Roy Galli

San Francisco's Little Boat That Could Roy Galli

We have a true story thatdeserves to be told. It's about a small fishing boat that started out in the Mediterranean,over four thousand years ago. She helped feed a growing civilization and helpedto opened up our world. Yet she received little respect. The little boat was brought to San Francisco in the hearts of Italian fishermen and boatbuilders during the 1849 gold rush. For one hundred and fifty years she servedthat fair city providing food and rescuing passengers of ships trying to enterthe bay on foggy nights. She even gave famous author Jack London's sailboat atow one windless day for which he paid six silver dollars. My hope is that this story willhelp keep the little boats alive in print because we owe The Little Boat somuch and she has received so little recognition or appreciation. I feel this story is historical,inspirational and shows the love a person can have for a beautiful boat whosedesign was improved by Leonardo da Vinci. Universalstudios has built a theme park in Osaka, Japan, It includes a replica of San Francisco'sFisherman's Wharf. The little boat featured in thisstory now lives in Osaka, Japanas a fine representation of the 'Little Boat That Could.'