Who We Are With a firm belief in the value of a sailboat as an educational tool, this program and vessel will introduce students to the marine and coastal landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Students will explore ecosystems under sail with a supporting curriculum that guides towards a holistic understanding of the region explored. Students will leave the program as informed and passionate stewards of our marine and coastal ecosystems. Applying the confidence gained from the skill mastery of operating a large sailboat to become more effective citizens in their lives onshore. The Crew Captain Kevin Campion founder of Deep Green Wilderness and Orion’s most recent caretaker is a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest. Although he has sailed four of the seven seas Captain Kevin loves the Salish Sea most of all and can’t wait for the season to begin to get out on the water. Kevin’s keen eye for wildlife and passion for the environment serve him well onboard Orion. Off season look for him at the skatepark or the surf spot, chances are you will find him. 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. Another racing career in Sausalito, passenger service in San Diego and up the coast to the Pacific Northwest and 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. Orion's Specs • LOA 64’ • LOD 57’ • Beam 13’ • Draw 8’ • Sleeps 9 Summer Programs Learn more about Orca whales and their environment onboard the historic ship Orion Two Weeks, Open to Ages 14-17 The Deep Green Wilderness program taking place this summer will focus on the appointment of the Southern Resident Orca Whale to the federal endangered species list. Over the course of two weeks students will apply the seamanship and navigation skills they learn to cruise the waters of the San Juan and Gulf Islands meeting with researchers, policy makers and industry representatives who have helped shape the Orca recovery plan. Students will be encouraged to explore the issues from all sides and develop their own ideas about what policies are best for the whale. Onboard Orion the students run the show participating with every aspect of shipboard life, standing watch, cooking for their shipmates, setting sail, navigation etc. Your days will be spent: • Designing and conducting individual research projects • Learning traditional sailing and navigation skills • Spending time under sail looking for the Orcas • Exploring the San Juan Island and British Columbia’s Gulf Islands. • Hiking, Swimming and Beachcombing • Enjoying the good friends that are inevitably made when you go to sea • Talk to us about getting early college credit for your time onboard Come Sailing Orion is also available for Private Charter Spend the day, two days or a week sailing this classic yacht. We can create an itinerary based on wildlife viewing, sailing, or ports of call. Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands and Coastal British Columbia offer some of the best cruising waters in the world. Travel with class and style onboard a piece of history. We have room for 25 passengers for the day and accommodations for six passengers overnight. This spring we will be operating out of Seattle’s Shilshole marina in the Ballard neighborhood. Sunset sails, trips to Blake Island and Grey Whale watching. Give us a call for availability and the ships schedule. Use Orion to further the mission of your organization Orion and her crew are available to get members/students/campers out on the water for a specifically designed education program. Or just spend the day sailing and watching wildlife. Contact Us Please get in touch with us by sending us an email at: deepgreenwilderness@gmail.com Or you can call us at (206) 228-3615