The Free China is an authentic Chinese junk boat - the oldest surviving wooden Chinese sailing vessel in existence and the last of its kind. In 1955, the Free China made headlines when it beat all odds to cross the Pacific with a crew of 5 young Chinese men and one American diplomat - none of whom knew how to sail.
Fast forward 50+ years after its arrival in San Francisco. Largely forgotten, abandoned, rotting and on the verge of destruction, the Free China faced imminent destruction.
The vision of the Chinese Junk Preservation: share the story of the Free China junk, preserve this historic vessel, and celebrate its unique historic, maritime and cultural significance, and most importantly, its journey home!