Murrells Inlet icon sets sail for a new home
MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (WPDE) — Nostalgia hit in Murrells Inlet on Wednesday, as a sailboat left the Wacca Wache Marina.
An iconic Murrells Inlet symbol sets sail for a new home, but for decades, she was home to John Fazzio.
"It was a big dream years ago," said John. "I thought I'd make a cruise around the world when I retired."
John built her by hand from the ground up - a 103' three-masted schooner. It took 12 years.
"I dream too big," laughed John. "I should've built one half that size."
During those 12 years, it became a well-known landmark.
"It was a landmark for years when we were building it. Everybody said, 'Oh, go out there on [Highway] 707. When you pass the big boat sitting out there by the side of the road, you're close to where you're going."
The Steel Away made her maiden voyage in 2002. John eventually set off on his dream to sail around the world, but fell ill and returned to the Wacca Wache Marina. His 'home' was now a water landmark.
Eventually, the upkeep became too cumbersome. So, Wednesday morning she set sail with a new owner.
"I'm glad," said John. "It would break my heart to see it setting over on the bank sunk and rusting away."
Instead, she embarks on a new journey, carrying old, and happy, memories.
The Steel Away, now named Emma Todd, will journey to Maine. There, the schooner will be used to give tours, which is what she was originally built - and intended - to do.
The new owner, Steve Pagels with Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines, expects Emma Todd will be ready for passenger tours next year.
