Seattle’s Pacific Fishermen, Inc. shipyard recently completed significant bottom repairs to two of Southeast Alaska’s premier charter yachts, URSA MAJOR and ALASKAN SONG. The 96 ft. x 12-passenger ALASKAN SONG encountered an uncharted rock in Chatham straights at the beginning of the charter season. Pacific Fishermen flew up a team of experienced shipwrights and carpenters to re-plank the double-planked hull with Honduran mahogany and Alaskan yellow cedar on new oak frames. The timely repairs matched the original Air Force construction used when the vessel was built for rescuing fliers downed off the Washington coast. Today owners Debbie Bennett and Geoff Wilson run regular cruises to Alaska.
In the case of the URSA MAJOR, a near full keel and stem replacement was required consisting of a laminated fir beam. This was done to match the original Norwegian built naval architecture design details that sets this vessel apart from ordinary charters and mega yachts. She was launched and outfitted in 1972 at the Malahide shipyards in Dublin, Ireland on a rock solid wooden hull built in Norway. With her classic Old World charm, solid North Sea Construction and warm European ambiance she is the perfect “little ship” for Alaska charter cruising. The URSA MAJOR carries 8 passengers throughout Southeast Alaska under the direction of Dr. Joyce Gauthier. Further information regarding URSA MAJOR is available at http://www.myursamajor.com/
Building on a long tradition of servicing the wooden fishing fleet with experienced shipwrights and corkers, charter and private yachtsmen are bringing their vessels to the shipyard with increasing regularity. Whether its for a quick up and down dry dock survey for purchase, annual repairs to American Bureau of Shipping standards or extended repairs, these owners and operators are finding an experienced and loyal crew to put them in ship shape. Pacific Fishermen shipyard maintains the experience corkers on staff that are a diminishing resource in the wooden boat world. Notable vessels serviced include SKYE TYME, ALLIANCE, ESCAPE, OR NOIR, MONTEGO, EMERALD FJORDS, PEPPERMINT, PANASEA, WANIGAN III, TRITON, SVANEE, MEDUSE, DAEDLUS, CAMELOT, LIONESS, MIXER, MALIBU, HENRIETTA FOSS and the VIRGINIA V.