KEY WEST, Florida Keys -- The last tall ship assembled in Key West, the 69-year-old Schooner Western Union, returned to its island home this past weekend.

Backed by a local grassroots organization formed to preserve the historic vessel and keep it home-ported in Key West, the 130-foot Western Union spent four months in a Miami shipyard undergoing surveys and repairs necessary for Coast Guard recertification.

"The Key West flagship is home!" shouted Captain Lenn Verreau, who has skippered the Western Union for 12 years.

About 150 local officials and residents responded to the Saturday arrival with boisterous cheers and applause as musicians played seafaring songs.

"People in Key West love the Western Union and they know it's supposed to be here," said Theo Glorie, founder and board member of the Schooner Western Union Preservation Society.

Launched in 1939, Western Union is the last surviving example of a traditional American coasting schooner. It served the Western Union Telegraph Company for 35 years and is believed to be the world's only surviving sailing cable ship, according to local maritime historians.

Though it recently spent 10 years as a local tour vessel, maintenance and renovation costs forced previous owners to cease the ship's operations. In late 2007, they donated it to the society on the condition that it be restored and remain in Key West.

Board members hope the ship will pass Coast Guard inspections in about 30 days so it can resume day sails, sunset cruises and charters to offset operating costs. A campaign is underway to raise approximately $500,000 for its complete restoration.

"She is the sole remaining sailing representative of the Key West maritime past," said board member Guy deBoer. "Hopefully in the next two to three years the boat will be completely restored and will be a beautiful fixture here."

On the Web: www.schoonerwesternunion.org