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Yawl Orion
| Year built | 1934 |
| Sparred length | 64 feet |
| Length on deck | 57 feet |
| Beam | 13 feet |
| Draft | 8 feet |
| Hull | Mahagony |
| Rig | Traditional Yawl |
| Passengers | 6 overnight, 25 for day-sails |
| Extras | Rowing dingy |
Orion’s traditional rig and design make her the perfect platform for teaching sailing. Students and crew alike get plenty of opportunities to maintain her reputation as one of the fastest boats from the golden age of yacht design. Regardless of the itinerary guests onboard Orion are always encouraged to become part of the crew. Those looking to relax will find an accommodating crew and many comfortable corners onboard to sit and watch the scenery go by.
Ship's History
Originally named Edlu, Sparkman and Stephens design # 35 has received much acclaim in her 75 years. Built in 1934 at the shipyard of the legendary Henry B. Nevins Orion has proven many times over the speed and seaworthiness of Olin Stephens’ designs. Winning the Newport Bermuda race the year she was launched Orion went on to collect a laundry list of wins for her owner and crew. Orion did her nation proud in WWII serving in the “Hooligan Navy” or Coastal Pickett Patrol searching out German U-boats along the eastern seaboard. After the war she made her way through the canal (the Panamanian flag is still onboard) to the Pacific where after extensive cruising she found a berth in California. Aafter a racing career in Sausalito and passenger service in San Diego, she went up the coast to the Pacific Northwest to her current homeport of Seattle. Here she will provide students of all ages a chance to explore the marine environment and improve their traditional seamanship skills. Over the winter of 2010 Orion underwent an extensive restoration and refit insuring that she will be the west coast’s premier “work yacht” for another 75 years.
Accomodations:
Although designed and built for racing Olin Stephens also had comfort in mind when drawing Orion and she very comfortably sleeps six passengers and three crew in her three separate cabins. Up forward the Fo’c’sle has two spacious bunks and a door for privacy. In the main salon are four more bunks with curtains and easy access to the bathroom and galley. All the way aft you will find the crew quarters and navigation station. On deck there is plenty of room to lounge around and the “doghouse” provides a quick way to escape the elements.
The Crew
Captain Kevin Campion founder of Deep Green Wilderness and Orion’s most recent caretaker is a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest. As a professional mariner he has sailed four of the seven seas but Captain Kevin loves the Salish Sea most of all. He enjoys introducing people to the wealth of diversity you encounter when you leave the dock and hopes his work onboard Orion will promote responsible stewardship of our public lands and waterways. Kevin’s keen eye for wildlife and passion for the environment serve him well onboard Orion. Off duty Kevin has been known to entertain the crew with his guitar or tales of poisonous frogs and secret surf spots from his travels in Central America.
Chief Mate Kris Day As chief onboard Orion Mr. Day has seen to her restoration with loving attention. Underway he works tirelessly to get the most out of her sailing qualities. Kris developed an interest in natural history early especially with regard to the sea. Spending much of his life working the waterfront and plying the waters of New England—he has been crew of various tall ships and a rigger and sailmaker by turns. He looks forward to sharing his understanding of natural history and seamanship, while further exploring the PNW. When not afloat you may find him tromping through the forest and foraging for wild mushrooms or messing about in the garden. He is excited that being Mate of Orion fits at a juncture of his unique passions.
Coast Guard Certified Vessel
Safety onboard is our priority! Orion has the most modern and up to date navigation and safety equipment and is annually inspected by the United States Coast Guard and is certified to carry passengers.
Cruising Grounds
Puget Sound, Seattle area
Departing from Seattle’s Shilshole marina a day onboard Orion is the perfect escape from the city. A weekend onboard is even better. Explore Blake Island, spend the night at anchor in cozy Port Madison or come out for the day and enjoy spectacular views of the city and the Olympic Mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for an up close look at California Sea Lions, or a Harbor Porpoise.
Puget Sound, Everett
Departing from downtown Everett, these are great trips for wildlife viewing. Gray Whales, Sea Lions, Bald Eagles and Osprey all call this area home. Anchor on Whidbey Island and enjoy some white knuckle sailing in this notoriously windy part of the Northwest.San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands
The crown Jewel of the Salish Sea, the San Juan Islands have been a summer destination since humans first laid eyes on them. This archipelago remains little changed today. Uninhabited Islands, Resident Orcas Whales and quite anchorages make for some of the best cruising in the world. Our trips in the Islands focus on visiting the out of the way places where a day of sailing can be completed with a sunset hike or campfire or just spend the day sailing and watching wildlife.
Orion is also available for private charter.
Sunset sails every Wednesday departing from Shilshole in Seattle at 6:30- From April 13th-July 6th open to 24 . Cost $45 per person, call to sign up.
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