first owners
First owners – Susie & Fred Wolki and Fred & Lucy Carpenter with family.
“North Star, later North Star of Herschel Island, a 57 foot wooden sloop, was ordered by two inuvialuit fur trappers, Fred Carpenter and James (Jim) Wolki and built in San Francisco in 1935. She was transported to the North on Pedersen’s boat, Patterson. She was designed from suggests by the two Inuk men by Ole Andressen who would later go on to become first mate aboard the RCMP patrol vessel, St. Roch.
With a hull shaped like a clipper ship, the new North Star served for many years as an Arctic supply ship, travelling to and from Banks Island.”
Discover the entire history of the boat in the books North Star of Herschel Island and Sisters of the Ice.
Watch videos about North Star.
second owners
2nd owner: Sven Johansson
“She was purchased by her second owner in 1967 and refit for navigation in the Beaufort Sea. From 1968 until 1973 she was used for scientific investigations in the Arctic Ocean. Subsequent voyages included a charter by the Canadian government under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau to survey the British Columbia Alaska boundary. Other trips included ecological adventures, sail training and a Cambridge University scientific voyage to search for mermaids.”
Discover the entire history of the boat in the books North Star of Herschel Island and Sisters of the Ice.
Watch videos about North Star.
third owners
Third owners – Bruce and Sheila Macdonald.
North Star was the home of her third owners for 28 years who logged thousand of miles on the west coast of Canada and the USA. During this time, she was also available as a way of educating people about Arctic history such as for school group tours and historical societies. She has participated in classic and wooden boat shows.
Discover the entire history of the boat in the books North Star of Herschel Island and Sisters of the Ice.
Watch videos about North Star.
FOURTH owner
Fourth owner – June Victoria Harrison.
In August 2023, June Victoria Harrison bought the North Star. As a passionate boater and lover of the sea, June cultivated a profound appreciation for the ship and her storied history through extensive time spent at Heritage Harbour and the Vancouver Maritime Museum. Enthralled by the vessel's charm, she is spearheading her restoration and has gathered a team of experts in wooden boat renovation. This committed group initiated their work in late October 2023, embarking on a long journey to restore the North Star to its former glory.
Discover the entire history of the boat in the books North Star of Herschel Island and Sisters of the Ice.
Watch videos about North Star.