Join us as we Spread Our Sails!

At Call of the Sea we are working to break down barriers and improve access to marine education and nautical experiences for Bay Area youth. Part of that effort means bringing our tall ships, the Matthew Turner and Seaward to the communities most in need of that support. That’s why this year we increased our presence in communities around the Bay, and plan to do more in the years ahead. 

Your sponsorship of our 2026 Gala on October 3 at the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco will help us do exactly that.

Together, we will:

  • Introduce thousands students from all nine Bay Area counties to the ocean—many for the very first time.
  • Expand hands-on environmental and marine education, empowering students to not only learn but take action.
  • Bring our floating classrooms and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) curriculum to more ports of call. This makes it much easier for more young people to participate.
  • Offer more diverse voyages and learning experiences that connect students deeply to California’s coastal heritage and future.

 Sponsorships will:

  • Fund direct scholarships for under-served schools
  • Subsidize transportation to even the playing field
  • Support essential operations and maintenance for our vessels 

Celebrate our success and ensure our future! Together, we’ll launch tomorrow’s ocean advocates, leaders, and change-makers.

Ways to Support the Gala:

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

Ensign – Investment: $5,000

Benefits:

  • Recognition in the Gala program
  • 4 reserved seats at Gala
  • 10% discount on any sails for one year (Matthew Turner or Seaward)

Lieutenant – Investment $10,000

Benefits:

  • Recognition in the Gala program and in our public communications
  • 6 reserved seats at the Gala,
  • 15% discount on full-boat charter or full-year 15% discount on any sails (Matthew Turner or Seaward)

Captain – Investment: $25,000

Benefits:

  • Recognition in the Gala program and in our public communications
  • 1 Reserved Table at the Gala
  • 50% discount on full-boat charter or full-year 50% discount on any sails (Matthew Turner or Seaward)

Commodore – Investment: $50,000

Benefits:

  • Leading position name and logo on all materials. 
  • 1 Reserved Table at the Gala
  • Presentation opportunity at Spreading Our Sails Pre-gala event; 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).
  • Discounts on full boat charter or discount on any sails to be arranged (Matthew Turner or Seaward)

To facilitate your sponsorship or explore a partnership, please contact Paul; Carroll, Director of Advancement, 415-596-5492, paul@callofthesea.org or Carla Thorson, Executive Director, 510-375-6844, carla@callofthesea.org. Thank you!