Keep Circe Sailing: Fund Her Engine Restoration

Circe, the legendary TransPac and Swiftsure sailboat designed by the prodigious Ben Seaborn when he was seventeen, has been a beacon of maritime heritage since her launch in 1932 at Lake Union Drydocks, Seattle. Sadly, her old and unrepairable engine recently failed. This vessel, a one-of-a-kind symbol of innovation and elegance in yacht design, has graced the waters of the Pacific Northwest for nearly a century. Circe's history is a benchmark of the very fabric of Seattle's sailing community, having won prestigious races and captured the hearts of many with her classic lines and storied past. However, time has not been kind to all aspects of Circe; her engine, permanently disabled and vital for her modern operations, has grounded this historic yacht.

The need to replace Circe's engine isn't just about mechanical restoration; it's about preserving a piece of living history. Ben Seaborn, a name synonymous with yacht design brilliance in the early 20th century, left an indelible mark on naval architecture like the Thunderbird. His designs, beginning with Circe, were not just about speed or aesthetics but about pushing the boundaries of what sailboats could achieve. Today, Circe stands as one of the last testaments to Seaborn's early genius. The restoration project, spearheaded by owners Michael and Cornelia Gifford, aims not only to bring Circe back to her former glory but to ensure she sails into the future, educating and inspiring new generations about the art of yacht design and the spirit of adventure.

Your contribution to this GoFundMe campaign will help replace Circe's engine, a crucial step in her ongoing preservation. This isn't merely about fixing a boat; it's about safeguarding a piece of maritime heritage that has contributed and influenced over nine decades of sailing culture. By supporting this project, you're not just donating to a restoration; you're becoming part of Circe's legacy, ensuring she continues to sail, to inspire, and to tell the story of Ben Seaborn's visionary work. Let's come together to keep Circe's sails full and her spirit alive, navigating through time as a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring love for the sea.

The work of restoration:

Acquiring an engine is the easy part. Refitting Circe’s 1932 racing design and displacement with a modern engine takes a unique skill and expertise. This work is led by captain and shipwright Michael Gifford who is uniquely suited to the task as a specialist with wooden vessels and Circe’s caretaker for three decades.

The work begins with finding the best engine to fit the space and requirements of Circe’s 45 tons. Positioning the engine is predicated on choices and compromises from refactoring the cockpit and companion way to altering the engine room, prop shaft and rudder. These decisions are made with the desire to retain Circe’s classic and defining lines while providing modern safety, longevity, and comfort.

An ongoing log of restoration efforts is available on Circe's website.