In a class of its own The Robert Gray (AKA Sacajawea) is a rare and intact representation of her vessel class with national levels of recognition. Her long serving contributions include the navigation and charting of the Columbia River, engagement during World War II in the Aleutian Islands, and many contributions to scientific discoveries by the USGS.
Built as a military survey vessel by the Army Corp of Engineers in 1936, this vessel was designed to withstand extreme conditions in the Bering Sea.
Modern day Sacajawea in
Glacier Bay
It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. As a result of being recommended by the State Historical Resources Commission, the vessel is also eligible for full re-power grant funding. Switching over to diesel electric systems would--once, again--bring her to the forefront of modern technology.
Originally a hybrid diesel electric vessel (one of the very first), there are many potential benefits and promotional opportunities associated with restoring the propulsion system to a 21st Century hybrid system. Initial steps towards this effort have been made by adding a Victron Energy 30kW inverter system which eliminates the need to operate a noisy diesel generator while significantly improving efficiency, performance, and air quality.
A world apart with timeless charm The Sacajaweais presently a charter vessel, immediately ready to book chart-ers after last summer’s successful charter season in Alaska. Its ability to accommodate small groups for extended periods makes for a perfect platform for retreats, workshops, and scientific research expeditions.
It also offers many opportunities to reach out to remote communities along the way with youth programs and training seminars that rarely venture into such places. For authors, photographers, filmmakers, and other media specialists, the wilderness environment is a haven of inspiration and documentation opportunities.
Wildlife viewing...
Old World comforts...
1930s atmosphere with modern day WiFi access.
First Class meals.
A tour aboard this historic vessel is unlike any other. Traveling aboard Sacajaweais not only the experience of a lifetime but a “trip back in time," itself.
1936 at or near the time of launching .
Join us in our new Adventure!
Wilderness School Institute has big plans...
Projected Uses Vision for MV Sacajawea
The vision of Sacajawea as part of the Wilderness School Institute would be three-fold, including vocational, charter, and conference venues. Presented as an experiential learning platform in all these areas, it would offer specialized tours for charter, as well as allowing high school students to enter into the marine sciences and research in a way that has never been done before.
Utilizing the WSI curriculum and experience, the Sacajawea will become an exciting learning environment. They would also invite partnerships with collages, technology, alternative energy, oil and gas, and mining companies to enrich the experiential learning platform.
The charter work would not only support the youth outreach, it would also present a high profile venue for its state-of-the-art advances toward more ECO-friendly commerce. Our vision is to utilize the boat as a way to communicate with tourists, communities—and especially students—in order to get them more excited about science through exposure to research and exploration.