Californian (schooner) facts for kids
The Californian
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United States |
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| Name | Californian |
| Owner | Maritime Museum of San Diego |
| Builder |
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| Launched | 1984 |
| Homeport | San Diego, California |
| Identification |
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| General characteristics | |
| Type | Topsail schooner |
| Tonnage | 130 GT |
| Length | 93 ft 6 in (28.50 m) on deck; 145 ft (44 m) sparred length |
| Beam | 24 ft (7.3 m) |
| Draft | 9 ft 6 in (2.90 m) |
| Notes | 7,000 sq ft (700 m2) sail area; wood hull |
The Californian is a special ship built in San Diego. It was launched in 1984. This ship is a copy, or "replica," of an older ship called the USRC Lawrence. That ship sailed off the coast of California in the 1850s.
On July 23, 2003, the Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, signed a bill. This bill officially made the Californian the "official state tall ship" of California.
Contents
The Californian's Journey and Role
The Californian was first ordered by the Nautical Heritage Society. It has sailed along the California coast, showing off the flag of California. The ship has also visited faraway places like Hawaii, Mexico, and even the East Coast.
A Sailing School and Olympic Star
The Californian was built to be a sailing school vessel. This means it helped people learn how to sail. Its home base for this was Newport Beach. The ship also had a special role in the 1984 Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles. It represented the state during the big event.
The Ship's Figurehead
Every ship has a figurehead, which is a carved figure on the front. The figurehead for the Californian was modeled after an actress named Catherine Bach. She was chosen because her family was one of the first to live in California.
Caring for the Californian
In June 2002, the Maritime Museum of San Diego took over ownership of the Californian. They received a special gift from the Sheila Potiker Family Foundation to do this.
Restoring the Ship
The ship needed some work to keep it in great shape. In February 2003, the California Coastal Conservancy gave the Maritime Museum of San Diego money. This money, about $300,000, helped to finish restoring the Californian.
Back to Sea
After the restoration was done in August 2003, the Californian went back to its important job. It continued to offer sail training and educational programs. These programs teach people about sailing and the ocean all along the California coast.
