Celebrating Juneteenth

Today is Juneteenth, and the annual federal holiday commemorating the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, though the date has been recognized across the nation for many decades prior. We looked around to see what sailing events were available to celebrate Juneteenth.

Call of the Sea is hosting a Juneteenth Sunset Sail aboard the brigantine Matthew Turner tonight. If you haven’t sailed aboard this Bay Area tall ship, though it’s currently foggy, today’s a good day to do so. (Or you can take your second, perhaps even third or fourth sail aboard her. Do we hear five?) Get tickets here.

If you’re farther south, you can join the sixth annual Juneteenth at the Beach BBQ and Paddle for Peace in San Diego tomorrow, June 20. Although it’s not sailing, you’ll still be getting out on the water and joining a free, family-friendly event celebrating Black joy, culture and freedom along the coast, with free surf lessons, live music, art performances, games, food and fun.

Follow this link to find a list of local events compiled by NBC Bay Area. Again, we know they’re not specifically sailing, but perhaps you could sail to an event?

Aside from celebrating Juneteenth, we recognize local sailing organizations that work to bring diversity into sailing, every day. Call of the Sea, Spaulding Marine Center, Blue Water Foundation, Pegasus Sailing, Treasure Island Sailing Center, Afterguard Sailing and many others make it a part of their year-round mission to encourage and support people of all races, colors and backgrounds to experience and enjoy sailing.