# Celebrate World Ocean Day with a Sail on Brigantine Matthew Turner
World Ocean Day really comes alive aboard the Brigantine Matthew Turner, a striking 132-foot wooden sailing vessel built right in Sausalito. This June 8th adventure blends environmental awareness with maritime heritage as you explore San Francisco Bay on one of California’s newest traditionally-built tall ships.
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The three-hour journey honors our ocean’s importance and gives you a rare shot at traditional sailing on a modern wooden vessel. You’ll feel the history as the sails fill and the Bay stretches out around you.
A Unique Maritime Experience
The Matthew Turner stands out as a modern shipbuilding marvel. Launched in 2017 and sailing the Bay since 2020, this wooden brigantine ties visitors to California’s maritime roots.
It’s a chance to see the Bay from vantage points you just can’t get on land. That alone is worth the trip, if you ask me.
About the Ship
Community members in Sausalito built the Matthew Turner, turning it into both an educational vessel and a living museum. The ship’s got traditional rigging, but safety standards are as modern as they come.
Its twin-masted design lets it handle the Bay’s famously fickle winds. Crew members share stories about navigation and sailing history while you’re out there.
What to Expect During Your Sail
This three-hour World Ocean Day sail mixes environmental education with hands-on sailing. You can help raise sails, steer the ship, or just kick back and take in the Bay’s landmarks from a whole new angle.
Ocean Conservation Focus
There’s a big focus on marine conservation—crew members talk about local ecology and the challenges facing San Francisco Bay and oceans everywhere. It’s a chance to connect with the maritime environment you’re learning about, right there on the water.
Practical Information for Sailors
The voyage leaves from Sausalito at 10:00am and returns at 1:00pm. Free parking’s available at the US Army Corps of Engineers Bay Model Visitor Center lot.
An escort will guide you to the pier, and check-in starts 15 minutes before sailing. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Ticket Information
You’ll need to book in advance through Call of the Sea’s website. Ticket prices go like this:
This sail usually sells out, so if you’re thinking about it, don’t wait too long. All proceeds help fund Call of the Sea’s educational programs for Bay Area students.
Getting There
The Matthew Turner docks in Sausalito, right by the Bay Model Visitor Center. From Marin, just hop on Highway 101 and take the Sausalito exit, then follow the signs to the Bay Model.
If you’re coming from San Francisco, you can drive over the Golden Gate Bridge. Or, skip the traffic and catch the ferry straight to downtown Sausalito—though you’ll need a quick rideshare to reach the departure spot.
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