Restoration Phases & Funding
Yankee is a 1906 William Frank Stone schooner—one of the oldest surviving wooden racing yachts on San Francisco Bay. The Foundation was formed to complete her restoration and return her to active sailing condition. This is not a rescue, a beautification, or a modernization—it is a completion project. The most technically demanding structural work is already behind us.
Every decision is guided by what it takes to make her seaworthy, structurally sound, and safe to sail—with the hull integrity, rig, and systems to race, cruise, and train crews in Bay conditions. Cosmetic refinement and interior finish come later, and largely through volunteer hands. What remains is verification, completion, and reassembly—structured as deliberate phases, each with a clear purpose, scope, and funding target.
Survey, Stabilization & Restart
$10,000 ✓ FundedYard intake, protective measures, a fresh condition survey of the hull and completed work, verification of stored spars and components, and production of a realistic, buildable work list. Work begins soon.
Phase budgets for Phases 2–10 are preliminary estimates and will be refined following the detailed condition report produced in Phase 1.
Hull & Frame Completion
$10,000–$20,000The hull is watertight, but work remains. Complete the interrupted frame repairs and finish installing new laminated frames. Address any planking and fastening issues identified in the Phase 1 survey.
A fully sound hull structure, ready to accept clamps and shelves.
Clamps & Shelves
$15,000–$25,000Rebuild and install the clamps and shelves—the longitudinal structural members that tie frames to deck beams and carry the load of rails and bulwarks above. This is foundational joinery that must be right before anything above it can go on.
The structural platform for deck and topsides work is in place.
Deck Restoration
$30,000–$45,000A potentially extensive phase. Restore deck planking and structure, rebuild or replace deck beams as needed, and ensure the full deck can carry rig loads, hardware, and crew.
A sound, sealed deck.
Rails, Bulwarks & Exterior Joinery
$25,000–$35,000Reinstate toerails, bulwarks, covering boards, and exterior trim using the stockpiled Douglas fir. This is where she starts looking like a yacht again.
A complete exterior profile.
Cabin House & Cockpit
$15,000–$25,000Repair and restore the cabin house structure and cockpit—hatches, companionway, coamings, and the structural elements that define the living and working spaces on deck.
The on-deck structures are complete and watertight.
Deck Hardware & Essential Systems
$15,000–$25,000Reinstall deck hardware—cleats, blocks, chainplates—and address essential systems: engine, electrical, bilge pumps, and navigation lights, to a standard suited for a working and racing traditional yacht.
A functional vessel, ready for finishing and rig.
Caulking, Fairing & Finish
$10,000–$20,000Caulk all seams, fair the hull, prime and paint—topsides and bottom. The full exterior finish, from waterline to rail. Happens late in the project once structural and joinery work is complete.
A finished, painted yacht.
Spars & Rigging
$20,000–$30,000Inspect and step the two masts, five booms, and bowsprit—all already refinished and in professional storage. Install cable standing rigging and running rigging.
A fully rigged schooner.
Sails, Launch & Sea Trials
$10,000–$20,000Bend on the new North Sails suit, install canvas covers and safety equipment, launch, conduct sea trials, and secure a permanent berth.
Yankee under sail on San Francisco Bay.
Campaign goal (Phases 1–10): $160,000–$255,000
Every dollar funds professional craft, materials, and berthing—not overhead, not salaries. Each phase unlocking the next.
Contributions fund professional shipwright labor, marine-grade timber and bronze fasteners, rigging and sail work, berthing and yard fees, and marine survey and insurance. A small portion covers necessary administrative costs, but the overwhelming majority goes directly to the work that will return Yankee to the water.
Tax-Deductible Giving
All contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
EIN: 84-1776838
Beyond the Campaign
Interior Restoration $10,000–$20,000 (materials)
With Yankee sailing again, attention turns below—cabin, galley, berths, and interior brightwork. Funded for materials only. The labor will be carried out by Foundation volunteers and skilled members contributing their time and craft.
Endowment: Sustaining Yankee $150,000+ (ongoing goal)
A permanent fund to house and maintain Yankee for the long term. Annual costs—berthing, insurance, haul-out, bottom paint, and routine upkeep—run approximately $25,000–$35,000 per year. The endowment ensures future stewards are never forced to defer maintenance or find emergency funding. This is how she sails for another century.
How to Give
By Check
Make checks payable to West Coast Seafaring Society with “Yankee Restoration” in the memo line. Mail to:
Golden Gate Wooden Boat Foundation (GGWBF)
PO Box [coming soon]
San Francisco, CA
Wire Transfer or Stock Gift
For wire transfers, gifts of securities, or other arrangements, please contact us directly at info@ggwbf.org.
Questions?
We welcome conversations with prospective supporters. Reach us at info@ggwbf.org.