In-Person, Hands-On Sailing With S.F. Maritime National Park Association

The calls of “Aye, aye, Sir,” can once again be heard from the hard-working crew on the square-rigger Balclutha. These hearty cries onboard the ship didn’t come from seasoned mariners, but rather from enthusiastic fourth and fifth graders participating in the nonprofit San Francisco Maritime National Park Association’s recently revived Age of Sail educational day program.

On a crisp spring morning, the children were diligently following the guidance of the Association’s watchful “officers,” being given instruction on rigging, bell ringing, and learning about the history of this antique vessel, most active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Age of Sail program, which was on hiatus for three years due to COVID, has triumphantly returned, once again taking place along San Francisco’s historical Fisherman’s Wharf at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and Hyde Street Pier. Children engaging in the Age of Sail can imagine traveling back in time to Balclutha’s heyday, replete with the sights and sounds of a bygone era.

The sparkling waters, gulls, and cool, salt air of the Bay provide participants with a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop for learning and having fun. These activities are not only great for deepening maritime knowledge and providing valuable lessons on cooperation, but also give children the opportunity to absorb rich aspects of history in a novel, hands-on way. The chance for participative, active learning has been a truly memorable and life-changing experience for many young people across California. However, the Age of Sail is not the only program to have been renewed.

Another recently returned program is the Association’s Youth Boat Building program, which preserves traditional boatbuilding methods while teaching young people valuable job skills. The program is organized in partnership with Downtown High School and Get Out and Learn. High schoolers are welcomed to the maritime heritage learning center to learn how to build a traditional rowing dory. “I enjoyed building a boat and learning to row,” said Kayla, who participated in the shipbuilding program. “The instructors are passionate, and it spreads to the students. This program has improved my ability to work with others and to know how to handle new things. I believe these skills are applicable anywhere in the real world.”

Passersby down by Aquatic Park can spot the fleet of dories from the shipbuilding program floating from mooring balls. (If you would like to own one of these hand-built skiffs, the education director is certain to sell you one! Contact Laura by email at [email protected].)

During the summer, these vessels are used to teach young campers how to row as part of the Maritime Summer Camp, and to introduce them to all the waterfront has to offer. This includes enjoying plenty of fresh air and getting the chance to observe local wildlife, such as the brown pelicans that dive for fish in the Bay. Maritime Summer Camp runs from June 12 through August 11, and is packed with rowing, sailing, and adventuring. All green hands ages 8 to 13 looking for an exciting summer on the water are welcome and encouraged to have their parents head over to www.maritime.org/education to learn more and sign up now.

Not only do participants enjoy maritime activities on the Bay, but they also get to visit the Aquarium of the Bay, learn about preservation, experience the collections at the San Francisco Maritime Museum, and get a window into the deep cultural history of San Francisco by visiting the park’s exhibit on the Yelamu indigenous people.

In addition to the Age of Sail program, Youth Boat Building Program, and Maritime Summer Camp, the Association and its partner, the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, are working to renew other programs, such as in-person sea chanteys, public programs, concerts, and events — all put on hold during the pandemic.

Continue reading in the June issue of Latitude 38.