Photo by Martha Blanchfield / Renegade Sailing

In a newsletter issue themed around tradition, there is no better organization to spotlight than Spaulding Marine Center. The Center was founded by Myron Spaulding in 1951 to carry out his aspirations as a naval architect. Spaulding established himself as a world class sailor by winning the 1936 Transpac as the skipper of the famous Sparkman Stephens yawl, Dorade. With the Center, he moved into the role of designer and builder, showing himself to be an innovator, a craftsman, and an artist, for whom beauty and function played equal parts. His influence on Bay Area sailing was huge.

Spaulding built many noteworthy yachts, including the Spaulding 33, and the 45-foot yawl, Chrysopyle. When he died in 2000, his widow, Gladys, formed the nonprofit Spaulding Marine Center to carry on his ideas and ways of working. That legacy lives on with four focus areas: Preservation, Restoration, Education, and Community.

The first two show up in the Center’s restoration of the classic yacht, Freda, the oldest yacht sailing on the Bay. The education component appears in their apprenticeship program, which offers the rare chance for young people to get paid while they learn. Participants graduate with practical skills, college credit, and an ABYC Electrical Certificate. Spaulding is able to support 6 apprenticeships per year, offering apprentices opportunities they might not otherwise have. The community element appears through the Center’s use for movie nights, music nights, workshops, crew parties, and other functions.

We visited the Center to meet with some of its key players. The first was Heather Richard. Heather is a Spaulding board member, runs her own charter business, and captains the Matthew Turner. Heather started sailing at age 9 at Boston’s Community Boating for $1 per year. She competed on Boston University’s sailing team before coming to California.

We also met with Lili Jeske. Lili is Spaulding’s full-time program coordinator. We first met Lili last year, while holding an SSC event at Call of the Sea. Lili loves the water, having learned to swim at a young age and having competed on her high school swim team. She found her love of the ocean while fishing with her stepdad out of Monterey. Lili came to Sausalito to work as a deckhand on Seaward. She and Heather recount seeing a blue whale during a 2023 trip to Monterey on Seaward. The school kids on that trip had an experience that will forever change their lives and their connection with the ocean.

Lastly, we met with Bill Edinger. Bill is the President of the Spaulding Board. Bill came to Spaulding ten years ago after selling his marine-related watermaker business. Bill graciously shared much of the information that went into creating this article. The Sailing Science Center is excited to be working with Spaulding to present this spotlight and to create new exhibits and programs. We will share the outcomes with you when they are ready!

Hans List presents a burgee to the captain of the Stad Amsterdam from the Master Mariner's Benevolent Association. Event organizer, Martha Blanchfield stands behind.

The SSC needs volunteers! We especially need volunteers who can staff one-day exhibitions as docents. Training, lunch, and SSC logo polo shirts are provided.

Direct your inquiries to info@sailingscience.org.

When I was buying my boat three decades ago, the owner gave me advice that I remember to this day. The advice was given in the context of boat ownership, but it applies to life in a much broader way. What he told me was simple enough... Read more…

We want to give a big SSC shout out to Zack Smith, Peter Brown, John Zolck and Cecil Aquino, who raised their hands in March to volunteer.

We are thrilled with the interest you have shown and look forward to working together.

AI Notice: Generative Artificial Intelligence was used in the photography above. Images should be considered artistic representations, as opposed to precise depictions of fact.