“The easiest boats to look at seem the easiest to drive.”
Olin Stephens
ORION
All Deep Green Wilderness programs take place aboard Orion, our 64’ wooden yawl. Built in 1934, she underwent extensive restoration in 2010 including the most modern navigation and safety equipment.
Orion’s traditional rig and design make her the perfect platform for teaching sailing.
COAST GUARD CERTIFIED VESSEL
Safety is our number one priority on board. 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.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Orion can accommodate 25 passengers for the day and six passengers overnight. Although designed and built for racing, Olin Stephens also had comfort in mind when drawing Orion. 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.
ORION’S HISTORY
Originally named Edlu, Sparkman and Stephens design #35 has received much acclaim in her 85 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 on board) to the Pacific where, after extensive cruising, she found a berth in California. After a racing career in Sausalito and passenger service in San Diego, she went up the coast to the Pacific Northwest to her current home port of Seattle. Here, she provides students of all ages a chance to explore the marine environment and learn 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.
