The Bay Lady – Bridging the Legacy of Tall Ships in Puget Sound
Tall ships have a long and storied history in the waters of Puget Sound, and Bay Lady, Seattle’s largest public sailing vessel, proudly continues that legacy. Though she was built in modern times, Bay Lady reflects the timeless craftsmanship of tall ships that once dominated the Pacific Northwest’s maritime trade. From her beginnings in Maine to her current home in Elliott Bay, Bay Lady has carried passengers across some of the nation’s most scenic coastlines, offering a glimpse into the past while sailing confidently into the future.
Meet “The Bay Lady”, Seattle’s Iconic Tall Ship.
Seattle’s Bay Lady, a majestic 85-foot schooner, is more than just a boat – she’s a vessel steeped in history and tradition. Built in 1988 at the Washburn & Doughty Shipyard in Maine, a yard known for producing sturdy commercial vessels, Bay Lady was purpose-built for whale watching. From the very beginning, though, she was more than a modern passenger ship. Her hull shape, rigging, and sail plan echo the craftsmanship of tall ships that sailed in the 18th and 19th centuries, allowing her to carry passengers in the same fashion as lumber and fishing schooners of a bygone era.
While Bay Lady was designed for the passenger trade, her heart lies in the traditional methods of sailing. Her classic tall ship design, from her wide beam to her towering masts, brings to life the spirit of the tall ships that once sailed these waters. Tall ships were instrumental in the early days of the Puget Sound, transporting timber, fish, and goods along the rugged coastline. These vessels, with their high masts and large sails, were the lifeblood of the maritime industry in the Pacific Northwest, connecting the region to global trade routes.
A Nod to the Tall Ships of Yesteryear
Though Bay Lady wasn’t built in those early days, her connection to that history is undeniable. Her sturdy design could have easily served as a fishing or lumber schooner in the early 1900s, embodying the rugged charm of those tall ships that made the Pacific Northwest what it is today. In her early years, she served as a whale-watching vessel on the coast of Maine, but her success prompted her owners to commission a larger ship, eventually leading to Bay Lady‘s sale in 2000.
Her journey to San Francisco was no small feat. Transported overland from Rhode Island, her rigging was removed and railings cut to clear bridges, a trek that required two lanes of highway. Halfway across the country, in a dramatic twist, the driver demanded double payment to continue. While the owners could have taken legal action, they opted to pay the ransom to ensure their new venture could begin. For the next 20 years, Bay Lady became a fixture on the San Francisco Bay, offering charters right next to Giants Stadium.
In 2021, amidst the uncertainties of the pandemic, she found a new home. Purchased by the new owners of Seattle’s Tall Ship, Bay Lady embarked on a 1,000-mile voyage up the West Coast, sailing for seven days to reach her new port in Seattle. Now, she graces the waters of Elliott Bay, carrying on the proud tradition of tall ships in the Pacific Northwest. Operating seven days a week, Bay Lady sails up to four times per day, providing Seattle’s residents and visitors with a unique maritime experience.
The Legacy of Tall Ships in Puget Sound
Tall ships have a long and storied history in the Puget Sound, dating back to the 1800s. These massive sailing vessels were the backbone of the region’s economy, playing a crucial role in transporting timber, fur, and other goods from the Pacific Northwest to markets around the world. With their large wooden hulls and towering sails, these ships dominated the sound, making trade possible in an otherwise remote and wild landscape.
The tall ships of yesteryear are woven into the fabric of Seattle’s maritime history. Their routes connected the region to the greater Pacific and beyond, ferrying goods, immigrants, and ideas. They sailed alongside steamships and early fishing fleets, marking a time when the region’s natural resources were the foundation of its economy. Today, ships like Bay Lady help preserve that history, giving passengers the chance to experience what it was like to sail aboard one of these storied vessels.
Bay Lady Specs – For the Sailing Enthusiast
For those curious about the technical side of Bay Lady, she boasts impressive specifications:
At 85 feet long and 18 feet wide, Bay Lady is an impressive vessel with a towering 88-foot mast and 2,700 square feet of canvas spread across her sails. She displaces 75 tons of water and draws 8 feet, allowing her to navigate comfortably in deeper waters. Capable of carrying 90 passengers, she runs on 300 gallons of fuel and even features a single cannon, a nod to the traditional armament of tall ships. Her robust build makes her a true icon on the waters of Elliott Bay.
Although she was purpose-built for the passenger trade, her construction is a testament to the traditions of tall ship building. She’s a blend of the old and the new, a modern vessel carrying forward the timeless legacy of tall ships.
Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast or simply love a good story of adventure, Bay Lady offers an unforgettable journey steeped in both history and modern maritime charm. From the Bay of Maine to the San Francisco Bay and now Elliott Bay, her legacy as a tall ship continues to inspire.
Whether you’re a maritime enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable day on the water, Bay Lady offers a unique opportunity to experience the magic of tall ship sailing in the heart of Seattle. Step aboard this magnificent vessel and sail into history as you take in the beauty of Elliott Bay and the Seattle skyline. Don’t miss your chance to embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure—book your sail today and discover the timeless allure of Bay Lady.
Guests enjoy the sights and sounds of a tall ship tour onboard Seattle’s Tall Ships, “The Bay Lady”.
Book a sail with Seattle’s Tall Ship
If you have never experienced the thrill of sailing on our tall ship, there is no better time to try than now. With multiple sailing times and experiences available, our family-friendly harbor experiences are a must-do Seattle activity. Join us today!