Saving the Salty has become an increasingly important endeavor. A part of North Carolina's maritime history, she commanded a prominent position on the Morehead City waterfront for almost 50 years. Built in 1954 by Gerald and Ray Davis in Marshallberg, NC, the Salty exhibits distinct North Carolina flare and a rounded transom—forerunning design elements of today's North Carolina custom-built yachts.

Because of her 47-year association with Camps Sea Gull and Seafarer, the Salty has afforded tens of thousands of children the opportunity to drive a big boat, catch a fish, and enjoy North Carolina's coastal waters.

The Salty departed from Morehead City, NC, on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 for Hayes, VA, on the Chesapeake Bay where she will undergo an extensive structural and cosmetic restoration in which her hull will be rebuilt for another 50 years of service and her original mahogany transom, mast, and toe rails will be exposed. Lundy Charters of Raleigh, NC, (co-founded by former Camp Sea Gull camper and counselor Jim Baker) is handling the five-day delivery.

You can follow the Salty’s route to Virginia via satellite tracking below where we will also post pictures of the restoration as it progresses.

The Salty will return to Beaufort, NC, in February 2010 where she will again be available for charters.