Designed by the great Northwest designer William Garden, she's the fifth of ten built by the legendary Blanchard Boat Company of Seattle in the late 1940's. Owned by Norman C. Blanchard himself for 25 years, she has always been meticulously maintained by her owners, true to the tradition of yachtsmanship before fiberglass.
The Aura is 33 feet long and weighs six tons. Her hull is red cedar planking, over oak frames, on a backbone of fir and yellow cedar.
Skipper Ward Fay has been sailing the San Juan Islands and beyond for over 20 years. He has a 50 ton Master's license for inland waters. Since becoming Aura's owner in 1994, he has campaigned her extensively in wooden yacht races and shows. He is also an ASA certified sailing instructor. He looks forward to sharing the fun of sailing in this spectacular area with you.
Evening/Sunset Cruise: Times vary for time of sunset, call (360) 376 5581 or email for reservations before 4:30 PM.
Personalized trips also available.
You can email Ward at wardfay@rockisland.com for reservations or more information. Stop by and see the Aura moored in Deer Harbor (at the west end of Orcas Island).