Northwest Schooner Zodiac Dismasted in Light Winds

The double-masted Schooner Zodiac suffered a dismasting  in light winds as she was returning to her home port of Bellingham, Wash. on September 25, 2010.  The historic vessel is regularly chartered during the summer and it was ironic that vessel is ending one of its best seasons sailing the Pacific Northwest islands.  The wooden main mast snapped about 15 feet above deck level as 17 children, four chaperones, and crew watched in amazement as the rig came crashing down on the deck and into the water.   A weld in the top mast rigging is currently under review but no conclusions yet

With only two minor injuries, it was a close call that could have turned out worse.   Two Coast Guard 33-foot vessels and a CG helicopter responded along with another vessel.    The motor vessel Kwaietek, a1923 ex-BC Forestry vessel was en route down from Canada to it's new home in Bellingham and assisted with the CG by taking the passengers back to the dock.

Zodiac, a non-profit, will be working hard to get refitted and inspected for the 2011 season.