Wawona: Full Restoration Ruled Out; TTSS Needs Volunteers

I was at a meeting yesterday of maritime heritage groups to discuss the future of Wawona, given the city's threat earlier this month to "demolish and dispose" of the vessel. Northwest Seaport, Wawona's owner, and the Museum of History & Industry are pursuing a plan to place the ship on a barge and tow her to another location, as yet undetermined. Costs for the work will likely reach into hundreds of thousands of dollars, and that doesn't include moorage fees for the barge. Long term, Wawona's owners are now leaning toward an on-land display of the entire ship, as opposed to small pieces, as proposed by the city. Full-scale, in-water restoration has been more or less ruled out, because of the estimated $10 million to $15 million cost. What do you think? Please comment below.

The Tacoma Tall Ships Society has issued a call for volunteers to help with its Small Ships Tacoma event June 30 to July 2 (this coming weekend). They need people for Saturday and Sunday to "wear a hat, sunscreen, and a smile" while guiding visitors. They also need people at a booth and elsewhere. For more information, send e-mail to nepenthe@harbornet.com.