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With suitable precautions and limited numbers, M/V Lotus is now open for tours most Saturdays and Sundays at Lake Union Park in Seattle, Washington.
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 In Memoriam, Dan Helman, 1956 - 2020
"You have stepped back in time..."
Those were the first words that thousands and thousands of people heard when they stepped aboard the Lotus over the years, the stately old salon filled with the dulcet tones of Dan Helman, sitting in his customary spot at one end of the settee, a warm smile on his face and a gleam in his eye. Telling new visitors the story of Lotus was among his favorite things, and he knew that story as well as anyone now still alive.
Dan was an active and key part of the Lotus family for more than 30 years, including terms as the Treasurer and Executive Director and he's left his mark on the Foundation and all of us here, and remains a part of the heart and soul of the boat, and a lasting influence on all of us here, along with all those many visitors and guests for whom he was the face and voice of Lotus. You can read more of our remembrances of Dan and his contributions on a special page on our website. |
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Lotus Deck Project Kickoff!
The MV Lotus Foundation was fortunate to receive a Heritage Capital Project grant from the State of Washington and are getting started with this important work! This is an appropriate time to dig in as we have few visitors or overnight guests and the winter season is traditionally slower on the boat. The project is to replace the perimeter subfloor and decking on the upper deck of the Lotus, which has slowly been rotting in our soggy Pacific Northwest winters over the years. This is the outdoor space you've experienced if you have ever done a tour, stayed aboard overnight or attended an event on Lotus. This is a major project for the MV Lotus and requires a cost share of over $25,000 with a total project cost around $75,000! Our dedicated volunteers will also provide many hours of donated labor. We would so appreciate your support with funding for this project. You can contribute by visiting our Webpage: MVLotus.org, and using the Donate button!
We started the project in early September with exploratory cuts in two places above the galley to get a sense of the extent of rot and required wood replacement. Currently, a new beam for the edge of the galley roof/upper deck floor has been cut and will soon be in place. We are also determining the appropriate grade and dimensions of fir to use for the tongue and groove floor/ceiling replacement. We especially thank our volunteers who are contributing their time to this project: Dan Helman, Christian Gruye, Ben Bruns, Mark Stout, Heidi Herendeen, Jonathan Tune, and Cheri Sayer. Stay tuned for updates on our progress!
Welcome to our New On-Board Steward, Jonathan Tune!
Jonathan Tune Ben Bruns
  The MV Lotus always has a live-aboard steward who cares for the boat, takes care of the guests, makes the beds, does the laundry, paints the decks, does tours of the boat, and so many other things necessary to keep her safe and well-cared for. Benjamin Bruns was aboard for about 2 years, 2018-2020, and recently left the position to begin his construction career. Fortunately, he is still a volunteer for Lotus and Secretary of the Foundation Board so we haven't lost his excellent skills and knowledge. Thank you Ben, for your dedication to Lotus!
Jonathan Tune has replaced Ben as the live-aboard steward and comes to us well-versed in boats, as he has one of his own (a 27' Catalina sailboat). He is also an employee and regular volunteer with the Center for Wooden Boats. And he's a skilled artist, who has already produced some extremely flattering sketches of scenes around Lotus and the South Lake Union Waterfront.
Jonathan has jumped right in and is helping with maintenance on Lotus, such as painting and tarp hanging. The boat will be open most weekends for tours, so please come down and tell Jonathan hi!
Lodging Available On-Board
We are still available for overnight stays and promise to make it a relaxing experience (with no hammering to disturb you!) We have five rooms available - 2 rooms with 2 bunk beds, two queen rooms, and the Master Stateroom with a private bath. We are complying with all relevant Washington State and King County Public Health COVID-19 regulations regarding distancing and cleaning. Currently, that means only one party on board at a time, so you get the whole boat to yourself this holiday season!
Contact us for details at info@mvlotus.org or call us at 425.243.9641.
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A Little Bit of Lotus History
The photo you see at the top of this newsletter is the fireplace in the saloon, a centerpiece in Lotus' "living room." For years we thought the tile surround was manufactured by the Grueby Tile Co., which is a high end tile popular during the Arts and Crafts movement around 1909 when Lotus was built. The tile has a sailing ship motif. During an event onboard with the northwest Arts and Crafts Guild group, one of the members (a tile expert) suggested it was Rookwood, another well-known decorative arts company of the era. We lean toward telling guests it is Rookwood tile, but both companies made similar sailing ship tiles. Whichever tile it may be, it's a beautiful feature on this 1909 cruising houseboat!
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