Update: Wawona Masts Removed

Wawona's masts were removed today from the 1897 schooner, now moored at South Lake Union Park in Seattle. At left, you see Wayne Palsson, looking a bit dejected, next to the mizzen mast, which is on the ground stretching behind him. Wayne's a member of the board of Northwest Seaport, which owns the vessel. On the other hand, he may be a bit relieved, because he's following through on a recommendation by a panel of marine experts that the masts be taken down for safety reasons. It's unclear what will happen next to the vessel, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and a city landmark.

In the background, you'll see the main and foremasts and the jibboom just to the right of the crane. The hull of Wawona is green. In the distance is the Center for Wooden Boats. The large white building on the far left is the former Naval Reserve Building. For more information on Wawona, click here. For more information on Northwest Seaport, click here. (Photo copyright 2006 Joe Follansbee)