THE STEAMER VIRGINIA V FOUNDATION

Restoration/Preservation: During 2024, the Foundation's Director of Engineering conducted 62 work parties in which 21 volunteers contributed over 1,600 hours of their time performing routine mechanical/electrical maintenance, painting, and a variety of repairs to keep the ship in optimal condition. Volunteers contributed an additional 175 hours performing logistics supporting this preservation work. Noteworthy accomplishments include: Completed installation and USCG-approval of two remote boiler-shutdown switches (work begun in 2023); annual maintenance on ship's service generators (filters, oil change, etc.); correction of leaks in the hot-water space-heating system; annual contract pressure washing of bilges and the oily water holding tank; opening/inspection of the boiler drums and firebox; opening/inspection of main engine cylinders and main bearings; replacement of mechanical seals at the high pressure piston rod; and opening/inspection of the condenser end bells, with a determination that they are in sound condition. In February, the ship spent two weeks moored at Shilshole Bay Marina for the purpose of soaking the hull in saltwater for its preservative benefit. Liferafts and fire extinguishers received annual servicing; crew radios were replaced to provide reliable and safe operations. In addition to current year expenses noted, $45,954.40 were expended to acquire lumber for future structural work, funded by the Washington State Heritage Capital Projects grant approved in 2023. Current year expenses include 50% of reported depreciation.

Operation: VIRGINIA V was built in 1922 and is the only traditional wooden steamship built to carry freight and passengers that is still regularly operating under steam on the tidal waters of the United States. VIRGINIA V conducted 64 discrete voyages over the course of 49 operating days in 2024, including 29 cruises open to the public, 9 wedding-related charters and 11 other private charters, carrying a total of 3,947 passengers. Eight of these public cruises were free, one-hour Steamship Sunday trips made on four days June-October in collaboration with our neighbors, The Center for Wooden Boats. Two public cruises were provided in collaboration with Seattle's Museum of History and Industry, which provided themed programs during those trips. In May, the ship visited Port Orchard, WA for its first annual Mosquito Fleet Festival, conducting three well attended public cruises and providing open-ship time for free tours. The ship circumnavigated Vashon Island, and made an extended trip to Olympia to attend the Harbor Days Festival over Labor Day Weekend, providing public cruises during transits between Tacoma and Olympia, and three public cruises at the event. One regular employee, 56 volunteers and three paid interns crewed the vessel, filling seven required positions and up to eight training positions on each trip. Crew accrued approximately 3,300 volunteer hours for these voyages. Expenses include 50% of reported depreciation.