NORTH STAR, Deer Harbor, Orcas Island. Built 1930, by boatbuilder Chet North, who sailed her into this port and never left. Only known photo, saved by his Deer Harbor neighbors. |
"In 1911 Thomas Fleming Day, editor of Rudder magazine, sailed the 25-ft yawl SEA BIRD from the US to Italy, single-handed.
L-R: Frederick B. Thurber, T. R. Goodwin, Thomas F. Day in 1911 Aboard SEA BIRD before their trip to Italy. Library of Congress Photo (LC-B2-2207-9) |
In 1930 he completed a 22-ft copy of the vessel, with the addition of a 1928 Chevrolet engine, for more dependable arrivals.
The boat was trucked to Olympia, WA for an October launching, along with one large police dog, the two senior Norths, and a new wife. Chet had just married Averil; on Halloween night they all set off for Canada, heading into a freshening northeaster. The first night was spent on McNeil Island.
In December while returning from BC, they stopped for an overnight in Deer Harbor and never left.
Only one picture was ever taken of the boat and that was also the only time that all sails were up; the engine having proved too handy. This photograph was found among the Pearmain family's collection of 'unknowns'.
The remains of the boat were, and perhaps are still, in the blackberry bushes on the Coffelt property on Lopez Island."
Text by mariner/historian L. W. 'Corkey' North, son of boatbuilder Chet North, 2006.
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