Sailing the seas on the Statsraad Lehmkuhl
- Lori Ann Reinhall
- Oct 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 31
A campaign to support a voyage for the future
On Oct. 9, the Seattle-Bergen Sister City Association (SBSCA), the Norwegian Commercial Club, and the Leif Erikson Lodge celebrated "Crossings" to mark 200 years of organized Norwegian immigration to North America. It was en evening to remember, not in the least because of the enthusiasm it created for another voyage that would take place. On Oct. 23, the Bergen-based tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl would arrive in Seattle for One Ocean Week before continuing to circumvent the globe.
There was so much excitement in the air that a spontaneous raise-the-paddle fundraiser took place, headed by Brian Westerman of the Norwegian Commercial Club (NCC) and Otto Loggers of BLU Ideas LLC . The auctioneer was none other than Dan Strauss, City of Seattle councilmember representing the SBSCA. When they learned that one of the young attendees at the event , Davyn Waters, wanted to travel with the tall ship on its 8-day voyage from Seattle to San Francisco at the conclusion One Ocean Week, they wanted to take action. Soon the SBSCA was also on board.
Over 50% of the funds for Davyn's passage and related expenses were secured that evening, which led to the establishment of a more formal fundraising campaign, which is a joint effort of Blu Ideas LLC, the NCC, and the SBSCA. Since the ship was sailing already on Oct. 27, arrangements were made to guarantee the funds until the fundraising goals were met.
Davyn was born in Toulouse, France. In 2005, he moved with his parents to Seattle's Ballard neighborhood, where he graduated from Ballard High School in 2021. His maternal grandparents emigrated from Ålesund and Steinkjer, Norway, to Ballard. He is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, where he engaged in football, track, and “last-minute essays on the laws of the Universe.” Aboard Seattle's Argosy Cruise ships, Davyn's storytelling talents and strong work ethic prepared him for boat brokerage employment this past summer. He enjoys playing chess and guitar and exploring the Puget Sound outdoors with family and friends.
Soon the three groups decided to also fund a young woman to travel on the ship. Another excellent candidate came forward with Isabel Bartholomew, and plans were put in place to secure funds for her as well.
A lifelong Washingtonian, Isabel was born across the Cascade Mountains in sunny Richland, where she grew up exploring life along the Columbia River with family and friends.. After graduating from the University of Washington with a dual degree in linguistics and Korean language, she has worked in Korean and Spanish translation, international entertainment, and, most recently, healthcare administration. As a proud Norwegian American (her maternal great-grandparents emigrated from Karmøy and Voss in western Norway), she is an active volunteer at Ballard's Sons of Norway Leif Erikson Lodge, focusing on PR and media. In her free time, she enjoys live music and travel.
Upon their return to Seattle from San Francisco, the three sponsoring organizations are looking forward to Davyn and Isabel's recap of their journey at the A Voyage to Remember Dinner: The new tall ship sailors will share their experiences with community members on Nov. 13 at the Norwegian Commercial Club monthly meeting.
At the SBSCA, we believe that our youth are our future, and are excited to be part of this project. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofiit entity, we are able to receive tax-deductible donations, and thank everyone for their generosity in support of this important campaign for this meaningful voyage for the future.
