American Sunset

Okuki Elementary School (Hachinohe, Japan) and Gearhart Elementary School (OR, USA) & Columbia River Maritime Museum

Updates:

1st Voyage - Recovered after 2 days at sea

  • October 2018 - In the news

    The Gearhart Miniboat has already made the news! Read the article, Miniboat program at Gearhart Elementary School: Gearhart kids learn how to set sail, from the Daily Astorian on October 25 here.

    Update #1

    A film crew is following the team at Gearhart Elementary School over the entire school year.  Stay tuned for more details…


    This is our 5th Grade:

  • February 7, 2019 - Launched after christening ceremony

    The American Sunset was launched off Oregon today. Full report to come soon!

    Christening and Launch of the M/B AMERICAN SUNSET from Columbia River Maritime Museum on Vimeo.

    A few students expressed their excitement about launch day that we wanted to share:

    • “It was sad watching our hard work leave, but it was totally worth it!”
    • “Definitely one of the best days of my life!”
    • “Today, February 7, 2019 was amazing! I got to hang out with my friends in my (Miniboat work) team and watch our boat leave on a perilous sea adventure!”

       

     

  • February 9, 2019 - Recovered after 2 days at sea

    The American Sunset was recovered by CRMM Education Director Nate Sandel in Seaside, Oregon after only two days at sea!

    VOYAGE STATS

    The American Sunset miniboat traveled a distance of 205 km (111 nm) in 2 days.

2nd Voyage - Underway

  • February 25, 2019 - Repaired and relaunched

    The American Sunset sustained slight damage to the base of the mast when she landed on Seaside Beach after her first voyage.

    She was repaired and relaunched in the early morning hours of February 25, 2019 about 120 miles offshore.

     

  • May 13, 2019 - Quiet at sea

    We last heard from the American Sunset on May 13, 2019 as she was sailing south off the coast of California. Did she flip over? Did she take on water? We aren’t quite sure but hope she washes up someday so we can find out!

    VOYAGE STATS

    The American Sunset miniboat traveled a distance of 3,389 km (1,830 nm) in 77 days before sending the last GPS signal on May 13, 2019 while still at sea.

  • August 2026 Miniboat Monday Memory

    Columbia River Maritime Museum (CRMM) pays tribute to their miniboat programming history, leading up to their 10 year celebration! Their “Miniboat Monday” highlight on August 3, 2026 was of M/B American Sunset.

    Check out their Facebook post below:


Columbia River Maritime Museum’s Miniboat Program celebrates 10 years! Over this first decade, the program has provided a global, multidisciplinary STEAM learning experience for 4th through 7th grade classes. Students work in teams to design, assemble, launch, and track GPS-equipped boats. Each classroom learns about maritime history and culture of the Pacific Northwest and across the Pacific Ocean. In 2027, we will also plan to launch our 50th miniboat!

The program is in partnership with Educational Passages and has been supported by numerous organizations and private donors, including Consular Office of Japan in Portland, Pacific Power, NWSTEM Hub, West Marine BlueFuture Fund®, Northwest Oregon Works, and U.S. Coast Guard.