Raising Our Mizzen Sail After 20 Years | Sailing Alaska’s Inside Passage

For the first time in nearly 20 years, we removed the cover and raised the mizzen sail aboard our steel schooner Alaskan Gypsy. This 775 square foot mizzen was built in 1993 by Mariner Sails in Ketchikan, Alaska. The original owners launched Gypsy in 1992 and invested in hand-sewn 12 oz cloth, bolt rope and rings, and two reef rows. Since the early 2000s, this sail had been sitting quietly under its weathered cover. Until now. On a rare calm February day in Alaska’s Inside Passage, we finally hoisted it. Four sails flying. Snow on the mountains. Glassy water. And for the first time, we saw what this tall ship truly looks like under canvas. We’re learning to sail a five-sail steel schooner in Southeast Alaska. Some days bring wind. Some days bring mechanical troubleshooting. This day brought both — and a reminder of why we’re doing this in the first place. Grateful for the builders. Grateful for the history. Grateful for the chance to carry it forward. ⛵ Boat: Steel Schooner Alaskan Gypsy 📍 Location: Alaska’s Inside Passage 🎥 First drone footage with four sails raised ⚓ Living aboard and learning as we go If you love real sailing life, Alaska cruising, and tall ship dreams brought back to life, subscribe and come along. 00:00 Welcome Aboard Alaskan Gypsy 00:14 The 1993 Mizzen Sail History 01:53 How Long Has This Sail Been Covered? 02:29 First Time the Cover Comes Off 03:53 First Look at the Mizzen 07:21 Hoisting the Mainsail & Mizzen Setup 12:36 Four Sails Flying (Drone Footage) 13:49 Searching for Wind in Snow Pass 17:02 Engine Fuel Shutoff Issue 18:32 Troubleshooting the Problem 20:26 Back Underway 22:09 Sails Down & Heading to Anchorage 23:03 First Day Reflections Under Power 25:17 Wrapping Up the Day