Foss Vessels to Be Subject of May Talk

Mike Garvey, a founder and chairman of the maritime holding company Saltchuk Resources, will give a lecture in Seattle Saturday, May 13 on the restoration of the yacht Thea Foss, built in 1930 for actor John Barrymore. Originally christened Infanta, the 120-foot steel-hulled vessel was sold to the Lowe family, owners of Alaska Salmon Packers, and renamed The Polaris, according the website Tall Ships Tacoma 2005. At the outbreak of World War II, she was requisitioned by the US Navy and named USS Amber, serving as a guard to the entrance of Puget Sound. After the war, she served as a survey ship before the vessel was purchased by Foss Maritime, which reconverted her to a yacht. The company rechristened the boat Thea Foss, after the founder of the Tacoma company. The 500-ton vessel, now privately owned, has a draft of eight feet and is powered by twin Atlas diesels. (Thea Foss photo courtesy Tall Ships Tacoma 2005)

Garvey will also discuss the 42-foot privately owned Henrietta Foss, a tug built in 1930. Maritime history enthusiasts interested in attending the lecture should contact Rosanne Sachson, 253-857-6302. The lecture and accompanying activities are scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $29.00 to cover lunch costs. Reservations must be made by May 3. (Henrietta Foss photo courtesy Rosanne Sachson)

For more maritime history events, visit the Maritime Heritage Network Calendar page.