Sailing (and proposing!) on the Historic Schooner Zodiac

The Schooner Zodiac is a 100 year old, 160 foot, two-masted Gaff Topsail Schooner docked in Bellingham, Washington, in the Puget Sound. The Zodiac’s rig features four sails in total (jib, staysail, foresail and mainsail) that can propel the ship through the water at just over 13 knots.
SCHOONER ZODIAC SPECIFICATIONS
Launched: 1924
Designer: William H. Hand, Jr.
Rig: Two-masted Gaff Topsail Schooner
Builder: Hodgdon Brothers Shipyard, East Boothbay, ME
Length Overall: 160 ft.
Length on Deck: 127 ft.
Beam: 26 ft.
Draft: 16 feet
Displacement: 147 tons
Height: 127 feet with topmast
Sail Area: 7000 square feet
Engine: Caterpillar 400hp diesel
Speed under power: 9 knots
Max. Hull Speed: 13.4 knots
Passengers: 26 overnight, 49 day sails
Onboard the Schooner Zodiac in Bellingham Bay, I proposed to the love of my life! For years I had been thinking of a proposal that involved a large boat or a sailboat. I've always enjoyed seeing the Zodiac across Bellingham Bay, but I've never been onboard until filming this video.
A few months ago I looked into the schedule for day cruises, and I found the Salmon Dinner Cruise was first available in the 2024 season on June 7th.
This is from the Schooner Zodiac's web page about the Salmon Dinner Cruise:
"Includes 3-hours of sailing on Bellingham Bay and full dinner.
"Combine your tastes for adventure and delicious food on a 3-hour dinner sail on Bellingham Bay. Work up your appetite as you assist the crew in the raising of the largest mainsail on the west coast of the United States. After the sails are up, sit back and enjoy views of the beautiful coastline and enjoy an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage from the ship’s bar as you glide across the bay. Our professional chef will ring the galley bell and a northwest meal of locally caught salmon accompanied by a rotating mix of seasonal salads and side dishes will be served buffet style.
"Passengers can also tour below decks which feature the ship’s navigational charthouse, modern galley and spacious salon.
"The Zodiac will glide across the water and explore the storied waters of Bellingham. After eating heartily, enjoying craft libations and being transported back to the age of sail, the crew will begin to lower sails as the sun sets over Bellingham Bay. The ship returns back to the Bellingham Cruise Terminal at 9pm."
Schooner Zodiac - Vessel Information
"Step aboard the Schooner Zodiac, a classic windjammer that embodies both the heritage of the Grand Banks fishing schooners and the grandeur of a 1920’s yacht. Her spacious 127 feet of deck is adorned with polished brass and gleaming bright work. The ship’s mainmast towers over twelve stories high and she proudly boasts the largest working mainsail on the west coast. The Zodiac’s rig features four sails in total (jib, staysail, foresail and mainsail) that can propel the ship through the water at just over 13 knots.
"Below decks, the Zodiac’s chart house is a cozy spot where passengers can read, relax or learn the basics of navigation from the Zodiac’s knowledgeable crew members. Another level down below will find you in the heart of the ship; the galley. Spacious by most sailing ship’s standards and newly equipped with commercial appliances, the galley routinely serves dinner for up to 49 passengers or three square meals a day during overnight cruises.
"Great care has been taken to restore her to the way she looked when first commissioned; varnished mahogany, oak and teak are focal throughout her main salon and galley.
"The Zodiac combines 1920’s style elegance with modern comforts. There are three restrooms aboard (nautically referred to as “heads”); two of these feature hot showers as well. The Zodiac is heated and well ventilated. While aboard, passengers stay in spacious berths or private staterooms. Standard berths are 48 inch bunks adjacent to the ship’s salon and feature a heavy curtain. The ship’s staterooms are located both aft and forward and contain multiple bunks, a sink, a mirror and a door for privacy."
schoonerzodiac...
‪@schoonerzodiac970‬
#pnw #pnwadventures #pacificnorthwest #water #travel #pugetsound #washington #washingtonstate #outdoors #sailing #sailboat #sail

[@cydney3283]

Awww, brings tears to my eyes. Congrats!!

[@CurtisPNW]

Thank you!

[@mediocrepersonality486]

Wishing you all the love and happiness. Congratulations!

[@CurtisPNW]

Thank you so much!!

[@cydney3283]

That ring is gorgeous. So happy for you two!

[@CurtisPNW]

Thank you! The ring was a perfect fit!

[@monicashaw5473]

Peak vs. Throat = Ultimate Tug O' War!
Congrats Brother! ❤🎉

[@CurtisPNW]

Peak, of course! The side I was on 😂

[@monicashaw5473]

@CurtisPNW I did hear "Peak, hold!" quite a few times to let throat catch up...just saying! 😆

[@CurtisPNW]

I just edited it that way haha

[@beingTSJ]

Man this is priceless 👏👏👏👏

[@CurtisPNW]

Thank you!!

[@jessetowler3403]

the dolphin jumping out the water at 6:14 is crazy

[@CurtisPNW]

SPOILER!! 🤣

[@crazeedrummer1]

THE SPEECH!!!

[@CyberneticHusky]

congrats my Curtis 😎👏

[@CurtisPNW]

Thank you!

[@reneeavolio557]

This is a dream 🎉🙏💗

[@CurtisPNW]

💍♥️😎

[@reneeavolio557]

I’m in love ❤

[@CurtisPNW]

It was a very lovely evening!