Friday, October 2, 2026
The uncertain future of the Sandman tugboat, a historic vessel that could face demolition after years of deterioration, might get some clarity early next week.
The Olympia Heritage Review Commission is set to meet on Monday, April 13, at which time the group is going to take up the issue.
The Sandman is a 60-foot wooden tugboat. It is listed on the Olympia Heritage Register, Washington State Heritage Register and National Register of Historic Places.
According to a city staff report, the vessel was brought out of the water in May 2023 for repairs and was found to be in worse condition than anticipated.
A fact sheet from the Port of Olympia states the vessel’s prolonged dry storage caused the vessel’s wooden hull to shrink and weaken, creating a tipping hazard in the port's boatyard. The condition of the tugboat has raised concerns for workers, nearby equipment and infrastructure.
The vessel is owned by the Sandman Foundation, a nonprofit formed to preserve it.
The foundation fell behind on payments, accruing $28,966.66 in unpaid charges for storage and related services.
“Despite efforts by Port staff to resolve the issue collaboratively, no payment plan or preservation strategy materialized,” the Port said. “The vessel has become a public liability, necessitating action to protect Port staff, tenants, and infrastructure.”
Following a process under Revised Code of Washington 53.08.320, which outlines how ports may impound and dispose of derelict or abandoned vessels, the Port of Olympia impounded the vessel and put it up for auction on July 23, 2025.
The Sandman was listed with a starting value of $10,000 and offered as-is. However, no bids were received.
Port representatives have expressed a commitment to preserving the Sandman’s cultural and historical significance, stating they remain open to working with nonprofit or maritime preservation groups capable of restoring and maintaining the vessel.
At the April 13 meeting, Port of Olympia Commmunity and Economic Development Director Mike Reid and Aaron LaPointe, of Historic Maritime Foundation, are expected to present information and discuss potential options for the tugboat.
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TheVirtualOne
Demolish it. We don’t need to keep more old junk at taxpayers expense. Too much money already being spent on unnecessary things.
Friday, April 10 Report this
Boatyarddog
Ditto, Even Parthia is a Waste.
Come on , you got the boat the space, and the money..
Why is it not seen yet?
Pull the plug already.
Friday, April 10 Report this
Olyrkrgrrl
It's a sad thing that the Sandman is is such bad shape. The boat holds a lot of Olympia history, and she is beautiful. The things people value, versus not value...it's just too bad that nobody paid attention to her until it was too late. Still such a classic sight, I wish she was still seaworthy!
Friday, April 10 Report this
JulesJames
Maritime heritage is tremendously expensive. If you can't generate interest and revenue from public cruises, chances of seaworthy restoration are super-slim. Gaining Coast Guard certification for a tug boat to convert to a common carrier isn't a task for enthusiastic amatuers.
Saturday, April 11 Report this
jimlazar
Wooden boats are generally holes in the water that you pour money into.
The Sandman is no exception.
Maybe it can be placed in the outside area of the Hands On Children's Museum, and kids can play Captain Puget or Tugboat Teresa on it.
Saturday, April 11 Report this
TheGreatAnon
I like the Sandman. She is a wonderful example of boat building from bygone times that should be preserved but her days afloat are at an end.
Saturday, April 11 Report this
KEW100
I believe the Sandman will become random atoms in the universe soon. One way to preserve aspects of it is to create a digital trail/story/model. The Sandman can hold those memories in visuals, stories, historical documents, etc. Sure, it is just another website, but currently it is just another wooden boat destined for releasing its atoms into the universe.
I believe creating a virtual Sandman will be less expensive/extensive that creating a digital nation. Tuvula also has a future that destines it to no longer being a physical space for people.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20241121-tuvalu-the-pacific-islands-creating-a-digital-nation-in-the-metaverse-due-to-climate-change
Saturday, April 11 Report this
Snevets
So the space they've created for its final resting place by the Farmer's Market is now moot?
Saturday, April 11 Report this
Boatyarddog
@Snevets, That space, is supposedly for Parthia a sister ship. These old Icons of Olympias past are just trapping Old sentiments of a bygone Marine Age that this Port Administration needs to let go of. Including The Marine Terminal and it's Continuing LOSS of Millions per year in revenue. Started by Joe Dowing, And Bill McGregor, the FUEL Dock was the first BIG Mistake.
Saturday, April 11 Report this
Boatyarddog
No one in Their right Mind leaves a Wooden Boat out of the water for very long. They never planned to repair or refloat it. It was a Ruse!
Saturday, April 11 Report this
Person of Interest
It is time to let the Sandman go. Trying to preserve the boat is just not a rational move given the boat’s condition and the cost involved.
Saturday, April 11 Report this