I had the honor and pleasure of creating this design for the Western Flyer’s homecoming to Monterey. In 1940, the Flyer embarked upon an expedition to the Sea of Cortez, chartered by John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts. After its famed voyage, this historic boat returned to its job as a fishing vessel. Over the many decades since, it has sunk 3 times, been raised from the depths again, and was almost cut in half and displayed in a restaurant in Salinas. It was purchased in 2015 by John Gregg, who sought to restore it to its original glory. Over the next 8 years or so, the Flyer was rebuilt at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding in Port Townsend, WA. She will be welcomed home to Monterey on November 4th, 2023 and will eventually serve as a marine research and education vessel.
