Celebrate the Future – Sustain the Legacy

A bold vision sparked the creation of the brigantine Matthew Turner. But it was the dedication of countless volunteers and generous sponsors like you that brought it to life and transformed it into the life-changing floating classroom it is today. Together with the schooner Seaward, these two sailing ships are powerful symbols of what is possible when community, purpose, and perseverance come together.

Now, in our 41st year, Call of the Sea invites you to help shape what comes next.

Join us as a sponsor of our 2025 Gala on October 4 at the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco. Your support will help us expand access to ocean education, inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, and ensure our programs reach more young people—especially those who need it most.

Together, we are:

• Introducing several thousand students from all nine Bay Area counties to the ocean—many for the very first time.
• Expanding hands-on environmental marine education to include restorative environmental programming about SF Bay watersheds, empowering students to not only learn but take action.
• Bringing our floating classrooms and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) curriculum to more ports of call, increasing accessibility and reducing transportation barriers for schools through scholarships and subsidies.
• Offering more diverse voyages and learning experiences that connect students deeply to California’s coastal heritage and future.

Last year, thanks to donors like you, more than 54% of the schools we served received scholarship support. This year, in the face of economic uncertainty and rising demand, your generosity is more critical than ever.

Your support will:

• Fund scholarships for under-served schools
• Subsidize bus transportation to ensure access for all
• Provide vital operational support to sustain and grow our impact

Celebrate the future with us—and help lay the foundation for the next 40 years of Call of the Sea. Together, we’ll launch tomorrow’s ocean advocates, leaders, and change-makers.

Thank you for considering a meaningful gift that honors the legacy you helped build—and ensures it thrives.

Act Now, Opportunities are Limited

Commodore – Investment: $50,000

Benefits:

• Leading position name and logo on all materials. 
• Presentation opportunity at Launching Our Legacy Gala  Pre-gala “briefing”; a social gathering with an informative focus on a topic such as ocean literacy, maritime history, or the mental health benefits of environmental STEAM education under sail, at a location of your choice (e.g., Matthew Turner, your home, or office). 
• 50% discount on full boat charter or full year 50% discount on any sails (Matthew Turner or Seaward)

Captain – Investment: $25,000

Benefits:

• Name and logo on all materials 
• 1 Reserved Table at Launching Our Legacy Gala
• 50% discount on full-boat charter or full-year 50% discount on any sails (Matthew Turner or Seaward)

Lieutenant – Investment $10,000

Benefits:

• Name and logo on all materials 
• 6 reserved seats at Launching Our Legacy Gala, 15% discount on full-boat charter or full-year 15% discount on any sails (Matthew Turner or Seaward)

Ensign – Investment: $5,000

Benefits:

• Name and logo on some materials 
• 4 reserved seats at Gala, 10% discount on any sails for one year (Matthew Turner or Seaward)

 Mate – Investment: $2,500

Benefits:

• Name and logo on some materials 
• 2 reserved seats at Gala 
• One-time 10% discount on any sail, excluding charters (Matthew Turner or Seaward)

In addition, we welcome table hosts, which are available to reserve here.

Table hosts will receive recognition by name in the printed program, will be thanked during the event, and will receive other special benefits. Tables are for 8 total guests.

To lock in your sponsorship or explore a partnership, please contact Elizabeth Hunt, Director of Advancement, 402-203-5214, elizabeth@callofthesea.org or Carla Thorson, Executive Director, 510-375-6844, carla@callofthesea.org. Thank you!