Jul 11 2010
Tourist Season at Channel Islands Harbor
Got to see some interesting visiting yachts this week around the Channel Islands Harbor.
First up was the 95 foot long “Liberty“. It was the last Vietnam-era PT boat commissioned, officially known as an Osprey Fast Patrol Boat, capable of speeds up to 50mph, and only one of two that still exist today. It has been restored by Liberty Maritime and supports an all-female Sea Scouts crew based out of Sacramento and Rio Vista, CA
Late last night I was jarred off the couch by a deafening horn. I opened the sliding glass to see what appeared to be a ship much too large for our harbor. It seemed like they weren’t too sure they would fit either. Of course my camera batteries died just as they tried to stop in front of the house only to be carried away by the incoming tide.
Sure enough, this morning, I found “Lestralaur” tied up to the visitor dock out in front of the Whale’s Tail restaurant. Apparently, the 120 foot yacht is owned by Northwest business mogul, Chuck Tomas. Originally, it was a Canadian Government owned patrol boat. It was purchased in 2002 by Mr Thomas, who has upgraded it to a luxury yacht. Apparently, his helicopter fits on the aft deck, although today it looked more like a garage sale on the back with various deflated ribs, boxes and crates of junque lashed on. It left in the afternoon and was last seen headed South.
You never know who might come calling at our fair harbor in the Summer but I have to admit I am enjoying my vantage point here!
