A Story About Fellowship – A Bed and Breakfast on the Water

fellowship boat olympia
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Submitted by Annie Lucille

fellowship boat olympiaHave you ever wondered what the story behind the beautiful wooden yacht moored at Swantown Marina guest dock is? Fellowship is her name, and her tale is one full of history and adventure.

Since 1955, Fellowship has been cruising the waters of the Pacific Northwest region, traveling around both Canada and Washington. Originally named Vixen (in her first life), the mighty ship originally served as a training vessel for Royal Canadian Naval officers, cadets and reservist members before being retired for private use.

In the mid 1990s, Olympia resident Nels E. Jensen purchased the vessel from Canada.  Jensen gave the vessel a new name –Fellowship – and a makeover. Jensen completely remodeled below deck, transforming the vessel from a utilitarian military ship into a comfortable private-use yacht.

Meanwhile, Captain Steve Clift of the U.S. Coast Guard had been researching boats to purchase. Steve and his fiancé, Barbara, discovered the vessel and were instantly drawn in by her name. They had always envisioned having a special place for friends and family to share time together, and in 2004, their dreams to purchase the ship came true.

Soon after taking ownership of Fellowship, Steve made Barbara his wife by exchanging wedding vows on the bow of the ship in January 2006. This marked the first of many more special moments to take place aboard the vessel.

fellowship boat olympiaIn the years that followed, Steve and Barbara combined their skills and experience to entirely re-purpose Fellowship. With Steve’s background in custom home construction and Barbara’s experience owning an Italian restaurant, the two worked together to transform Fellowship into a cruising bed and breakfast.

Steve began by completely tearing out the upper and lower decks, down to the hull. The restoration included a redesign and construction of a new open concept upper deck, featuring a large chef inspired galley (kitchen) at the stern, spacious dining area at mid-cabin, and a comfortable main saloon (living room) with large wood trimmed windows which display captivating views of the surrounding waters.

Below deck, guests are welcomed with four cozy cabin rooms that sleep 8-10 people (bedding includes cozy, goose down pillows and blankets), and one full bathroom. A beautiful master suite is positioned in the lower bow, serving as the captain’s living quarters.

When groups come aboard, Steve is happy to share his wisdom in boating. He enjoys teaching guests how to navigate and use nautical instruments. He even gives guests a chance to steer. Steve appreciates the participation of the guest-crew and typically appoints a “first mate” to assist in departures and returns to the dock.

Barbara’s attention to detail throughout the interior creates a sound environment for her culinary talents and hospitality to come to life. Carefully chosen ingredients are used in all her meals (which are pleasing to any pallet). She has been able to incorporate her passion of cooking and serving guests on Fellowship.

fellowship boat olympiaFellowship is now a venue to share customized adventures on the water, including:

  • San Juan Island getaways
  • Dockside dinners
  • Sunset dinner cruises
  • Corporate retreats/meeting space
  • Special ceremonies and events

Fellowship herself is a beautiful vessel, but more meaningful are the life changing moments that have been shared with the people who come aboard. One of the most memorable recent events included Barbara’s mother.  In September 2013, Lucille Osborne (age 92) and Owen Torseth (age 88) tied the knot during a private wedding ceremony on the ship. This day was an inspiring reflection of true “fellowship” and a reminder that new beginnings can be created in life, no matter your age.

The ambitious 6-8 month remodel Captain Steve and Barbara Clift originally envisioned ended up taking a total of five years to complete. However, despite the extra time invested, they now feel blessed to live aboard and call the ship “home.” In Barbara’s words, “we are living our dream, and absolutely love to share Fellowship with others and make memories that last a lifetime”.

You can learn more about Fellowship by visiting Fellowship Cruises Facebook page here, or contacting Steve and Barbara by email info@fellowshipNW.com, or phone 253-241-9880.

 

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