There are very few places left on this earth where one can be disconnected from modern technologies and be completely absorbed by the natural world. With no need for clocks, you rise when the sun comes up and sleep when it sets each day. The moon rises and sets every night and the darkened sky reveals a myriad of stars. Without communication from the outside world, you are with the people you are with, reliant on one another for everything you may need. Success means not only working together as a team, but also recognizing one another’s strengths and weaknesses in the moment. It is a unique experience to learn, not only about the larger world, but also about yourself. | Sailing offshore on the open ocean on a tall ship like Matthew Turner with Call of the Sea is one of these places, and another, I recently discovered, is rafting down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. I just returned from 15 days | | | in the Canyon with an expedition made up of paddle and oar boats, including, as it happens, one infamous wooden dory that had run the rapids in the 1970s and was only recently restored to her former glory, the Betty Boop. | | | | Among the group of 20-30 people on this rafting expedition, there were four different multigenerational families; three grandfathers and one dad, all of whom had experienced the Grand Canyon in their youth and wanted to share this formative experience in one of the remotest places in the United States with their children and grandchildren. In total, eight young people between 12-18 years old ran the rapids, paddling or rowing down river having a glorious time. It was an expedition of discovery and an opportunity of a lifetime for everyone but especially for these kids. I wish my grandfather could have afforded a trip like this and been around long enough to do it with me when I was that age. | | |
I am truly grateful now to have the opportunity to share this kind of formative experience with as many young people as possible through Call of the Sea. In fact, right now schooner Seaward is in Monterey Bay with a group of teens at Camp Sea Lab, and another group just set sail on Matthew Turner for a 5-day near coastal voyage in the Gulf of the Farallones, learning about oceanography and marine science. No cellphones, no need for clocks, just the crew onboard, the sun, the stars and the wind in their sails.
Like the Grand Canyon, the experiences offered by Call of the Sea are invaluable and as you know they don’t come cheap. The price of a daysail or a voyage onboard Seaward and Matthew Turner covers only about 50% of the actual costs of keeping our vessels shipshape and our team of deckhand/educators and shore staff at the ready. For the rest, we depend on the generosity of so many others. People like you who recognize the value of unique and formative experiences and want to ensure that 6000+ young people, no matter where they live or what they can afford, are able to get out on the water.
Thank you for continuing to be a part of this journey, and as you think about the rest of this year, please keep Call of the Sea in your plans. Come join us for dinner at Angelino Restaurant in Sausalito on July 28th (20% of the night’s proceeds benefit Call of the Sea) and come to the Gala at the St Francis Yacht Club on October 3rd to celebrate our mission. Come out sailing soon. Everything helps Spread our Sails!
| | Carla Thorson, Executive Director | | | | |
Come aboard brigantine Matthew Turner for an overnight or multi-day voyage!
Here's what last year's "voyage crew" said about the experience:
"...on the overnight...everything was a favorite: the crew's competence and friendliness, the sail, the delicious meals, the newfound camaraderie between the "guests.""
"...we had good wind and the boat was trimmed perfectly. We were slicing through the waves and it was a real adventure. I also loved being on board at night, anchored in sheltered spots. Very peaceful. Also, the night sky was amazing."
Overnights and multi-day voyages
| | Utah School for the Deaf joined Call of the Sea for a sailing adventure | | |
14 hearing-impaired students, along with teachers and interpreters, came on board the Matthew Turner for a 4-day sailing adventure. The voyage was an unforgettable experience from beginning to end. Each day was filled with breathtaking coastlines, iconic views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge, and incredible wildlife sightings.
Students and chaperones were thrilled to cruise up the coast under sail power, passing along the stunning Marin County coastline and keeping a sharp lookout for the many humpback whales and marine life that kept the ship company along the way.
The ship's crew worked hard to prepare in anticipation of the UDSB voyage, learning the basics of sign language and adapting the educational components of the program to create the best experience, and to ensure full participation of the visiting students.
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The crew’s kindness, patience, and genuine commitment to ensuring everyone felt both safe and included made a lasting impression.
A tangible development throughout the course of the voyage was the sense of community that developed among the passengers. Sharing so many memorable moments together, from whale sightings to quiet evenings under the open sky, created connections that could only be forged by this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
| | Upcoming Special Events | | We are going to San Francisco! | | You are invited to Call of the Sea's annual gala on Saturday, October 3, at the beautiful St. Francis Yacht Club. Come enjoy dinner, watch the sunset, and help us spread our sails together on the San Francisco waterfront. We would be honored to have you join us. Details Here | | |
Come dine with us at Angelino Restaurant!
On July 28, 2026, 20% of all dinner proceeds will be donated to Call of the Sea! How about Liguine Vongole!
Angelino Restaurant is at 621 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA
For reservations Call (415) 331-5225 or visit
Angelino Restaurant online
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Summer Camp for ages 8-12
Campers sail San Francisco Bay, engage with marine life, practice knots and coiling lines, make art, kayak, play games and have fun beach combing.
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- July 27-31
- August 3-7
- August 10-14
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On August 22, 2026, Schooner Seaward will participate in the Great Schooner Race.
There are a limited number of spots on Seaward to join the crew for a fun day of racing, socializing at the San Francisco Yacht Club, viewing other classic boats, and enjoying the no-host BBQ and live music at the club. If you are interested in helping crew the boat, contact us to come early for line handling practice.
Learn More Here
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