June 14, 2023
The Classic Yacht Association, a non-profit group dedicated to the maintenance and restoration of fine, old, power-driven boats and the Port of Seattle are pleased to announce the 26th Annual Bell Harbor Rendezvous. The event will take place over Father’s Day weekend, June 17-18, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Port’s downtown recreational boating facility, Bell Harbor Marina.
Up to 47 classic motor yachts will be on display for the weekend with free public admission and most boats open for public tours. This year, the Classic Yacht Association is honoring two 90-year-old yachts in the fleet — Mitlite and Linmar. Originally launched in 1933, the 58-foot Mitlite is the original Thea Foss, Foss Maritime’s corporate yacht, and Linmar is a 1932 78-foot New York Yacht, Launch, and Engine Company motor yacht.
Mitlite
Originally named Thea Foss, Mitlite was originally built as a company yacht by the Foss Tugboat Company. Her name means “Little One” in Norwegian as Foss had more than one corporate yacht for several years. In late 1931, as part of owner Henry Foss’s wish to keep Foss workers on the job as much as possible during the depression, work began on the only yacht to be built by the Foss Tug and Launch Company in Tacoma. When other work was a bit slack, work on Thea Foss resumed, thus assisting the owner in keeping the company’s well-organized crew employed. Her lines were drawn by G.E. Nyman of Tacoma and her construction was under the supervision of Linas Berg. A hollow Tobin bronze wing-shaped rudder and a stream-line designed air-driven winch, as well as all outer gear were cast by Tacoma Brass Company and finished by Fred Dravis of Hicks and Bull Company, Tacoma.
Linmar
Throughout the years, Linmar traveled up and down the East Coast, through the Panama Canal, up the West Coast, and through the Inside Passage to Alaska. During her time moored in San Francisco in 2006, a devastating fire struck. The damage caused was so extensive that she was deemed a total loss. Fortunately, she was purchased by a man who set forth on a complete restoration.
In addition to new engines, onboard systems, and a full cosmetic overhaul, 25% of the hull – including planks, frames, and stringers from shelf to keel – had to be rebuilt from scratch. Every ounce of wood that was damaged was removed from its home, sanded, refinished, and replaced. When the renovation was complete, Linmar still had her classic design intact, using mahogany, teak, and furnishings which keep to the era in which she was built.
The new owners, Brad and Michelle Bailey, purchased Linmar in 2021 and feel responsible for keeping her as pristine as when she was first built. The history surrounding Linmar is key to her legacy and is something they plan to share with generations to come.
The Classic Yacht Association and Port of Seattle welcome all guests to come down to Bell Harbor Marina this weekend to view and appreciate these fine vintage motor yachts and help honor their maritime history and traditions.
*Photos courtesy of the Class Yacht Association
