“I promise I will save you
When you cannot stay afloat
And if your tears can fill an ocean
Then for you I will be a boat.”
E. H. (circa 2012)

These words were written by Erin Hanson, Australian poet, whose birthday is June 22. She will be 25 years old.

Also on that day, we hope to celebrate a few things:

Our first “Young Salts Adventure Camp” on schooner Seaward (June 22-July 10) still has a few openings, the second session (July 13-31) is sold out. Waiting lists are being kept, and we are contemplating hosting camps on brigantine Matthew Turner. We need your help spreading the word, signing up, or making a donation to provide scholarships and other support for safely getting underway. More information here.

Our “Sailstice Sail” on schooner Seaward with young people from Bridge the Gap College Prep in Marin City is scheduled to embark on the Solstice, June 20. Participants will sail free of charge, but we would very much appreciate your help underwriting the cost of this voyage. Donate Now!

Brigantine Matthew Turner set sails on Friday, June 12, and will sail again on the weekend afternoons! Only Captain and crew are on board, preparing for final Coast Guard on-the-water tests, and sailing in compliance with recently adopted Marin County charter boat guidelines. There are strict limits on the number of people allowed on board.

During the past few weeks, especially the last one, tears have flowed enough to fill the ocean. We want to be the boat that helps us heal. For children cooped up for months, we want to take them out in the fresh air to sail, explore, and learn. For those angered by the disparate impact of the pandemic or the justice system, we want to be a vessel that unites. And for you, our supporters and volunteers, we want to launch toward a beacon of hope.

“We are all in the same boat,
In a stormy sea,
and we owe each other
a terrible loyalty.”
G.K. Chesterton (1909)

Anchors aweigh,
Steven Woodside,
Executive Director