Seaward Is Heading South

If you’ve sailed on the Bay in the last four years, you’ve likely seen the 82-ft steel schooner Seaward on a training cruise — and probably more than once. "Since she sailed under the Gate in September, 2005, weeds haven’t had time to grow on her bottom," says John Skoriak, a volunteer with Call of the Sea, the non-profit organization that owns and runs Seaward. "Weekdays are booked with youth groups participating in training voyages that last anywhere from one to five days, and weekends are filled with mixed adult/youth and family charters."

Skoriak reports that the Sausalito-based Seaward is preparing for her almost-annual winter cruise to Mexico (last winter was spent refitting in the Bay), and berths for various legs are available. "Seaward is an ocean-certified vessel," he says, "but this is no fancy cruise. Accommodations are rustic and passengers are expected to pitch in and stand watches."

Call of the Sea’s mission is "to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds, especially youth, to connect to the sea and San Francisco Bay through sailing a traditional vessel." If you’re interested in ‘getting inspired’ aboard Seaward, check out their website at www.callofthesea.org or call (415) 331-3214.