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Running Free August 2026
From the Bridge
After a busy summer of sailing, festivals, and programming, I find myself, as I do every year, looking forward to fall and to the chance to see so many of you in person again. Thankfully, that chance is coming soon. Our Community Musters return this October and November, with stops in Traverse City, MI; Essex, MA; Santa Barbara, CA; and Wilmington, DE. Registration is open now. I'd encourage you to sign up as soon as your plans allow, not just so you don't miss out, but so we know to expect you.
I want to say a particular thank you to Allen Insurance and Financial, who have once again stepped up to provide lunch at all four musters this year. They'll also serve as Presenting Sponsor of our Annual Conference. Allen Insurance and Financial has been an extraordinary partner to this organization, and we are lucky to have them in our corner.
Thankfully, they're not alone. A number of other partners have already committed to supporting the Annual Conference and, as we get closer, we'll be sure to recognize each of them individually since their generosity deserves to be acknowledged. If you know a company or organization that might want to join them, we'd love to hear from you. Sponsorship information is available here: 2027 Conference Sponsorship Opportunities.
Speaking of the conference, registration opens September 1. If you're planning to join us, register early. Our early bird rate rewards those who commit ahead of time, and it's the best value you'll find for the year.
There's no substitute for these in-person gatherings. A muster or a conference is where the real work of this community happens, not just in the sessions themselves, but in the conversations that spill out into the hallway afterward. It's where we compare notes on what's working and admit, honestly, what isn't. It's where old friends catch up and new ones get made, where new crew connect with a mentor, and where a veteran captain remembers why they got into this work in the first place. Our community is stronger every time we're together in a room and connecting.
This year provided some amazing opportunities to showcase tall ships to the public, and it’s important that we look at ways to stay connected with new and interested audiences while also looking for opportunities to support the people that make our ships sail. The Musters and the Conference will provide the avenue to collectively discuss these issues, and others.
Fall is coming. I hope it finds you well, and I look forward to seeing many of you. As always, be sure to share news with us about the cool things you’re doing.
Fair Winds,
Stu
Registration opens on September 1
Early Bird Registration for the 54th Annual Conference on Sail Training and Tall Ships opens tomorrow! Register and save $100 until November 1st.
Got a session that could spark real conversation in the sail training world? We’re building out the program for the Annual Conference and want to hear from you — whether it’s a bold keynote idea, a program that’s actually moved the needle for your organization, or a panel topic that gets people talking and connecting across the community.
If you’ve got something worth sharing, we’d love to hear from you!
Please note that application submittal does not guarantee selection. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
In collaboration with Team One Newport, we are excited to share that we have an online store. We have polos, t-shirts, and jackets, along with some tote bags and hats.
Every year, we dress up in our finest Carharts, wipe the pine tar off our hands, and raise our glasses to our community of sail training professionals.
Help us recognize those out there making a difference. You see them, you admire them, now help them be honored.
Nominations for our annual sail training awards are open. Please note, you must be a current Tall Ships America member in order to nominate and receive an award.
Tall Ships America is looking for information from our tall ship members about their daily and weekly rates. This information will not be shared or disclosed publicly.
The infomation is soley for our purposes as we look to improve our offerings to our member vessels by exploring access to new markets and creating the opportunity for our member vessels and organizations to make money.
Practical Navigator Training is designed to present useful navigation topics for professional and recreational mariners in a no-nonsense way.
The organization is run by Capt. Christopher D. Nolan, a former Coast Guard cutterman and cutter commanding officer. Chris holds a 1600-ton USCG merchant mariner license upon ocean routes and a 3000-ton STCW license, having served in command of both military and civilian ships.
Leadership and Managerial Skills Training (STCW)
From 30 Nov to 18 December 2026, Practical Navigator Training will be running an STCW approved Leadership and Managerial Skills course as an online cohort.
Expect to meet on zoom for class 1-2 hours per day, Monday to Friday. Classes will take place in the east-coast evening. There are provisions for making up occasional missed sessions.
The course is STCW approved and results in a certificate which can be presented to the Coast Guard within 10 years for various STCW management level roles. The course also meets the requirements for Leadership and Teamworking Skills at the STCW operational level.
This course is also helpful for organizational leaders looking to enhance their leadership skill set and professional development certificates.
The tuition for the program is $650, and there are limited scholarship funds available.
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