The deep water ports of Key West and constant ocean breezes provide excellent conditions for sailing ships of all sizes. From recreational boaters to large sailing yachts and schooners to sleek ocean racers, the Key West waters are sought after by sailors around the world.
The Schooner Western Union was first launched off the docks in Key West on April 7, 1939 and was a working schooner for 35 years as a cable tender for the Western Union Telegraph Company. Now owned by a privately funded Preservation Society, after more than two years in restoration it was re-commissioned in April 2011 and put back into service for public day sails and re-turning to its rightful place as the flagship of the Conch Republic.
The Schooner Western Union was first launched off the docks in Key West on April 7, 1939 and was a working schooner for 35 years as a cable tender for the Western Union Telegraph Company. Now owned by a privately funded Preservation Society, after more than two years in restoration it was re-commissioned in April 2011 and put back into service for public day sails and re-turning to its rightful place as the flagship of the Conch Republic.