Trip to visit Trekka - Which Sailed Around The World
Article By Cleon McClainTrekka Information
Trekka is a 20 foot 6 inch yawl that made history in 1959 when John Guzzwell sailed her around the world. His story is told in the book Trekka Round the World. The little boat has been the property of the Maritime Museum of British Columbia since 1980.
Our TripWhen we arrived in Victoria British Columbia the first problem was how to get to Trekka. Our group consisted of my wife Glenda, our friends Jerry and Vicki, and me. We then noticed the cutest little harbor taxis buzzing around the harbor.
We asked one of the captains about taking us across the harbor to S.A.L.T.S. to see Trekka.
The Captain agreed but, told us that S.A.L.T.S. was closed on Saturdays.
We knew that, and had made special arrangements with the director of S.A.L.T.S. to see Trekka.
We also knew that Trekka was dry-docked for maintenance.
So, we hopped aboard the little taxis for the short trip across the harbor.
As we sat in the bow of the water taxis Jerry caught me giving Glenda a little kiss on the jaw.
As we crossed the harbor we could see a small boat covered with a blue poly-tarp sitting on the dock at S.A.L.T.S. could this possibly be Trekka?
Soon Loren the Director of S.A.L.T.S. arrived.
When we walked around the corner sure-enough, we saw that the boat under the poly-tarp was Trekka.
S.A.L.T.S. stores and does the maintenance on Trekka and is not in the business of showing her.
So, I knew we were VERY LUCKY to have the opportunity to see Trekka, especially on a weekend when they are closed.
Loren started unwrapping Trekka like a big Christmas present.
At this point a picture taking frenzy started.
It was obvious that Trekka was in need of some maintenance but, that is what makes Trekka special.
Although, Trekka is the property of a museum she still spends time in the water doing what she was intended to do, SAIL!
Glenda took several pictures with me standing by Trekka.
Jerry took a picture of Trekka's keel.
I climbed up a ladder and took some pictures of Trekka's deck (fore and aft) as well as her tiny cockpit. However, I was not allowed to actually climb aboard Trekka.
S.A.L.T.S. took some VERY RARE pictures of the inside of Trekka for me. The first picture is of the forward cabin with canvas storage bags around the sides.
The next couple of pictures are my favorites. They are looking from the forward cabin back into the main cabin. One picture is the exact same picture found on page 133 of the book Trekka Round the World showing John Guzzwell planning his route along the east coast of Australia, almost 50 years ago
This last picture was also taken by S.A.L.T.S. about a month after our trip. It shows Trekka with new bottom paint already applied and work being done on her hull.
The Maritime Museum of British Columbia shows Trekka at special boating events and festivals. Trekka also had the honor of leading the tall ships into Victoria in June 2005. Trekka may never make another blue-water voyage but, she still has her keel in salt water. That is a far more dignified setting for a salty old girl like Trekka than being on display in a sterile museum showroom. Good luck and fair wind to you always Trekka!!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank the Maritime Museum of British Columbia and S.A.L.T.S. for the help, understanding, pictures, and patience they have given me. Allowing me to view Trekka went beyond kindness and will never be forgotten by me.
Cleon McClain