Menu
Log in
Forgot password

Whidbey Island Maritime Heritage Foundation

Maritime Heritage and Sail Tours on Whidbey Island

Log in

 

Photo by Gary Mathieson    

Whidbey Island Maritime Heritage Foundation (WIMHF) was established to preserve the maritime heritage of Coupeville, Penn Cove and Whidbey Island through education and public awareness.

The WIMHF proudly owns and operates the schooner Suva whose carefully trained volunteer docents and crew members operate the vessel in accordance with Coast Guard requirements for inspected small passenger vessels. Whidbey Island enjoys a rich maritime history with stories dating back to the late 1700’s. Our mission is to gather and share them while creating new ones for the future.

To learn more about joining the WIMHF, please visit our Membership page. If you would like to make a donation to help the Foundation achieve these goals, please visit our Donation page.

THE "NAUTICAL NORTHWEST" CHARITABLE LICENSE PLATE

In 2024, WIMHF, in partnership with Historic Whidbey, started a petition to add a custom charitable license plate to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) selection. Senate Bill 5444 was signed by the Governor in 2025, and these plates will be available from the DOL website later in 2026.  

Proceeds from the program will be shared equally between WIMHF and Historic Whidbey, both 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. These funds will support public heritage programming on board the s/v Suva and at the 1866 Haller House in Coupeville. You can learn more at www.historicwhidbey.org  

Our Educational & Outreach Effort

  • Charter Sail for 3rd graders from Coupeville Elementary School on Wednesday June 6th, 10-12 noon, and a History Sail with Docent on Saturday June 6th at 1 PM in conjunction with the Coupeville town's 250th anniversary.

Schooner Suva

2026 Sailing Schedule

TICKET SALE

All scheduled sailings are approximately 2 hours, and depart from the Coupeville Wharf at 24 Front St NW, Coupeville WA 98249.

  • Fridays: About 5:30 PM, Varies depending on sunset
  • Saturday: 1:00-3:00 PM
  • Sundays: 1:00-3:00 PM

SUVA LISTED AS A HISTORIC PLACE

Check out the Nomination of Schooner Suva to the National Register of Historic Places. 

It offers a fascinating documentation of the vessel, including its history, period of significance, detailed technical specifications and the colorful personalities associated with the schooner. 



  • SUVA Featured in Whidbey News-Times

    05/20/2026 5:20 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    "Schooner of dreams: 101-year-old ship sails the Salish Sea" SUVA was featured in the Whidbey News-Times on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Check out the news article at  

    https://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/2026/05/19/schooner-of-dreams-101-year-old-ship-sails-the-salish-sea/

  • Coupeville Historic Waterfront

    01/19/2026 2:05 PM | Chris Bradley (Administrator)

    WIMHF is a proud member of the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association.  Check it out....

    https://www.coupevillehistoricwaterfront.com/


JOIN US

VOLUNTEER

DONATE

CONTACT




Whidbey Island  Maritime Heritage Foundation (WIMHF)  is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our Mission is to create awareness of the maritime heritage of Whidbey Island, Coupeville, and Penn Cove  through the promotion, preservation and education of its maritime  traditions. ©2026 



. 






Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software