07/27/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DGXVRvGq1/
===========
ELISSA Captain's Log: 12 noon, Saturday, July 25th, 2026
===========
SIGNING-OFF
I have had the pleasure, and truly the honor, of serving as ELISSA’s master for the past eight weeks, but that was all that I was able to commit to. Today I return to Seattle, back to my “regular job”, and life, and family. Captain J.B. Smith, a master mariner and great acquaintance of mine, has relieved me as captain.
To say that I enjoyed my time aboard ELISSA would be an understatement. This was a fantastic and memorable voyage, but I feel compelled to share WHY.
Barque ELISSA herself is truly one-of-a-kind. As we visited the Galveston 250 ports and saw all those dozens and dozens of other sailing ships, ELISSA really is in a class by herself. There are many old ships in museums, and many traditionally rigged sailing vessels, but there are virtually none besides ELISSA that are both. ELISSA’s value as a historic ship is not simply that people can step aboard her as a museum exhibit which looks like it could go sailing. She is an artifact which regularly proves herself as real. ELISSA is not merely the display of a “sailing ship”; she is a ship which sails!
In preserving the ship and keeping it sailing, Galveston Historical Foundation maintains the traditional maritime skills needed for vessels like these. Sustaining this expertise protects our nautical heritage, which is a huge part of our history.
BUT.
None of that would be possible without a crew, and all the folks aboard ELISSA are what really made my time aboard so wonderful. Arriving aboard as a bit of an “outsider” to ELISSA’s crew could have been awkward, but every member of the team was completely welcoming, and everyone is SO dedicated & energetic! The family of shipmates we made on each leg of the voyage was awesome, and together we sailed the ship in a way that all the crew can be rightfully proud.
I will miss you all, fair winds, and... BREAK!
Regards,
Captain Andrew Ellers
==========
POSITIONING
==========
ELISSA at 12 noon (EDT)
Total Distance Traveled: 3668nm
Position: 32deg 05.0' N x 81deg 05.7' W
Course: n/a (moored)
Speed-Over-Ground: n/a (moored)
Weather: Sunny & Hot; light & variable breeze.
