Call of the Sea Celebrates Its 20th Gala Gathering

“What an unforgettable evening at the Call of the Sea Gala!” That’s the report from Call of the Sea’s director of community and business development, Sylvia Stompe, about the organization’s 20th Gala event, which also celebrated the schooner Seaward’s 20th anniversary on the Bay.

This year Call of the Sea staff, crew, friends and supporters gathered at the St. Francis Yacht Club to celebrate and support maritime education. The highlight was tall ship Matthew Turner’s first-ever visit to the club. Dressed for the occasion in decorative flags, she towered proudly above Marina Boulevard.

Over 170 guests, including the nonprofit’s amazing crew, volunteers, partners, and longtime supporters, joined for a night of connection, generosity, and breathtaking Bay views.

Longtime and new sponsors including Pasha Hawaii, Woodside Fund for Education, Marin Community Fund, Bay Ship and Yacht, and David J. MacGregor, MD attended the Gala, together with key partners including Marin City Community Development Corporation, Oakland Goes Outdoors, and Sea Trek, acknowledged with thanks and gratitude for their help in enabling hundreds of students to experience and learn from time on the water.

The event was also attended by many whom Sylvia referred to as the “Tall Ship Family” — dedicated volunteers, some who devoted countless hours helping build the Matthew Turner, and others who are a part of the crew, sailing every week and supporting the ship and mission with their knowledge and esprit de corps.

Local sportscaster and media personality Vern Glenn hosted the presentation, “Live Auction and Fund the Future” paddle raise — an in-person auction with proceeds directed to Call of the Sea’s student scholarships and vessel costs. For those who weren’t able to attend Saturday’s gathering, there’s still an opportunity to support Call of the Sea through the online silent auction, with 44 items up for grabs. The fundraiser continues until 5:00 p.m. today (Monday, October 6).

Check out and bid on cool items and experiences here!

“Bid now and help us keep Seaward and Matthew Turner inspiring the next generation through the power of the sea!”

Learn more about Call of the Sea here.

We happened to find an October 1992 article of Alan and Call of the Sea in advance of his Pacific Rim Expedition.