Did you know that 2026 is International Volunteer year?
The United Nations, in recognition of volunteerism as a key driver of sustainable development, is calling on governments, organizations, and communities worldwide to champion volunteerism in all its forms—formal and informal, local and global. Volunteers strengthen societies in times of crisis and peace, and their contributions are vital to strengthening communities and driving progress and innovation.
We are more than happy to answer this call, as volunteers have been the driving force behind much of our success and are a part of the “woodwork” at Call of the Sea. They built the ship after all! This year, we are launching a Volunteer Training Program to bring on more tall ship sailors, harness the dedication and enthusiasm for sailing and offer more transformative programming onboard Matthew Turner and Seaward. In preparation for the start of the sailing season, you are invited to join our volunteers, like Gwen, Ariella and Catherine, in the photo, happily working aloft!
With all this warm, beautiful weather, it is definitely time to get out of the house, away from work and the news and out on the water. We will be holding dockside training for volunteers on Saturday March 22 and two dockside/sailing days, either April 4 or May 3 to build a stronger volunteer team on our vessels for the 2026 season. If you are interested in learning the ropes, please sign up here, and enter “Training” in the notes field.
Carla Thorson, Executive Director
