Spirit of Dana Point
2026 Featured Boat
The History
The Spirit of Dana Point was inspired by the swift privateer schooners of the late 18th century, vessels that played a vital role during the American Revolution and were prized for their speed, versatility, and ability to outmaneuver larger ships. Rather than existing as a static display, the ship was created to bring that era of American seafaring to life as a fully functioning vessel.
That vision was taken on by Dennis Holland, who set out to build an authentic replica using historical research rather than modern shortcuts. Working from original plans sourced through the Smithsonian Institution, he began construction in 1970 in Orange County. What followed was over a decade of hands-on craftsmanship, where traditional shipbuilding techniques shaped every part of the vessel.
When the schooner was finally launched in the early 1980s, it stood as more than a replica, it was a revival of maritime tradition. Originally named Pilgrim of Newport, the vessel was later renamed the Spirit of Dana Point, continuing its journey as both a sailing ship and a living connection to America’s nautical past.
Today
Today, the
Spirit of Dana Point is more than just a historic vessel. It’s an immersive, hands-on sailing experience. Guests can step aboard and experience California’s coastline much like early explorers did. Visitors have the opportunity to:
Help raise sails and handle lines.
Take a turn at the helm.
Learn traditional sailing techniques.
Or simply relax and enjoy the experience of tall ship sailing.
The schooner serves as a dynamic educational platform, offering living history programs where students and participants experience life at sea as it has been for centuries.
The Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival
Stop and visit the
Spirit of Dana Point on the festival’s main docks. Step aboard and experience life at sea as it was during the age of tall ships, as the crew highlights the ship’s design, history, and role in bringing 18th-century seafaring to life. Take in the craftsmanship on deck, learn how the vessel sails, and discover what it was like to navigate the coast centuries ago.
Boat Facts
- The Spirit of Dana Point is a full-scale schooner designed to mirror the performance and proportions of 18th-century privateer vessels, combining historical accuracy with modern seaworthiness.
- Stretching 118 feet in length, the ship is built to harness wind power efficiently, with a tall rig and expansive sail plan that gives it both speed and responsiveness on the water. Its design reflects the practical needs of its historical counterparts of ships that relied on agility and sail power rather than size or firepower.
- Although rooted in the past, the vessel was constructed in the late 20th century using carefully selected materials and traditional methods, allowing it to function as an operational ship rather than a static exhibit. Every element onboard (from the rigging to the deck layout) supports both sailing performance and hands-on learning.
