Saving A Massive Historic Ship - The Aurora Restoration Project

My name is Christopher Willson, I found the Aurora nearly abandoned on the California Delta in 2008. After some investigation I found that she is one of the most historic liners still in existence today. Understanding the significance of her rich history I decided to go all in. Since I have given my best effort to save and preserve this ship for future generations. This is a look back at a few of the projects we've done over the past years. Enjoy.
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[@Iris_Germany]

Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪 Nice that you save the little old lady 😊👍🏻🌹 Did you know that she „acted“ in a James Bond movie in the sixties? She was the yacht of the bad guy.

[@GeschichtenUndGedanken]

Ja, das stimmt, Iris! Prima, dass Du hier bist. Die Aurora und die Crew haben diese Perle wieder zum Strahlen gebracht. Ich bin wirklich ganz begeistert. Das möchte ich gerne übersetzen und von diesem Wunder erzählen. So, dass mehr Menschen davon erfahren. Liebe Grüße aus Buxtehude. ⚓️

[@johnclamshellsp1969]

That is what one would call a real cruise ship, that offered smaller passenger quantity and vastly better-personalized service.

[@bloxyman22]

@@marcryvon Yeah if I were to go on a cruise, I rather be one a smaller ship like this one.

[@JanDreier-HH]

Under its original name "Wappen von Hamburg" it was actually a day cruiser operated by HADAG Seetouristik and it ran daily from Hamburg up the river Elbe to the tiny island of Helgoland, dump the passengers for a walkaround and then took them back to Hamburg. Some stayed overnight, but with 1.6 square miles of area, there is very little to do for more than a day.

[@vloplob]

Hey guys, greetings from Germany! Thanks for preserving this historic ship!

[@fw1421]

What a gorgeous ship. Really nice lines. I’m glad someone is saving her.

[@travismann5099]

I've always seen that boat on the Delta and wondered what the story was behind it, and just happened to stumble across this video by complete coincidence. Good luck on the restoration

[@davidbarnsley8486]

Well I am astounded by your level of commitment to fixing that old boat You are fantastic and I wish you all the best with the rest of the restoration Looking forward to future episodes 👍👍👍👍

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

Should have another video up very soon. I appreciate your kind words of support..

[@nickthomas181]

You deserve every success and I wish you well.

[@hyfy-tr2jy]

@@AuroraRestorationProject Love people with the dedication to restoring and not just scrapping older craft. With that said though. Why is your strategy to complete the restoration an area at a time instead of prepping the whole boat first so that you don't have the risk of debris from restoration of one area ruining the restored areas?

[@davidsmith3736]

@@hyfy-tr2jy restoring one area*

[@wesman7837]

@@hyfy-tr2jy because it's such a large job unless you have a crew of hundreds it would rust again by the time you had it stripped, and I'm sure with him living on it the places where he lives were the first areas to be finished.

[@ditzydoo4378]

Bravo, good on you and your team sir. Small liners like the Aurora are so underappreciated in today's world of mega Linners which are not cruise ships more than floating hotels.

[@brianperry9108]

Pretty awesome watching you bring this old girl back.

[@ednitamorales]

It’s looking so beautiful already, can’t wait to go see the museum when it’s ready.

[@frooke2]

Sometimes you don't know how a project is going to get done, it seems insurmountable, but the desire to do it is what will make it happen.

[@JoeLikesTrains]

this is the best restoration project ive ever seen on youtube

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

Just wait for what’s coming….. It gets better.. Lots better..

[@ianrobinson8974]

15/02/2122 CONGRATULATIONS CHRIS. You are showing that not everyone lives in a throwaway society. The Aurora is part of all of OUR history and needs to be conserved and even utilised. Keep up the good work from the Land of Oz.

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

Thanks for the kind words. I agree 100%. This ship will certainly be preserved to the best of my abilities.

[@bobadam7021]

I'm glad I stuck with this to the second video. The teaser made it look like Wish Orange County Choppers. This video felt more honest, more heartfelt. You can really hear the pride come through.

[@williamhoward7634]

History is so important. I have never wanted a typical cruise, this I would dream of. Thank you for your passion.

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

Thank you…

[@k13ehr]

Brave people with deep pockets, but if it ever gets finished she'll be a beauty .

[@shadibashour16]

That is what I call amazing project, great job man !

[@andrewlydecker811]

In 2009 I was working on an archaeological survey of parts of the Sacramento River. We were working in the Rio Vista area and saw this ship tied up to the dock south of the marina. We stopped in at the marina and asked if they knew anything about it. Someone involved in the project was standing behind us and we ended up chatting for some time before he invited us over for a tour. At that time it was still in pretty rough shape and we weren’t able to go below the water line. I’ve been checking up on it from time to time ever since. It’s a big job you’ve taken on and it’s great to see how far you’ve come with the restoration.

[@bluebear6570]

The Aurora started her life as "Wappen von Hamburg" and was employed as a day cruise ship between the city of Hamburg and the island of Helgoland. I am amazed that it wasn´t bought up by some rich Hamburg merchant and made into a museum.

[@eltfell]

Ships connecting Hamburg (or the North Sea coast) and Helgoland weren't and aren't referred to as "cruise ships" but as "spa ships" or "bath ships" (Bäderschiffe).

[@ronsindric4241]

Thanks for the background. Would she ever be capable of Bluewater Cruising the Adriatic, Mediterranean or heavens visiting the America's?

[@monostripezebras]

@@ronsindric4241 Probably, if restored.. it was built for the rough north sea and in its canadian time under the name "Polar Star" apparently used for polar cruises between 1967 and 1970

[@olebanthien5056]

@@eltfell right, these ships were called "Bäderschiffe" or also well known as "Seebäderschiffe". I once traveled with the second Wappen von Hamburg from Hamburg to Helgoland and back in the mid sixties, fantastic. They were also doing something called "Butterfahrten", a day trip out on the northern see and back without any stop and with the opportunity of buying things tax-free

[@eltfell]

@@olebanthien5056 The 2nd "Wappen von Hamburg" was built in 1965. I did that trip too, same ship, but 2003. But she wasn't the 2nd "Wappen von Hamburg": de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_von_Schiffen_mit_dem_Namen_Wappen_von_Hamburg

[@buffplums]

From 9 days ago when John mentioned that the channel was 1.5K subscribers well look now it’s nearly tripled!!! Let’s try and get this channel shared folks. These guys need our support.. a great job gents !!!

[@DEPARTUERS19]

Wow you're a wise Soul.. glad I found you ..

[@sjgreene785]

Blessed are those who gave this beauty life again. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Love & light to you ALL! 🙏💙🙏

[@thedogsvoice]

I just saw you in the news and well, it changed my plans for the day. Here i am watching The Aurora Restoration. What a great project . She is beautiful. Great job everyone.

[@andreasdelfs7707]

Good luck with the restoration. Greetings from Hamburg, the ship's former home port

[@dj4123]

You all are doing a fantastic job with restoration! I wish I was a bit younger and could join you (I'm 76). What a grand looking Lady!

[@josephmalone9386]

You guys are doing a great job of savings AURORA ⚓🚢👍

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

Thanks, Nice to see our hard work recognized with positive comments.

[@ma5079]

A really very nice ship. Respect for your work from Germany.

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

Thank you very much for watching. I hope to visit Germany one day and tour the B&V ship yard..

[@johncollier608]

I only discoverd your channel from a post from Ship Happens, here in UK. I can't beleive you have a tiny 1.5k subscribers. This channel deserves to grow with regular videos. I'll be watching from here on in, for sure. Thanks for sharing.

[@ShipHappensUK]

I'm positive that this channel will be bigger than us in no time! Definitely got to be the biggest private boat restoration on KZbin at the moment! After visiting the Aurora and seeing all the work Chris has done since 2008 is amazing, but we still have years of work to watch on this project, which is going to be exciting to see!

[@johncollier608]

@@ShipHappensUK Thanks, Gemma. I'm not being unfaithfulto Ship Happens, you made me do it! 🤣🤣

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

Ship Happens is by far my favorite channel on KZbin. Great story and awesome people. Simon and Gemma have to be some of the hardest working people I have had the honor to get to know.

[@kanartech]

Me too

[@MS-zt2ho]

6.7k now, yt doing it's thing to generate money 😂

[@acg5075]

Fascinating!

[@MovieMuscle]

I've always had my hands in boats, restoring old cars, rebuilding things....but WOW. This is what I call an immense project! Looking great by the way. I just found your channel and will follow all of this. Your subscriptions will go through the roof once this gets out there. I've only just watched this video so far , so I'm not sure if you've gone after sponsors on this yet? You should go after the marine coating companies, Petit, Interlux etc, companies for sealers, West System and so on. This is something the companies could get behind. Off to watch the rest. You are one hell of a visionary on this one. Well done.

[@Wonderbar1973]

Christopher nice and cool work .I'm from Germany and i like this Video and you a cool Person .Steve👍

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

Thanks for watching. Glad to hear that our work doesn’t go in noticed….

[@midshipcinema]

Wow, great recap of the various projects! Thank you for posting! Can't wait to visit AURORA again!

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

Can’t wait to have you over to see the progress over the last couple of years. Lots more video of older projects to come..

[@phillipdale6765]

Amazing. Great project. Thank you

[@MsMaurice23]

Hi Chris, nice to see the Aurora again. I feel glad she is coming along nicely!!

[@AKjohndoe]

Private yachtliner.. nice! Looks great so far!

[@AtomicKeeg]

So excited I found this channel looking forward to seeing the progress!

[@Kernfederate]

Awesome stuff! Best of luck, that's one hell of a project. Looking forward to seeing y'all's progress.

[@Joseph_Fouche]

Greetings from Cuxhaven in Germany! I saw this ship as a child! Thanks for your effort!

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

Thank you….

[@nielskjr5432]

I admire the enthusiasm you have for this project. 👍⚓

[@michieldenboer5193]

such a majestic vessel. very cool to see it restored!

[@bishopkinlyside8477]

Wow amazing ship

[@FSHSKainon]

Wow, yea, looks Great.

[@wolfemanbog4176]

Wow so amazing

[@BigButtocks967]

Amazing ship, glad it’s being saved rather than scrapped.

[@Beyondthebackyard-au]

What a massive task to undertake. I wish I could afford to do something like this. Can't wait to see more

[@papabits5721]

It has great lines

[@revelationakagoldeneagle8045]

A daunting task to say the least... The present results are amazing... Well done 👍

[@janentomenkafka]

I first learned about this project about a year ago, on another channel. I am glad to see the Aurora has her own channel, and that the work moves forward. It is such a beatiful ship... she was clearly built in an era when ship designing was not dictated by bean counters. All the best, and may the Aurora sail again in all her glory !

[@xtruguy]

Chris, I was just out walking my dog near your ship a few weeks ago. I was fascinated with the beauty and history of it. Was checking it out from the street when I heard a noise from inside. I got a little spooked because I had no idea anyone was even on the thing. Thought it might have been haunted. It is rather isolated out there. Anyhow today I stumble onto your videos. Excellent, watched all of yours and half of the ship happens in one setting. Keep them coming please. Liked and subscribed and told my friends. Thanks for the content.

[@safetymikeengland]

this is awesome! What a huge project. What a beautiful boat. I'm looking forward to learning more about it.

[@MrBugsier5]

Thumbs up! Nice to see a Well build German product still afloat! Best regards from the owner of Museum tug Bugsier 5🏆

[@MrSychnant]

Brilliant work, there is a special place in the world for people like you who take on restorations to save such beautiful things, ( being German she classes as a "pocket" cruise liner) ;-))

[@cageordie]

Wow! I used to live in Alameda and we often drove around the delta on Sundays. I've driven past a couple of times and thought it was a shame such a classic looking ship was in decay. I am so glad that you are restoring her. This is a very worthwhile project.

[@PClem59]

I also found you through Ship Happens, I follow them and will also follow yourselves. Gemma and Simon are an inspiration, they are so very hard working they truly amaze me at times. Cant wait to watch your story along with Ship Happens what fantastic people you all are. Godbless x

[@olsonspeed]

A beautiful ship, a massive project.

[@TheClive1949]

Fantastis!! I have known about your work on Aurora for many years, so it was good to actually see what you have done. In days gone by she was such a pretty cruise ship. Thank you for ensuring that she still has a future.

[@jacquesfloirat2642]

Awesome!

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Great job Chris. Narration and shots of the progress really help with capturing the amount of work you've done. Glad she has an owner that can appreciate the uniqueness and historical value of her. Someone who has fought a lot of battles to keep her from the cutter's torch.

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

Thanks Wesley, I enjoy watching all of your hard work on the Steam Boat Persistence. Over the next months I hope to get more relaxed in front of a camera and put out some amazing content.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

@@AuroraRestorationProject you're very welcome! Thank you for the opportunity, and your kind words. Your videography and editing skills are something to aspire to.

[@saidmartinez8858]

Great ship 🚢!!

[@donrussell9938]

Chris. Your work on Aurora is amazing and a true credit to your skills. I hope to one day visit her in the flesh, but your KZbin fills my boatlover soul for now. Please keep up the good work on her.

[@randylanhart1387]

You are AMBITIOUS SIR...GOOD LUCK

[@M3rVsT4H]

Love this project, easy sub. She's got a great shape for a ship of that era. My heart sank when you showed the wood sandwich someone made out of the deck. But your efforts have paid off.

[@Nancy-zk9dj]

She's beautiful!

[@paulinocastle8810]

Great Job...Great team of guys and much respect to see how it has transformed so far...a man with a vision and guts...Great job dudes 👍 👏

[@del69blue]

Just awesome!

[@jeanhawken4482]

She is looking beautiful. What astounding drive you have to bring her back and so very elegantly. You and your team are hard workers

[@ianhjan]

She is a beautiful ship, I wish you well with her.

[@gillesrichard1400]

Crazy project !! If everything is huge, it is not because it is a boat it is because it is a huge boat !!

[@jdhinckley1954]

Beautiful lines. A worthy project!

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

We think so. Keep watching. She’s gonna get one hell of a transformation over the next months..

[@1911olympic]

Very courageous to start such a never ending project.

[@libertycan6959]

beautiful

[@sjgreene785]

Love history. Thank you for sharing. ✌👍

[@patrickloring6914]

Please keep going! That girl needs some love. Thank you!

[@paulpaul5606]

You keep posting I’ll keep watching

[@davidjohnston8639]

Love it, great work

[@sandihanna5894]

Amazing work! What a privilege to witness this transformation👏👏👏 thank you for sharing!

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

My pleasure. I hope you continue to watch…

[@Mad1Mike]

I wish someone would do this to the USS United States. I love your project. These old boat's are a big part of why I am in the boat biz...Good luck.

[@ukaszwalczak1154]

USS? It's S.S isn't it?

[@Mad1Mike]

@@ukaszwalczak1154 Probably. Sailing Ship, Steam Ship. It is a boat.

[@ronsindric4241]

SS UNITED STATES RESTORATION- What a GREAT IDEA! Wonder if some American Ship Builder could be interested in providing docking / dry-docking, logistics / financial support for this effort. Too bad the ANDRIA DORIA went to a watery grave 😪 what ever happened to NS SAVANAH, the first-ever nuclear powered non-military ship ?

[@Bigbwortha]

@@ronsindric4241 there is a story on her somwhere they said she only saidled a few years bc people were scared of the nuclear stuff

[@dandersonjr]

Good Lord. I've seen many people take on projects on KZbin but this has to be the project of all projects. What a huge undertaking. I'm impressed you're even trying this and seem to be doing a good job so far. I'm interested enough to subscribe and watch your progress on this boat.

[@charleendunn5446]

I have been following "Ship Happens" and when I saw Gemma was helping paint here in our USA I decided to check out your channel. Looking forward to following your restoration project as well now! I live in Michigan.

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

Thanks for watching. It gets far more interesting. Gemma was great. Hope to have her back one day soon…

[@Ogsonofgroo]

You are doing amazing work, she's a real beauty and I am loving her sleek lines, quite the project you bit off, but a ship so worthy of attention!

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

Thank you, We think so as well..

[@kathrinboehmer7825]

What a great Job! You are the Hero of many Helgoländer. We love the "Wappen von Hamburg" here on the Island. On the Island you find the Horn with the Sound of this Beauty. Hope we see more of your Work!

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

Thank you Kathrin, Great to see you here in KZbin as well. I hope to visit Helgoland one day in the near future..

[@buffplums]

Such a great project Chris great to see the work in the Stern that Gemma helped you out with looks like an amazing job. The dining room looks incredible

[@ThatLadyInDallas2024]

Love all the lil Santas! 🎅

[@matthewkeating6970]

Great vid.

[@Ps119]

You did the impossible saving that deck, and with the hard and smart work you did it should last: well done. That ship is a work of art so for that reason alone its a good thing you are saving her. Best wishes.

[@MegaBoilermaker]

Amazing works Sir.

[@normanfawley7379]

Well done that Man ! Good work Sir.

[@mohamedzulkifly8966]

I was hoping that Aurora will have its own ytube channel, and God answer my prayer😇

[@harrisonandrew]

Oh man, that boat is massive! What daunting but fascinating project. I am well and truly hooked.

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

Buckle up, This project is going to get even more interesting as we move forward.

[@patriciagassor4497]

Enjoyed viewing today, am going to blast back through your FB restoration, what an amazing achievement.

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

Thank you, It will be nice to actually show the project in detail including my ideas as things progress. Stay with us and hopefully you will see something amazing..

[@Dwjzdljn]

What a beauty

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

We sure love her. Keep watching and she will only get more beautiful as time passes.

[@andrewtestin9080]

Massive Balls to take this on your awesome cheers

[@miahill6864]

You are the repetition of pure passion for your project .Just saw your channel report on CBS Sunday Morning and immediately check on youtube. I'll be watching the great finale.

[@gdub2485]

I'm hooked!

[@robinsfamilyoutings534]

Good job Chris. The ship looks fantastic. You are doing a quality job. Looking forward to more videos.

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

Thanks, The same could be said for your ship. We will change the world two ships at a time…

[@thedude2178]

Outstanding work Sir

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

Thanks,, Keep watching we have lots more to show..

[@2e0wmghamradioandkayaking85]

I just stumbled across your channel. Aurora is a classic, she has such beautiful lines. Good luck bringing her back glory.

[@conorsheehan9929]

What great project. A bunch of people happily working to make something old and tired young and beautiful again . Full marks to everyone !

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

Thanks for watching. It gets much better….

[@garryadams2441]

I am looking forward to May 2023 to see how far the restoration has come. Hoping we aren't put in lockdown again so it will be forward you go with your plans. Happy welding Team Aurora I have enjoyed your efforts. Thanks

[@markduncan6690]

What a “Magnificent” undertaking! I wish you Total Success with your project!

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

Thank you so much!

[@michaeldaruwalla8717]

A rea labor of love. Keep up the good work. Enjoy the charm of yesteryear.

[@AuroraRestorationProject]

She really is a labor of love. Couldn't have chose a more worthy vessel in my opinion. Thanks for watching...