The flag of Chula Vista will soon be flying in Chula Vista Harbor, and the tall ship carrying the banner will be hard to miss.
The Bill of Rights, a 136-foot long tall ship docked in the Chula Vista Harbor, has been named by council as the official tall ship of the city.
Council member Jill Galvez, who designated the Bill of Rights at a city council meeting on April 9, said it is a unique honor to bestow.
“Not many cities can boast that they have an official tall ship and we do and it’s something that we’re all very proud of,” she said.
The Bill of Rights was built in 1971 and designed in the same way that ships would been built during the 1850’s.
“Some cities have an official bird or tree, we have an official tall ship, which is entirely appropriate given the fact that we have two marinas in Chula Vista and our Bayfront is a jewel that is about to be revealed to the world,” Galvez said.
The designation does not provide any financial benefits to the ship, which will continue to operate independently from the city.
The Bill of Rights was acquired by Susan and Don Johnson from the Los Angeles Maritime Museum around five years ago, and they have been using the ship as part of a nonprofit organization which participates in charity events and helps educate US Navy Sea Cadets on how to sail.
The vessel also takes part in Tall Ship festivals and hosts cruise opportunities for the public.
Don Johnson is the captain of the Bill, as well as the president of the South Bayfront Sailing Association, and he said the city’s recognition was meaningful.
“It’s an endorsement, the city of Chula Vista feels this is a worthy effort and a good cause and supports the Bill,” he said. “We consider it an honor and a privilege, it’s been something that we have had in mind for a number of years.”
Don Johnson said the goal for the future is to expand their sailing programs to include at-risk youth and school kids, in addition to corporate charters.
Currently, the Bill will take 20 US Navy Sea Cadets, along with four leaders and eight crew, up to Catalina for a one-week excursion that helps train the future servicemen how to sail and work as a team.
“We anchor and we teach them the process of living and sailing aboard a traditional style vessel,” Don Johnson said. “It’s very much a team effort, there are no power winches, everything is done by hand. When we’re raising the main sail it takes 14 people working together to get that particular sail raised. So everyone has to depend on each other and work together.”
In addition to the Bill of Rights, the sailing organization has around 20 smaller vessels, which are also used to teach sailing to youth.
An opportunity to check out the Bill of Rights up-close is on April 27-28, during Chula Vista Maritime Week, hosted at the Chula Vista Marina.
