SEATTLE — "All aboard!" shouts Jeff Wilson.
It's anchor's aweigh for the former tile industry businessman. Wilson is finding his true bearing here aboard the Hiyu, a retired Washington State Ferry vessel.
"I went out and took a look at it and I was like, oh my gosh, are you kidding me?" Wilson recalls. "There is no way I'm gonna get involved with that project."
But, like a siren of the sea, the Hiyu seduced this would-be sailor.
He says, "It's an iconic piece of history here."
Wilson purchased the vessel and put together a team to transform it.
"It needed to be repainted. There was a lot of rust," he says. "Took us about six months just to handle the paint job."
That was just the start. They added an on-deck food trailer and fully loaded 22-foot culinary kitchen. This former rust bucket is now a ship-shape event space.
Wilson highlights the Hiyu's versatility. "Corporate events, we're doing weddings, we're doing birthdays."
There's even an on-board tiki bar, carefully researched down to the last detail.
Artistic Director David Crellin says, "We made sure that we were being respectful to that genre and that kind of vibe, and feel like we really nailed it."
The party-worthy rig is also very seaworthy.
"This vessel is fully operational," Wilson says. "It's able to go around Lake Washington, Lake Union, through the locks."
Jeff Wilson says his journey has just begun.
"I really think what I've done is the right thing."
He looks forward to the Hiyu bringing high spirits to the high seas for decades to come.
"Come join the party." Wilson says. "Let's do it."
You can book the Hiyu as a unique event space for your next party.
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