The above photos show (1) the new wheelhouse aluminum shell and reinforcement beams, and (2) a crane removing the antenna mast from the flybridge en route to the sand and paint shop. Repairs and modifications of the Condor Express are moving ahead under the supervision of Captain Mat Curto. The boat is now hauled out in the boat yard and … Read More
Original Condor Returns To Santa Barbara Harbor
Condor Returns The Condor is back. Due to the recent wheelhouse fire last Saturday afternoon aboard the Condor Express, the “original” Condor, a 90-ft all steel sport fishing boat based in San Diego, is returning this weekend to Sea Landing for a few months to run local whale watching trips. Captain Fred Benko (1938 – 2013) built the original Condor … Read More
Repair work is now under way on the Condor Express
Repair work and replacement of instruments in the burned wheelhouse of the Condor Express is now under way. The captains and crew are on the job. More news will be made available as the process continues. We are all hopeful for a quick and safe restoration process. Bob Perry Condor Express Odd Jobs
Condor Experss Whale Watching Trips Suspended Due To Wheelhouse Fire
An osprey, perched atop a nearby masthead, keeps a watchful eye on the Condor Express clean up operations today. https://www.condorexpressphotos.com/Other/2013-03-10-SB-Harbor A tourist passer-by, who happened to be an off duty San Francisco firefighter, saw the blaze and smoke and grabbed a fire hose from Sea Landing and put out most of the fire before the Harbor Patrol and SB City … Read More
Memorial Celebration of Captain Fred Benko’s Life
Colleagues, There will be a celebration of life memorial service to honor our recently departed Captain Fred Benko of the Condor Express, at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum on Friday, March 15, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is located at the Santa Barbara Harbor, 113 Harbor Way, Suite 190 | Santa Barbara | CA 93109 … Read More
Gray whales and more!
Totals: 3 southbound gray whales 25 pacific white sided dolphins 1500 long beaked common dolphins We ran into a small herd of pacific white siders just ouside the harbor on our way out in the morning. Near Santa Cruz Island we followed the gray whales, all busy travelling south, and then there was a massive megapod of common dophins in … Read More
Winter 2012 Newsletter
Our latest and greatest Condor Express Newsletter is now available to view/download at: happy holidays Bob Perry Odd Jobs Guy Condor Express
First Gray Whale Sighted !!
First Gray Whale Sighted Friday, Nov. 9, 2012 News from the Boat Yard. The Gray Whale season is approaching fast and the Condor Express crew has been working hard to spruce things up and make some mechanical enhancements that will improve the ships performance. This includes sanding, painting, chipping, cleaning…all that fun stuff. But in the meantime, one of us … Read More
One week of California whale watching left before dry dock for maintenance!
Whale Watching Notice NOTICE TO OUR FRIENDS Sunday, October 21, 2012 Our California Whale watching cruises are coming to close for the season. The Condor Express is schedule for routine maintenance and will haul out of the water on Monday, October 30. She will be in the boat yard until Wednesday, November 21st. Be sure to take advantage of our … Read More