A longtime fixture in Chula Vista Harbor is being told to shove off.
A historic tall ship that has long been part of Chula Vista Harbor is now facing removal from its berth. The 137-foot schooner Bill of Rights, a replica tall ship used for educational programs in San Diego’s South Bay for many years, has been told it must leave its dock by May 5. The nonprofit group that operates the vessel, the South Bayfront Sailing Association, says the order came from Safe Harbor Marina.
According to the organization, the marina—purchased last year by Blackstone Infrastructure—ended the ship’s lease without providing a clear reason. The schooner has been docked in Chula Vista since 2013 and has become a familiar presence in the harbor.
Built in 1971, the vessel serves as a floating classroom where young people learn maritime skills such as navigation, sailing, and teamwork. Under the guidance of trained crew members, students as young as 10 take part in watch duties and even steer the ship.
Supporters are now rallying in hopes of keeping the ship where it is. A nationwide letter-writing campaign and an online petition have been launched, and several local officials—including Chula Vista’s mayor and members of the city council—have voiced support for allowing the schooner to remain.
Susan Johnson of the South Bayfront Sailing Association said tall-ship communities across the country are responding. She noted that people are sending letters to public officials and contacting Blackstone directly to urge them to reconsider.
Despite the uncertainty, the ship’s schedule still includes planned visits from Scouts, Navy Sea Cadets, and other youth groups. Captain Don Johnson, a disabled Vietnam veteran who helps run the program, says the vessel’s mission centers on educating young people and preserving maritime traditions.
“We mainly train at-risk youth, U.S. Navy Sea Cadets, and ROTC,” he said. “The goal is to keep maritime history alive while giving kids a chance to learn.”
Johnson said he remains hopeful that community support will prevent the ship from being forced out. He explained that the dock was specifically built to accommodate a tall ship and that suitable alternatives are scarce.
“If they do go through with the eviction like they’ve said, we really don’t have another place to take the ship,” he said.
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