Tall Ship Mystic Whaler is a welcoming sight in Channel Islands Harbor

Channel Islands—On Jan. 9 the tall ship Mystic Whaler arrived in Channel Islands Harbor from New London, Connecticut. Soon to be renamed Mystic Cruzar, the ship will serve as an ocean-oriented classroom for central coast youth as well as provide tours to the public.   Montecito couple, Roger and Sarah Chrisman acquired the Mystic Whaler October 2021. The vessel is a 83-foot long, 110-foot tall steel-hulled schooner that has been berthed in Mystic Seaport for the past 54 years.   Once Chrisman’s non-profit “Central Coast Ocean Adventures” is created, educational programs will be offered to local youth as well as public tours in both Channel Islands Harbor and at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum in Santa Barbara Harbor.   “We are pleased the Chrismans chose our harbor,” said Michael Tripp Ventura County Harbor department director. “The tall ship creates a new visitor-serving opportunity for Channel Islands Harbor, area residents, and the public.” Their goal is to launch the program as early as late spring or summer.   Tripp added that yacht brokers, Bob Nahm of Seacoast Channel Islands and Vicki Van Hook of Seacoast Santa Barbara, worked closely with the Chrismans to acquire the tall ship and bring it to the harbor. The couple have been long time-clients...