First Yacht

John Wayne returns to the Pacific Northwest! The Norwester, John Wayne’s first yacht, is a piece of our own history officially anchored as of July 9, 2016 in beautiful La Conner, Washington.

The 76-foot yacht has been renovated and restored as a museum, showcasing items owned by “the Duke” as well an assortment of antiques and actual props used in his movies. Visit the Norwester and experience a “live” time capsule of Washington’s shared history with the legendary actor and producer John Wayne. “Tomorrow hopes we have learned something from yesterday.”

Grand Opening July 9th at 1:00 – Gilkey Square (Just off Morris and First on the Boardwalk)

CEREMONY HIGHLIGHTS

Kim Darby | True Grit

Appearance and autograph signing with actor Kim Darby of the original “True Grit” film starring John Wayne.

MUSIC PERFORMANCES

HONOR GUARD AND 21 GUN SALUTE

LA CONNER’S MAYOR RAMON HAYES

BOB WILLIAM, LOCAL ARTIST KNOWN FOR THE FAMOUS JOHN WAYNE MUGS AROUND THE WORLD.

BOAT TOASTING –

In lieu of a champagne bottle christening, there will be a toast to John Wayne and The Norwester with a bottle of John Wayne bourbon using the decanter and shot glasses from John Wayne’s last movie “The Shootist”