Title
Sandman Tugboat Removal from Olympia Heritage Register- Public Hearing
Recommended Action
Move to approve the request to remove the Sandman Tugboat from the Olympia Heritage Register
Report
Issue:
Whether to conduct a public hearing and recommend approval of the request to have the Sandman Tugboat removed from the Olympia Heritage Register
Staff Contact:
Brittany Gillia, Historic Preservation Officer, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8427
Presenter(s):
Aaron LaPointe, Executive Director, Historic Maritime Foundation
Background and Analysis:
The Sandman Tugboat is a local maritime heritage resource that is listed on the Olympia Heritage Register, Washington State Heritage Register and National Register of Historic Places. The vessel was constructed in 1910 and was first used to tow scows between Olympia and Steilacoom. In 1925, the vessel was sold to Delta Smyth, a local lumberman and the tug began to maneuver fuel oil scows, log booms and lumber tows.
The tug has always operated on the Olympia waterfront and has been host tugboat for Harbor Days in Olympia since the event began in 1975. The Sandman was nominated and listed on the Olympia Heritage Register in 1990 based on the cultural significance to Olympia's maritime history as a working tug for 80 years at that time. At the time of listing, the significant features noted to be preserved and maintained are:
1. 60 foot long (49 feet government)
2. 14 foot beam with six and one-half foot draft
3. Fabricated of old growth Douglas fir
4. Net tonnage 19 tons
5. Ironbark stern
6. Fantail stern
7. Plumb bow
8. Rounded front superstructure with casement windows
9. Pilot house has mast and funnel atop structure
The vessel was brought out of the water in 2023 for repairs, and was found to be in worse condition than anticipated leading to the boat remaining parked on land and becoming impounded by the Port of Olympia following due process. The time out of water has caused severe structural degradati...
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