The Californian : State’s Tall Ship to Take Part in Race

The Californian, the state’s official tall ship, will return to Southern California from a cruise to Hawaii in time to take part in the second annual race of at least seven majestic sailing vessels Oct. 4 from Huntington Beach to San Clemente, it was announced.

Steve G. Christman, president of the Nautical Heritage Society of Dana Point, said the full-scale replica of an 1849 vintage revenue cutter named the Lawrence will anchor in the west basin of Dana Point Harbor after the race and be available to the public for short cruises during most of October.

Beside the Californian, entered in the tall ship race so far are:

- The Pilgrim, a replica of the square-rigged brig on which author Richard Henry Dana Jr. sailed, which is anchored permanently in the harbor that bears his name.

- The Pilgrim of Newport, which is similar in design and rig to the Californian.

- The Argus, a Boy Scout training ship from Newport Harbor.

- The Resolution, the Discovery, the Swift of Ipswich and possibly the Intrepid Dragon, which is on an extended Pacific cruise and may not be back in time.

The race, hampered last year by lack of favorable winds, is being sponsored by the Capistrano Bay Yacht Club. It will begin off the Huntington Beach Pier and end at the San Clemente Pier. The fleet is expected to be close enough to shore to afford good views for spectators on beaches and bluffs.

After the finish, most of the ships will enter Dana Point Harbor for public inspection.

The Californian was built by the Nautical Heritage Society and launched in May, 1984. Christman said the vessel, which carried medical supplies for victims of the Mexico City earthquake last year, has made numerous cruises up and down the coast as a training ship for young people. It is completing its second cruise to Hawaii.

He said that on Oct. 5, 21-24, she will be available for four-hour trips for a fee of $45 per person, which includes lunch, soft drinks, and a one-year membership in the Nautical Heritage Society. Because the society is a nonprofit organization, $25 of the $45 will be tax deductible.

Similar one-day cruises will be offered at Newport Harbor Nov. 22-23 and again at Dana Point on Dec. 13, 27-28.

Three-day high seas adventure cruises also will be available during the ship’s Southern California stay, Christman said. Information on all cruises can be obtained by calling (714) 661-1001.

Proceeds will be used to help finance its operations as the state’s official tall ship and training vessel.