The legendary fishing boat, the Western Flyer, will set sail from Fisherman's Wharf on Sunday, March 16 at 3pm for an 85th anniversary expedition to the Gulf of California. All are welcome to come and join the free community celebration leading up to its departure, 11am-3pm, rain or shine.

About the Community Celebration

The free community celebration will feature:

11am-3pm: hands-on science and art activities for all ages

11am-3pm: 1940s vintage car show

2pm: 1940s costume contest

11am-3pm: live music and dancing
11am-12pm, ballet folklorico
12:30-1:30pm, swing dancing and jazz
2pm-3pm, sea shanties)

11am-2pm: free tours of the Western Flyer boat, first-come, first served.

Don't miss the festivities at 3pm as the Western Flyer sets sail with a fireboat escort and a celebratory ship horn farewell.

About the Western Flyer & the Expedition

The Western Flyer is the iconic, recently restored fishing vessel immortalized in John Steinbeck's book The Log from the Sea of Cortez. March 16 will mark 85 years (almost to the day!) since John Steinbeck, Ed Ricketts, and their crew embarked on their journey to the Gulf of California detailed in the book.

In the following three months, the Western Flyer will retrace this historic route, making stops along the California coast and throughout the Gulf of California and teaming up with local scientists, educators, and conservationists to study the Gulf's rich ecosystems and conduct public events, hands-on education, and scientific research.

Photo credit: Western Flyer Foundation