Mark Saia has a passion for sailing and maritime history.
Right now, that passion is directed toward bringing a historic boat to Coupeville. The Suva, a 57-foot schooner, was built for Frank Pratt of Whidbey Island in 1925.
Saia has created a nonprofit, the Coupeville Maritime Heritage Foundation, as part of his effort. He’d like the boat to be something for the whole community to enjoy. He hopes to offer educational sails and well as recreational events.
“I’m honored to have found Suva because she deserves to be a heritage vessel,” Saia said.
The boat is currently docked in Port Townsend, but will be visiting Penn Cove this weekend. You can get a look at the Suva during the Penn Cove Musselfest. She will be at the Coupeville wharf from Friday evening through Sunday and you can take a look at the ship. Saia will also be recruiting interested volunteers and accepting donations to help secure the purchase and do some necessary work on the ship.
By summer, Saia hopes she will be in Coupeville for good, introducing more people to the joy of sailing.
Read more about the Suva here.
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