Tall Ship 'Lady Washington' Makes Visit To Bay Area

SAUSALITO (KCBS) – As the world observes the one-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, a special remembrance is taking place this weekend in the Bay Area aboard a tall ship.

The Lady Washington has historical connections to Japan as it was the first U.S.-flagged vessel to visit the Japanese mainland back in 1791.

"The captain by the name of Kendrick tried to open up trade with the Japanese people at that time," said Joe Follansbee with the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority, which currently operates the Lady Washington. "But it didn't go that well and he left after a few days."

The ship is visiting the Bay Area from Washington State and Follansbee said that this weekend, visitors will be reminded of last year's disaster.

KCBS' Patti Reising Reports:

"Take a moment of silence to recognize the first anniversary and to recognize our ties with the nation and people of Japan," he said.

Follansbee said the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Society has a larger mission in mind, including showing school kids exactly what it was like to live on the high seas.

"We believe in hands-on living history experiences," said Follansbee. "We talk about how to navigate without GPS and without electronics, using pencil and paper and maps and the tools of the time."

The Lady Washington is docked in Sausalito through the end of the month.

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