Argus embarks upon a bittersweet journey

With a final blow of the horn and a Sea Scout salute, Argus left the docks of the Newport Sea Base early Saturday for what could be its last voyage through Newport Harbor.

The 101-year-old ship is headed for Long Beach, where it will be stored to make room at the sea base docks. Following a Coast Guard inspection that found a rotted hull and signs of iron disease, Argus was voluntarily taken out of service in January.

Argus was put up for auction on eBay at a sale price of $75,000, but no one bid on the ship. In order to come back to work, Argus needs an estimated $1.5 million in repairs.

For Capt. Erik Berliner, who’s been with Argus for 14 years, Saturday’s departure was bittersweet.

“We’ve all put a lot into it,” Berliner said of the Argus tall ship program.

During the two-day trip to Long Beach, Berliner and his crew will try to forget that Argus might not return ? they just want to enjoy the boat. From the sea base docks, Argus was headed to Catalina Island, and then on to Long Beach.

The 92-foot ship has changed people, Berliner and his crew members said. Boys who come aboard with shrugged shoulders, step off the ship walking tall, deckhand Elizabeth Parker said.

“It’s not just about sailing; it’s about participating and being successful at something new,” Berliner said.

On scouting trips, the kids learn what it takes to sail the ship. The ship’s small sails allow even the youngest scouts to give it a try, Berliner said.

“People are going to forget how to sail boats like these if we don’t keep them around,” deckhand trainee Eric Eatherly said.

The ship will be berthed in a private slip, adjacent to a boat belonging to a longtime Sea Base supporter, who donated the space, Berliner said.

The ship’s future is unknown for now.

“It breaks my heart to see such a piece of living history not getting the care I think she deserves,” Parker said. “Hopefully somebody, somehow can make it happen.”