Preview: Our Voyage Report aboard Schooner Zodiac

We’re back from an adventurous four days of sailing and wine-tasting throughout the San Juan Islands just off of Washington State aboard an equally-adventurous ship: the lovingly maintained, 1924-built, 160-foot long Schooner Zodiac.

The 1924-built Schooner Zodiac has been lovingly restored and preserved and sails short cruises throughout the San Juan Islands. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Operating three and four-day jaunts out of Bellingham, Washington (along with an amazing, 12-day voyage to Desolation Sound each summer), the Zodiac is a real, working sailing ship, and passengers get to experience the thrill of sail by actually participating in the raising and lowering of her massive sails, standing bow watch, learning about navigation in the Chart Room, and even taking over helm duties under the watchful eye of one of Zodiac‘s experienced, friendly crewmembers – many of whom are volunteers that are lured back year after year by the beauty of both the ship and the San Juan Islands.

Step onboard for a truly classic sailing experience! Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

So what was my time aboard a real, working schooner like?  It was an amazing adventure – and you can read all about with four straight days of coverage, beginning tomorrow.

In the meantime, here’s a few preview photos of my remarkable four-day journey that will be difficult to forget.

Enjoying a glass of wine aboard the Schooner Zodiac while at our evening anchorage near Frost Island. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Hauling lines in the daytime to raise Zodiac’s mainsail. The line the passengers and crew are pulling on here is called the “peak.” Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Zodiac’s enormous masts recall the golden age of sail. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Enjoying a tasting at the Lopez Island Vineyard on Lopez Island. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

With the exception of this moody, fog-covered morning, weather during our four-day trip was spectacular for sailing. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Dusk falls aboard the Schooner Zodiac. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

There’s nothing like the sunsets from our cozy evening anchorages in the San Juan Islands. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

While night falls on the Zodiac, her lower deck is still warm and inviting. Follow along with our entire voyage, with recap coverage beginning tomorrow! Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

From the Deck Chair returns tomorrow with a full report of our first day of sailing and wine-tasting aboard the Schooner Zodiac!