Running Free 
January 2026

From the Bridge

January always feels like a moment of possibility, and this year that feeling is especially strong as we look ahead to our Annual Conference in Chula Vista, California. The calendar has turned, plans are coming together, and before long many of us will be in the same room again—something I don’t take for granted. Our conference committee has been doing an amazing job of building the agenda, for which we’re incredibly grateful.

One of the things I’m most looking forward to is the opportunity to gather with our Board of Directors.  Bringing together a group of smart, thoughtful people who care deeply about the mission of Tall Ships America is a gift. The conversations are candid, the ideas are sharp, and the collective problem-solving around our shared challenges is incredibly valuable. Those discussions help shape where we’re headed, and I anticipate leaving energized.

That same sense of energy is what I’m most excited about with the conference itself. It’s been a long stretch since we were all together in Baltimore last year, and I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with colleagues, friends, and partners I haven’t seen in far too long. So much of our work happens over emails and video calls, but the value of being together—sharing ideas, stories, and laughter in person—can’t be overstated. Those connections are the foundation of this community.

Last year’s Awards Ceremony was a particular highlight for me, and I’m thrilled to be doing it again. Seeing the Volunteer of the Year Award named in honor of tall ship legend Nancy Richardson was especially meaningful, and it was a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can have on our field. This year, we’ll once again have the chance to celebrate members of our community who give their time, talent, and heart to this work, and I can’t wait to recognize more of those stories. 

We also have a few surprises and some very cool announcements that I’ll be sharing on site—but I’m happy to announce one now. Thanks to the generosity of Leadership Circle Member Sea Cloud, we’ll be giving away a seven-night stateroom aboard Sea Cloud Spirit on a Caribbean departure to one lucky conference attendee. Unfortunately, staff aren’t eligible to win, so I’ll have to do the next best thing and live vicariously through someone else’s adventure.

I’m counting down the days and truly looking forward to seeing you all in California. 

Until then, fair winds—and see you soon.

Stu

Stuart Gilfillen, Executive Director

Join us for our 53rd Annual Conference in California!

We return to the Pacific Coast for the first time in seven years and couldn't be more excited to get out of the wintery East Coast for a few days.

Our Conference Committee has been hard at work for the last six months pulling together a truly impressive line up of speakers and sessions. 

We kick things off on Monday, Feb. 9th with the return of the Ship Forum and the Shore Forum. 

Our Keynote Speaker, Mike Long, CEO & Founder of SailFuture, will be addressing the topic SailFuture: Social Mobility and Sailing.

This will be followed by two days of educational and informative sessions. It's not all work. We get to visit the Maritime Museum of San Diego  for a reception on board the Steam Ferry Berkeley and our Annual Awards are on Tuesday night. 

Finally, we want to thank all of our sponsors for this year's event. We can't have these events without their support and truly appreciate their partnerships. If you are interested in being a sponsor for this year's event, opportunities are still available. 

Wooden Spar Inspection and Assessment Guide

In May of 2024, the Tall Ships America Technical (aka the Ships Operations Committee) convened a Mast and Spar Working Group (MSWG) comprised of a number of seasoned shipwrights, naval architects, and captains. The purpose of the MSWG is to promote the safety of sailing vessels by producing guidelines for the assessment of masts and spars on sailing vessels. To this end, the MSWG is sharing the final draft of its first product, the Wooden Spar Inspection and Assessment Guide (WSIAG).

The WSIAG is intended to assist anyone conducting wooden spar inspections, as well serving as a teaching tool and reference guide. It will be featured for discussion during the "Navigating the Regulatory Seas" session at the Ship Forum day of the upcoming Annual Conference. The MSWG welcomes feedback from the membership on the WSIAG, either via email or in person at the Conference. Once member input has been obtained and considered, the final copy of the WSIAG will be available on the Resources page of Tall Ships America's website.

Book Your Hotel Room for the Annual Conference!

We have a block of rooms available off site at the Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites in Chula Vista. They are, as they say in Rhode Island, side by each. 

Click on the button below for more information about the conference and the accommodations.  

New Member Discount! 

Yacht Charter Training Academy is an immersive, online training experience designed specifically for all crew who work aboard midsized charter vessels. YCTA was founded an an answer to the lack of standardized training that addresses the needs of crew in the midsized charter yacht industry. The courses are designed by crew, for crew. 

YCTA is for those who want to o their job well, safely, and make a meaningful career of of their love for people, the sea, sailing, and travel. 

Tall Ships America is excited to offer members $400 off the price of a course.

To access this discount code and other member benefits, please visit our Member Benefit page and log in. 

If you are not currently a member, become one today! 

Thank you for supporting the partners that help us fulfill our mission of sail training and education under sail. 

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