elcome to the web site of Schooner Lavengro, a classic gaff-rigged Biloxi Schooner. The proud Biloxi Schooner fleet once sailed the Gulf of Mexico harvesting oysters and shrimp. In the 20th century, the introduction of marine engines and changes in oyster harvesting laws caused these beautiful crafts to disappear. Lavengro is the last original Biloxi Bay shrimping schooner and she now sails the waters of the Pacific Northwest as a lovely charter and sail training vessel.
Lavengro was built in 1927 as the “Helen” by noted Biloxi shipwright Jack Covacavich. Lavengro has had many lives since then: as a family live aboard, a Coast Guard sailing trainer during World War II, and a charter boat in Hawaii. Most recently she has been donated to the Northwest Schooner Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and use of classic wooden sailing vessels.
Schooner Lavengro is operated by the Northwest Schooner Society which uses historic ships to demonstrate the power and exhilaration of teamwork. We harness the wind, giving our students-of-any-age a new perspective on their own strengths and weaknesses.
In January of 2010 the Schooner Lavengro underwent a major refit which included the refastening of her planks and removal of the tropical sheathing she aquired during her years of operation in Hawaii. The 83-year-old schooner is fit for another century of sailing.
With the loss of the Metro Dock at the north end of Lake Union in Seattle, Lavengro has moved her main base of operations to Brownsville in Kitsap County, Washington. The Schooner Lavengro has been a frequent guest of the Port of Brownsville for two years now. She has participated in local events such as Kitsap Harbor Festival, Tall Ship visit to Port Orchard, The Annual Tall Ship visit of the Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain to the Port of Brownsville, Blackberry Festival at the Port of Bremerton and the Brownsville Appreciation Day as well as many other sailing opportunities. The Ship and Crew have received a warm welcome at every Port we have moored at and wish to continue serving Kitsap County locations.
The Schooner Lavengro is offering Free Public Sails monthly from the Port of Brownsville. February and March sails filled up quickly, but more information will be forthcoming on additional sailing opportunities. Please call 206.577.7233 for more information.
The Northwest Schooner Society provides a unique opportunity for teens and adults to experience a piece of American history. It's a non-profit, tax exempt organization, founded in 1994 to allow more people to experience the excitement and challenge of old-fashioned seamanship, twenty-four hours a day.
For more information on the Schooner Lavengro, please email
