SAIL, EXPLORE, LEARN

From the Executive Director

Have you ever wondered how many people go sailing with Call of the Sea every year, or how many scholarships we are able to offer to students in need, and where they come from around the Bay Area?  These questions and many more are answered in our newly released 2024 Impact Report.  

The breadth and depth of the programming at Call of the Sea is highlighted in this annual review. It is just a snapshot of our year; there is always more happening behind the scenes and more to be done. I am so impressed and thankful for the energy that volunteers, crew, and shore staff put into each and every sail. 

Thank you for your support that makes all our unique programs possible. Without it, our 2024 Impact Report would not exist.

Our mission for the 2025 sailing season is to have even greater impact, to expand our reach and provide more opportunities on the water to young people in the Bay Area and beyond, to build maritime career training into our programs, and to offer overnight voyages of discovery.  All of this can be done with your help. 

Carla Thorson

Executive Director

Reduce Your Tax Burden with a Gift to Call of the Sea

This is the time of year when we think about what we owe Uncle Sam. Here are some ways that you and Call of the Sea can help each other at tax time.

One of the best ways to reduce your tax liability while helping Call of the Sea is with a Qualified Charitable Donation (QCD). A QCD is a gift made directly from your IRA (Roth or conventional).

A donor who is at least 70-1/2 years old may donate up to $105,000 from their IRA as a QCD.

This donation also may be used to meet Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) obligations,

killing two birds with one stone. Generally a QCD needs to come directly from your financial

institution to Call of the Sea, so check with your money manager on how to best handle this

transaction.

Another good way to avoid taxes while helping Call of the Sea is to make a gift of appreciated equities, real estate, jewelry or art. The advantage is that you may be able to deduct the full

appreciated value of your charitable donation, while avoiding capital gains liability.

For additional information or to arrange a confidential planned giving consultation without

obligation, please contact us at 415 331-3214 or email advancement@callofthesea.org.

A word of caution: The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only

and should not be considered legal, accounting, or other professional advice. Please talk to your legal and financial advisors before acting.

Thank you very much for your support. Individual donations support thousands of Bay Area

students from all nine counties of the Bay who experience Call of the Sea's programs.

Call of the Sea Tall Ship Celebration

Join us for a Day of Family Fun on the Waterfront!

Saturday April 26, 2025  10 am-2 pm 

at the Bay Model Visitor Center in Sausalito

• Free Ship Tours 10 am-1 pm
• Bay Model Tours
• Fun Educational Activities
• Traditional Rope-Making Demo
• Live Music
• Paella & Ice cream for sale
• Afternoon Sails starting at 1:30 pm

Don't miss out on Sailing on Seaward & Matthew Turner (with ticket purchase)

Event Sponsors and Partners:

Celebrating Local Business Partners

Call of the Sea is deeply grateful for the support of local businesses that share our commitment to environmental education and maritime heritage. These companies contribute their earnings directly to our mission. Our newest contributor is Sausalito’s own Golden Gate Market through 1% for the Planet.  Call of the Sea is an official Environmental Partner with 1% for the Planet, which qualifies us as a recipient of funds that businesses have dedicated through the 1% for the Planet pledge. 

We’re also grateful for the support of sponsors like Modern Sailing, as well as 40th anniversary supporters Bay Ship & Yacht, Matson, Dutra Construction, Peacock Piper Tong + Voss, and the PASHA group.

Partnerships help us ensure that people from all backgrounds can connect with the Bay and learn to protect our oceans.  If your business is a member of 1% for the Planet, or you’d like to support another way, let’s talk! 

Please contact us at 415 331-3214 or email advancement@callofthesea.org

Winter Camp Wrap-Up: A Splash of Science and Adventure! 

We kicked off the year with an unforgettable winter camp, filled with exploration, discovery, and tons of fun! Ten campers joined us for the last week of February, where they dove into marine science with hands-on activities. Highlights included a thrilling squid dissection (enjoyed by both campers and our Education Manager!) and beach time to soak in the beauty of the coast. The sunny San Francisco skies even allowed for our first sail of the season, giving everyone a chance to experience the bay from a whole new perspective. With our new classroom space, campers also had the opportunity to conduct exciting experiments and explore the nearby beach, deepening their connection to the marine world. It was a week of learning, laughter, and adventure—thanks to our supporters who make moments like this possible!

Exploring the underwater world through an interactive exhibit of some of the Bay's most unique critters.

Having a thrilling morning on schooner Seaward as we sail through some amazing sunny February weather. 

Captain Rogers gives some campers a tour of the engine room on Matthew Turner! 

Community Sailing

"Sailing on Matthew Turner is a unique experience.... To read about sailing in the last century is interesting, to actually be exposed to the crew's practiced management of the sails, without the aid of power winches and self-furling, is fantastic. The liveliness of the Brigantine in a fair breeze through the slot was totally unexpected. I look forward to our next outing on Matthew Turner!" Bill Daniel

Special Sailing dates:

• 3/22 Sail GP Viewing
• 4/4 First Sunset Sail of the Year
• 4/19 Pre-Earth Day Sail
• 4/27 Opening Day on the Bay
• 5/11 Mother's Day Sail

Volunteer of the Month

Meet Alice Collier Cochran, Call of the Sea Board Vice-Chair

Growing up in Richmond, Virginia, my first experiences sailing were on family vacations in Hancock Point, Maine where my grandparents retired.  My older cousin, a “summer sibling” for me as an only child, had a small wooden boat.  He’d take me sailing to try to scare me.  Mostly he only let me manage the jib, never the tiller. When I wanted a boat after moving to California in the early 1980’s, I bought a Catboat.  It has no jib!

Prior to moving to California, I left a job as Associate Director of Student Life at Eckerd College in Florida to “run away to sea” as the Education Officer (and occasional cook)  aboard the Brig Unicorn.  At age 30, I was bitten by the tall ship sailing bug!  I have always believed in life-long learning.

Alan Olson and I served together on the Board of the Golden Gate Tall Ships Society (GGTSS).  It was formed to assist the Californian with logistics when she sailed the coast of California. We chartered local ships (Gaslight or Hawaiian Chieftain) and took people sailing on the Bay on the 4th of July and other events. 

Campers sail on schooner Seaward and brigantine Matthew Turner, as well as small boats. Each day will have a new adventure and time for art, games, learning and making new friends!

Testimonial from a parent:

"She was so happy and able to get up early in the morning each day for new adventures and after every day she was so happy to share all the learning she did each day." Damaris Rodas, parent

Overnight Voyages in 2025

Join us for a bucket list experience as Voyage Crew on a 4- or 5-day adventure!

Learn the basics of sailing aboard a tall ship, join the crew climbing in the rig,

and help with night watches. You will

learn about coastal navigation with charts and modern instruments and can also practice traditional Celestial Navigation!

Booking now for Spring and Fall 2025!

Check out the Ship's Store