Irving Johnson (ship)
The Irving Johnson is a steel-hulled sailing vessel, a brigantine, designed by John G. Alden and built in 2002 by Bay Ship & Yacht Co. in Richmond, California. It is a tall ship used primarily for sail training and youth development programs, operated by the Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI).
The ship is named after Irving Johnson, a renowned sailor, adventurer, author, and educator who, along with his wife Exy, sailed the world seven times with amateur crews aboard their brigantine Yankee. The Irving Johnson was built to honor his legacy and to continue the tradition of providing young people with the opportunity to learn seamanship, teamwork, and leadership skills through hands-on experience at sea.
The Irving Johnson, along with its sister ship Exy Johnson, is a regular participant in tall ship festivals and events along the West Coast of the United States and serves as a floating classroom for students from diverse backgrounds. The ship's design incorporates modern safety features and technology while retaining the traditional appearance and handling characteristics of a classic sailing vessel. Its mission is to inspire and educate the next generation of mariners and to promote maritime heritage.