FISH CREEK, WI – The Utopia sailboat is making stops in Door County, giving people a chance to see the vessel and learn about the Patriot Racing Project.
On Thursday, the boat docked at Egg Harbor for its second-to-last stop in the five-day voyage on Lake Michigan. The Utopia is a historic 77-foot staysail schooner built in 1946 by Peterson Boatworks in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. After an illustrious history of circumnavigating the globe, the vessel was donated to the Patriot Racing Project, a veteran-focused nonprofit, and moored permanently at the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay.
Utopia arriving at Manitowoc in September 2025. [Roger LeLievre]
The organization has given veterans the chance to learn different skill sets to help with the transition back into civilian life when searching for jobs, and the trip has left a lasting impact on the veterans on board
They say it’s been a chance to build connections and find support through their shared experiences. Recently, veteran crew members on the Utopia have shared drinks, laughs, and stories, which Captain Jack Gage says is the purpose of this voyage.
“We just started, like we’ve been describing, connecting with each other, talking about the experience, and then also talking about each other’s experiences when they were active duty or deployed or something of that nature. And these stories just come pouring out that ordinarily you wouldn’t talk about unless you’re in a setting like this,” says Gage.
Sailing may be a warm-weather sport, but when winter comes, the work doesn’t end.
On and off the water, Gage wears many hats, since he’s also the president and founder of the patriot racing project. The nonprofit organization has a partnership with the Door County Maritime Museum to help veterans adjust after leaving the armed forces.
“We have a workshop at their storage facility where we teach veterans trade skills that are relevant to pretty much anything and everything. So, when working on these vessels, they’re learning things like painting, carpentry, small engine repair, electrical, and things of that nature. And it gives them a leg up, veterans a leg up when they’re coming out of the military for job skills and also just life skills,” says Gage.
Former Utopia owner Jeff Rochon said he knew the sailboat would be taken care of and used in a meaningful way when he heard about the Patriot Racing Project.
“That’s kind of what we were hoping for, especially since Door County has a deep soft spot for this vessel,” Gage said. “And it definitely feels good to see them come out in droves to relive those old memories that make her so special to this area. So we’re more than happy to accommodate anyone who wants to come see her.”
Gage said he hopes this voyage is the first of many, giving the public a chance to learn about sailing on the Utopia.
WBAY
Read more about the project here.
