Friday, October 2, 2026
The City of Olympia Heritage Review Committee is weighing the potential removal of the Sandman tugboat from the local heritage register, as part of a proposed plan to salvage artifacts, document the vessel, and preserve its legacy before demolition.
At a committee meeting on Monday, April 13, Port of Olympia Community and Economic Director Mike Reid and Historic Maritime Foundation Executive Director Aaron LaPointe outlined the next steps for the 60-foot wooden tugboat.
The Sandman, also known as Sand Man, is listed on the Olympia Heritage Register, Washington State Heritage Register and National Register of Historic Places.
Reid said the vessel has deteriorated beyond the point of feasible repair after being out of the water for nearly three years. It was hauled off in May 2023 for routine maintenance while owned by the nonprofit Sandman Foundation. When it was brought out of the water, it was found to be in worse shape than anticipated.
The vessel was owned by the Sandman Foundation, a nonprofit formed to preserve it. After the foundation was dissolved, the vessel was left without an active owner and accumulated almost $30,000 in unpaid storage fees.
The Port of Olympia eventually took ownership through a legal process and attempted to auction the tugboat in July 2025, but received no bids.
The Sandman, now stored at Swantown Marina & Boatworks continues to decline and poses potential risks.
Despite this, Port of Olympia representatives expressed commitment to honoring the vessel’s historical significance.
“The last thing that the Port of Olympia would want to do is destroy a piece of working waterfront history,” said Reid to the committee.
LaPointe said his organization evaluated the tugboat, but determined that restoring it is financially unrealistic.
“Unless someone walks up with a million-dollar check, which I don’t think is going to happen, the vessel is preparing to meet its demise," he said.
LaPointe presented the preservation strategies that focus on salvaging part of the vessel for reuse and public display. He said components, such as the mast, engine and deck equipment, could be repurposed for other historic working vessels or installed in parks, museums or waterfront locations.
Other ideas include placing large artifacts, such as winches, in Olympia’s waterfront spaces with interpretive signage to allow public engagement with the vessel’s history even after its demolition.
LaPointe also proposed removing the tug’s wheelhouse and converting it into an interactive exhibit that could be displayed at local events and festivals, giving visitors a hands-on way to experience maritime history.
Other proposals include:
LaPointe committed the foundation’s videography resources to produce a narrated video and offered to host digital materials on the foundation’s website.
Before demolition can proceed, the tugboat must be formally removed from Olympia’s heritage register. Brittany Gillia, Historic Preservation Officer with Community Planning and Economic Development, said the process includes review by the Heritage Review Commission and final approval by the Olympia City Council.
She said the Heritage Review Commission would make a recommendation to the city council, which may include mitigation measures for the loss of the vessel.
Proposed measures include salvaging artifacts for public display, installing a plaque of remnant, holding a Harbor Days sendoff, and producing documentation.
The Port of Olympia is aiming to clear the site by the end of summer.
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Boatyarddog
The last thing that the Port of Olympia would want to do is destroy a piece of working waterfront history,” said Reid to the committee.
And this is the very reason that the port refuses to let go of its money losing marine terminal.
It is not a feasible business any longer. Due to environmental regulations, which is good for the south sound, the problem lies in the tradition of having a port.
Thursday, April 23 Report this
dayantis
My dad worked on the Sandman. It would be nice to have a painting of it. I understand that it can't be restored. There has to be a place where the stories of the Sandman can be preserved and displayed in Olympia lore.
Friday, April 24 Report this
Olyrkrgrrl
History is important. Sometimes it may seem boring...but the beauty of the Sand Man tug is something that might inspire many to consider things that are outside of the every day, leading the mind to creative thoughts and maybe new ideas. It is a sad say when the living history around us is simply erased and forgotten, leaving disconnection and hidden treasures that may never be discovered. There is something magical about Sand Man, I sure hope that some part of her will be preserved and serve future generations with stories and musings that spark new creations.
Friday, April 24 Report this
Boatyarddog
Olyrkrgrrl, this Port walked away from Sandman years prior, we knew it was in need of serious work and costs associated with its UP keep. The commission pondered its repair years ago and kicked the Sandman into a hole while other projects seemed more viable. The same 2 Commissioners that built the money pit Fueldock, as well caused the 1.3 million lawsuit for water quality violations made these horrendous decisions. We know who they are and they should have been run outta town because of it.
Thursday, May 7 Report this