back her maiden name.
Accommodations
Shipboard accommodations are in the style of the old days of sail. There are upper and lower bunks located in the front of the ship called the fo'c'sle and the main part of the ship (salon). There are a few private cabins available upon request, with an additional charge. The Zodiac also features central heating, three bathrooms, and two hot showers for your convenience.
This 127' schooner has lots of room to lounge on deck and take in the sights. A large chart house is a great place to curl up with a book on the heated seats. Her galley has a large dining room table to enjoy good meals and conversations.
Three savory home cooked meals are served buffet style daily, featuring fresh northwest ingredients. Afternoon snacks with soft drinks, tea and coffee are always available.
Licensed Captains
Experienced, licensed captains and a seasoned first mate, along with the volunteer crew operate the Zodiac. The Zodiac is certified by the United States Coast Guard and is equipped with a powerful engine, ample life rafts, a sophisticated fire extinguishing system and modern navigation and communications equipment.
Volunteer Crew
Friendly and knowledgeable crew will teach you how to sail. Each year our crew is made up from a group of volunteers. Often they they are taking a vacation from their jobs or are career-oriented mariners who are getting sea time to become captains.
Pre-board overnight stay cancelled!
Due to security reasons we have had to cancel the pre-board overnmight stay service. We are very sorry to have to do this, but we are under strict security measures and the service was compromising security. Check out our trip planner for a guide to getting here and nearby hotels.
| Cruise | Cruise Dates | Price: |
| Dual Schooner Sail in Seattle | July 5 2009 | $75.00 (USD) |
| San Juan Islands and International Schooner Race | July 10-15 2009 | $850.00 (USD) |
| Bellingham Sunset Cruise | July 21 2009 | $40.00 (USD) |
| Brewery Tour | July 24-26 2009 | $500.00 (USD) |
| Northwest Wine Tour | July 30-August 2 2009 | $750.00 (USD) |
| Northwest Wine Tour | August 13-16 2009 | $750.00 (USD) |
| Northwest Wine Tour | August 27-30 2009 | $750.00 (USD) |
| Labor Day Getaway | September 4-7 2009 | $550.00 (USD) |
| San Juan Islands and Schooner Race | September 8-13 2009 | $850.00 (USD) |
| Photography Cruise | September 18-20 2009 | $450.00 (USD) |
| Northwest Wine Tour 2010 | July 29-August 1 2010 | $750.00 (USD) |
| Desolation Sound | August 18-29 2010 | $1,595.00 (USD) |
