La Conner Weekly News - Your independent hometown award-winning newspaper

In most cases, an 80-year-old yacht that had run aground would be a candidate for the scrap heap.

But not the Norwester.

The iconic 76-foot vessel, once owned by legendary film actor John Wayne and a main attraction on the La Conner waterfront for several years, is no ordinary pleasure craft.

Built in 1932 and having recently undergone extensive renovation for use as a high-end charter boat to raise money for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, the Norwester finds itself on life support after having hit the rocks in Prevost Harbor April 17.

Because of its unique mission and historical signifi...