Humanities in the Harbor, a monthly lecture series that explores unique and engaging topics for the Gig Harbor community, will continue in June as The Community Boat Project’s Shelly Randall and the Felicity Ann sail into Gig Harbor.

On Wednesday, June 27th at 6:00 p.m., Randall will share the story of Ann Davison (1914-1992), the first woman to sail solo across the Atlantic Ocean. It is a story of tragedy and triumph, of love and adventure, and of incredible determination in the face of adversity.

This FREE presentation will tell the story of an indomitable woman conquering the Atlantic Ocean without the aid of modern conveniences such as sat-navs, constant radio communication and an on-hand support team. Davison achieved this feat in 1952 in a little 23-foot, wooden-hulled sloop built in Cornwall, UK named Felicity Ann.

Randall's presentation is part of Felicity Ann’s “Victory Lap” voyage around the Salish Sea with an all-women crew. Recently restored at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding, Felicity Ann is calling at eight ports over three weeks to share her “floating story.” Along with Gig Harbor, Felicity Ann will be visiting Port Ludlow, Edmonds, Poulsbo, Port Orchard, Bremerton, Bainbridge, and Seattle.

How Ann Davison and "Felicity Ann" Sailed Into Women's History will detail the adventurous life of Felicity Ann's record-breaking sailor and how her boat ended up in Port Hadlock to begin a new life as a sailing platform to inspire and empower us all — but especially women and girls.

Ann Davison and Felicity Ann after accomplishing their historic solo sail.

The public is invited down to the Jerisich Public Dock to view Felicity Ann, which is now home-ported in Port Hadlock under the care of the Community Boat Project, a maritime educational nonprofit organization. Crew members will be on hand to facilitate below-deck tours and answer questions during formal “open hours” from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Humanities in the Harbor attendees will also be invited to visit the Felicity Ann following Randall's presentation.

Humanities in the Harbor is held at Harbor History Museum, 4121 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor, WA 98332. 

Admission is FREE, but donations are gratefully accepted.

Questions and inquiries may be directed to Zachary Sokolik, Marketing & Events Coordinator at Harbor History Museum at marketing@harborhistorymuseum.org.