Hauling Lost Dreams
Over the years, Smokey Point Dist., has had the opportunity and pleasures of transporting some unique, historic, remarkable and valuable loads.
Does anyone remember that we hauled the sailboat mast for the original Pirates of the Caribbean movie from Washington to California? How about Lear Jet #37, owned by Frank Sinatra? It was used regularly for the “Rat Pack” to travel to and from Las Vegas and Los Angeles. On one occasion, Frank loaned it to Elvis and Prescilla Presly for their honeymoon. We hauled that jet from a warehouse in Las Vegas to the Arlington Flight Museum and now it is on display in Everett. Incidentally, we have hauled many props for the movie industry.
We have supported the United States Armed Forces and transported critical vehicles to Ports for transport over seas. Four years ago, we transported the Americas Cup sailing yacht for its main sponsors, BMW and Oracle. We continue to move many parts for their newest yacht which continues practice heats in the San Diego area. We have transported numerous antiques including cars, trucks, tractors, boats and planes.
I know we could mention so many more. It really makes you think about what we have done over the years and the memories we will have, not to mention the relationships.
Most recently we were contacted by 81 year old Don Cohan. Mr. Cohan won a Bronze Metal for the United States in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, for yacht sailing in the Dragon Class. Mr. Cohan also has the distinction of being the oldest person to win a metal in the Sailing Class. The vessel that Mr. Cohan and his partner sailed won the U.S. Championship and many regattas all over the world. This vessel has obviously become very sentimental to him.
He lost track of the vessel over the years and it ultimately ended up in a marina in Seattle, WA. It sat many years and started to deteriorate, but still had the presence of a great sailing hull. Mr. Cohan in searching for her found her in this serious state of disrepair here in Seattle. He was able to purchase the vessel from its current owner. He had no idea who to call to get her home in Philadelphia, PA. He talked to many different people and ultimately he was directed to call Mark Ross at SPD. We were able to come to an agreement to haul this boat back to Philadelphia, where he expects to restore the boat back to its original 1972 Olympic condition and then provide it to a museum where it can viewed and enjoyed by many Americans for years to come.
Here is some pictures of the vessel in its current condition.
It doesn’t look like much, but has a much storied history and will once again be a grand vessel once the restoration is complete.
So now we can have the distinction of adding another piece of American History, an Olympic Bronze Metal sailing vessel, to what we have already hauled over the years. We are proud and privileged to offer our services for this venture. I guess it goes to show, “you never know what the next phone call may bring.”
Thanks to all the Professional SPD Drivers how have hauled these valuable loads over the years. Your attention to details is a big part of our success! Thanks so much