Our mission is to expand ocean access and deepen understanding of marine conservation and nautical heritage.
We empower students of all ages and backgrounds to become environmental stewards and transform their world through science-based learning experiences on board our traditionally rigged tall ships, the brigantine Matthew Turner and schooner Seaward.
History
Call of the Sea (COTS) was founded in 1984 by Alan Olson and a group of local sailors to provide Bay Area youth an opportunity to sail traditionally rigged vessels and to learn about the marine environment as well as maritime history — while inspiring them to be stewards of the sea and earth.
In 2004 COTS was re-founded with Ken Neal and a new group of committed sailors who came together to purchase the schooner Seaward. January of 2015, COTS merged with Educational Tall Ship Inc. (ETS), the organization that constructed the 132′ wooden, hybrid-propulsion system tall ship Matthew Turner in Sausalito. Matthew Turner was launched in 2017, US Coast Guard certified in 2020 and now serves, along with Seaward, as a floating classroom for students and the community, serving Northern California and beyond.
Values
Integrity: Our programs are designed to ensure safety and inspire trust.
Openness: Everyone is welcome, including those who may lack the means to participate in our programs.
Connection: High-quality learning experiences connect people to one another and the world around them.
Transformation: Traditional sailing vessels offer unique, awe-inspiring, and life-changing experiences for people of all ages.
Stewardship: Protection of our marine environment for future generations is a core commitment.
Land Acknowledgment
We acknowledge that we are gathered on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded lands of the Coast Miwok people. This land, stretching from the hills of Sausalito to the San Francisco Bay waters, has been home to the Coast Miwok for thousands of years. Their deep connection to the environment and its plentiful resources is an essential part of Sausalito’s history.
As we educate the next generation, we recognize the importance of reflecting the rich, multifaceted history of the Coast Miwok in our curriculum. We believe that the next generation must understand the significance of the water we sail and the land they live on. Students’ knowledge of the Coast Miwok history will help in harnessing their commitment and duty to protect these resources for generations to come.