The history of the Resolute sailing yawl is a remarkable story of craftsmanship, naval training, and American maritime heritage. Built in 1939 for the United States Naval Academy, the Resolute served as a training vessel for midshipmen learning teamwork, seamanship, and discipline.
This 44ft classic yawl was built in 1939 for the United States Naval Academy, at Annapolis, Maryland, for use as a training vessel for midshipmen at the school.She is number three of the first three boats ordered by the US Navy to give the midshipmen training in team work, discipline and maritime skills.In 1943, the US Navy, pleased with the performance of the first three boats, ordered 9 more. The boats, designed by the Luders Boatbuilding Shipyard of Stamford, Connecticut, became known as the Luders 44 yawls.
They served until 1964 when the US Navy ordered 12 more, this time in fiberglass, but to the same design. Those twelve yawls were built by Uniflite Boat Company in Bellingham, Washington.The University of Washington operates one of those in cooperation with the Whidbey Island Naval Station in Coupeville.
RSEThe RESOLUTE is operated by The Evergreen State College in Olympia as part of their sailing and ecology programs.There are nine of the original wooden yawls still sailing. RESOLUTE is the only one still doing sail training work for the nation. All others have become private yachts.Over 70,000 midshipmen trained on the wooden yawls, including war heroes from WW II, Korea, and Vietnam. Among the better known heroes are former President Jimmy Carter, Astronaut James Lovell, and H.Ross Perot.
