We purchased EMMELINE in 1997 and relocated the boat from Bremerton to Port Townsend. At that time, the boat exhibited extensive deferred maintenance and neglect and was in dire need of major restoration work.

In spite of the condition of the boat, we recognized her potential. As we dug into the project, we realized how original the boat was and decided to keep it true to its original design as we proceeded with the restoration work. Our perception was confirmed when a friend stumbled onto a copy of Geary's original design drawings.

Our work on EMMELINE to repair and restore structures and upgrade systems has been done with a goal to acknowledge and preserve the historical nature of this classic vessel. Our success in these efforts has been satisfying. In 2006, EMMELINE was accepted into the Classic Yacht Association's Pacific Northwest Fleet in their Historic Vessel Register, and we have enjoyed being members of the CYA since then (www.classicyacht.org). EMMELINE has participated in numerous events, including many festivals at the Center for Wooden Boats (where she was awarded "Best Local Build"), two appearances at the CYA's Bell Harbor Rendezvous, and as a featured vessel at the 100th Anniversary of Lake Union Drydock Company in 2019. For many years, EMMELINE served as the photography boat for wooden boat races in Port Townsend.

Along with other classic Lake Union vessels WINIFRED and MARIAN II, EMMELINE was featured in an article by Lawrence W. Cheek in WoodenBoat Magazine (“Dreamboats of Seattle,” Vol. 277, Nov./Dec. 2020) and was pictured in an article on HistoryLink article by John Caldbick in June 2017 (“Builders of Classic Boats, Lake Union, Seattle”).