September 20, 2016

Charleston Classics Named "Most Outstanding Charter Experience" by local Concierge Group

September 20, 2016/ Jonathan Ramaci

After a careful inspection of Colleen, her history and experiencing a delightful cruise on Colleen, a group consisting of Charleston's finest Concierges named Colleen and her crew the "Most Outstanding Charter Experience Available in Charleston."

To receive these accolades from such a discerning group means everything to our team. It is also a celebration of the exceptional service and experiences we deliver to our guests. A warm thank you goes out not only to this fine group of guests but to our exceptional Captain and Crew.

October 20, 2015

Local Wedding Planners Charter Colleen "An Amazingly Fun & Elegant Experience" Had by All

October 20, 2015/ Jonathan Ramaci

A group of Charleston's Premier Wedding Planners recently enjoyed a wonderul afternoon aboard Colleen. We explained the elegant history of this yacht and how she could be used in Rehearsals, Weddings and Reception Delivery. Champagne and strawberrys dipped in chocolate were enjoyed by all while cruising by The Battery on a sun-filled day.

Needless to say, a wonderful time was had by all and the ideas were flowing. "Draping Colleen with flowers while delivering a bride and groom to their reception would provide for the grandest of entrances", commented one planner. The analogy of a couple setting out on their journey of a life together was added by another. Having the parents of the bride a groom share a cruise together aboard such an elegant and timeless yacht while enjoying all that Charleston has to offer was yet another of many ideas.

Please contact us for more information regarding our custom tailored wedding solutions. Colleen would love to be a part of your most special day!

Charleston Classics

Colleen's Unique History

The Motor Yacht Colleen is only 1 of 25 Blanchard Raised Deck Cruisers ever built by Blanchard Boat Works in Seattle. There are less than 10 surviving in existence today and Colleen is the only Blanchard in the South Eastern United States. She is a rare and magnificent example of American Maritime History.

The motor yacht Colleen, a Lake Union Dreamboat, was commissioned by Mr. D.L.Webster II in 1928 and was built by the N.J. Blanchard Boat Co. on Lake Union in Seattle, Washington. Colleen was launched at the Blanchard yard in June 1929.

Mr. Webster, Dean of Physics at Stanford University, selected the Blanchard 36, designed by Naval Architect Leigh Coolidge, for its handsome well proportioned lines and sea keeping capabilities. Leigh Coolidge was an accomplished designer, and a contemporary of Ted Geary another talented Naval Architect of the period. Coolidge and Geary collaborated on a number of designs. Coolidge is probable best known for his outstanding design of the 128 ft Miki tugs. Many of these strikingly handsome vessels were built of local wood in west coast shipyards and were much admired for their graceful lines, comfort and sea keeping ability.

From Colleen's launch in 1929 until the declaration of War in 1941, Mr. Webster, his wife and four children cruised aboard Colleen every summer on the British Columbia coast and Alaska. The family would journey from San Francisco to Seattle where they would board Colleen, kept at the Blanchard boatyard. Over the years the Webster family cruised the Strait of Georgia and its many inlets, Johnston Straits and the central coast including the Queen Charlotte Islands and on to the glaciers in Alaska. They also circumnavigated Vancouver Island.

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Charleston Classics

Colleen's Unique History