Sharon Sites Adams
Join us September 28, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Bowman Museum for this special event! Everyone is welcome.
The Crook County Historical Society and Bowman Museum are proud to announce the grand opening of the Pacific Lady Memorial Gazebo, honoring the legacy of Sharon Sites Adams, the first woman to sail solo across the Pacific Ocean. The dedication ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 12:00 PM at the Bowman Museum in Prineville, Oregon.
Sharon Sites Adams, Crook County High School Class of 1948, made history in 1969 when she became the first woman to complete a solo journey across the Pacific Ocean. Her courage and determination have inspired generations of adventurers and women worldwide. The Pacific Lady Memorial Gazebo is a tribute to her remarkable achievements and her connection to our community.
The event will feature a dedication ceremony, guest speakers, and an unveiling of a Pacific Lady Memorial exhibit. Following the dedication ceremony, Sharon Sites Adams will give a program on her historic voyage. Refreshments will be provided following the program.
This event is free and open to the public. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the accomplishments of Sharon Sites Adams and to experience the new memorial gazebo that will serve as a lasting tribute to her incredible journey.
A closer look at the life of Sharon Sites Adams
Sharon Sites Adams was no stranger to adventure. Born and raised in the high desert of Central Oregon, Sharon's journey into the realm of sailing began later in life, at Marina Del Rey, CA, in October 1964, when she was 34 years old. This initial sailing lesson ignited a passion that would propel her to achieve incredible feats on the open seas.
In June 1965, Sharon made history by sailing solo from California to Hawaii aboard her 25-foot Folkboat named "Sea Sharp." This daring voyage marked the beginning of an illustrious career spanning over 30,000 miles of blue water, encompassing visits to 71 islands scattered across the South Pacific.
Over the years, Sharon's adventurous spirit led her to climb an erupting volcano and encounter two cannibal tribes, where she even spent a night with one community completely isolated from the outside world. Her thirst for exploration extended beyond the seas, as she became the only civilian besides the captain's wife to stand on the bridge of the QUEEN MARY during its final voyage to Long Beach, CA.
Among her many nautical achievements, Sharon holds the distinction of being the first woman to single-handedly sail across the vast Pacific Ocean from Yokohama to San Diego. This historic 75-day journey covered 6,000 miles aboard her Mariner 31 yacht, "Sea Sharp II," culminating with her arrival off the California coast just as Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon. Sharon's travels didn't stop at the ocean's edge; she also explored New Zealand extensively and lived along the west coast of Australia, navigating the waters of the Indian Ocean. Throughout her career, Sharon was largely self-employed until her retirement.
For more information, please contact the Bowman Museum at 541-447-3715