MV GYRFALCON

The Gyrfalcon is an 88-foot fantail, designed by H.C. Hanson, a noted Northwest naval architect and protégé of Ted Geary . Built in 1941 by Sagstad Marine of Ballard, she was launched as the Patton (ASV 80), an auxiliary survey vessel for the US Coast and Geodesic Survey (USC&GS). Her draft is 8.5 feet and her beam is 21 1/2 ft.

For 25 years, the Patton conducted hydrography surveys in the Aleutians and southeast Alaska. At the end of each season, she returned to Seattle for repairs and refitting. Her moment of WWII glory occurred on August 13, 1944, when she rescued the crew of a B-24 Liberator that had crash-landed on the far western Aleutian island of Ilak. She was also recruited by Navy ships to search for sunken seaplanes.

After the 1967 season, the ship was decommissioned and sold at public auction. She has had 5 owners and several different names over the last 50 years.

We purchased the boat in 2012, and have spent the last several years completing extensive repairs and renovations to boat – both inside and out. We are proud to be able to now share this piece of unique maritime history with you.

Captain Nancy has conducted extensive research on the history of the Gyrfalcon, both as a government vessel and a private yacht. She has produced several documents and You Tube videos that she will be happy to share with you during your voyage.