The Schooner Utopia tours post-war Europe in 1948

FOLLOW US --------------------------------------------------- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559312643639 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/svutopia/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/svutopia/ Website: https://www.utopia1946.com Article: The following is taken from the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, February 25th, 1948 article about Utopia's crew member describing the journey around post war Europe. Crew member describes six-mounth vagabond junket of the 65-foot schooner Utopia Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, February 25th, 1948. Wednesday, February 25th, 1948. The lure of adventure is as strong today as before the war, and men still answer the call of far horizons. Keith Roberts, son of John Roberts, 1021 3rd Street South, has just returned from a six-month cruise of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, reminiscent of the pre-war vagabond junkets of Richard Halliburton. Roberts was a member of the 11-man amateur crew of the 65-foot schooner Utopia, which sailed the Atlantic, circled the Mediterranean, backtracked across the South Atlantic, and wound up with a leisurely cruise through the Caribbean. It was a trip, says Roberts, that proves that an extended vacation cruise need not be a luxury reserved only for the rich. Spain, the country in which Roberts was particularly interested, still lies uneasy under the hand of dictator Franco. People talk of politics only in whispers, even in the security of their own homes, he reported. While in Spain, Roberts stayed at the home of a Spanish family and had an opportunity to observe more of the life of the country that can be seen ordinarily by a tourist. "Marks of War remain" On the beach at Anzio, rusted hulks of landing craft can still be seen and many houses are still in ruins three and a half years after the bloody end run by which the 5th US Army sought to capture Rome. Even today, Roberts reports landmines still remain along the sides of the road running from Anzio to Rome. Anzio, today is one of the strongholds of Italian communism. Red neckerchiefs are almost standard apparel for the well-dressed Anzian and the Communist Party not only operates openly but is one of the strongest in that coastal area of Italy. Rome, some 30 miles inland from communist Anzio, has more well-dressed men and women than most of the European cities Roberts observed. Yet though new clothes and new autos are abundant, children still pick up cigarette butts. Roberts sums up his observations of post-war Europe something like this, people with money find life in Europe as good as ever, food is plentiful for those who can pay the price, and starvation is not apparent, at least on the surface. About the Schooner Utopia: The historic Great Lakes schooner Utopia, built in 1946, offers a fascinating glimpse into maritime history. Originally from Sturgeon Bay, you can now find Utopia in Manitowoc, Wisconsin! Dockside visitors can explore this beautifully crafted vessel, which was designed by Fred J. Peterson of Peterson Builders, Inc. in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and built in 1946. Utopia's unique features include a steel double bottom for strength, wooden hull sides for warmth, and twin Detroit diesel engines. Visitors can marvel at her elegant lines, learn about her global circumnavigation, and appreciate the craftsmanship that has kept her sailing for decades. Utopia currently resides under the stewardship of the her new owners based in Manitowoc Wisconsin, where it continues to inspire curiosity and passion for the Great Lakes among learners of all ages.