Running Free 
December 2025

 The Tall Ships America office will be closed starting at noon (EST) on Wednesday, December 24th and will reopen on Friday, January 2nd. 

From the Bridge
Reflecting on 2025, Looking Ahead to 2026

As we come to the close of 2025, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on what this year has meant for Tall Ships America and for the remarkable community that makes our work possible.

This year was one of growth, momentum, and meaningful progress. We saw our community come together in powerful ways—most notably at our Annual Conference at MITAGS in Baltimore, MD, which welcomed the highest number of first-time attendees we’ve ever had. We were able to provide more than $40,000 in travel support to crew and first-time participants to ensure broader participation. We strengthened our network by welcoming new strategic partners, expanding leadership-level engagement, and launching initiatives that reinforced our shared commitment to safety, professionalism, and inclusion across the fleet.

We also made a significant investment in the future of sail training and workforce development. In 2025 alone, Tall Ships America awarded more than $52,000 in sail training scholarships and workforce development grants—more than the previous four years combined. These resources are opening doors, creating pathways, and ensuring more people can access the life-changing experiences our ships provide.

Beyond funding, we continued to provide direct resources to our members while strengthening the overall value of Tall Ships America membership. This included offerings such as our Speaker Series, which featured conversations with subject matter experts from within and beyond our community, as well as enhanced benefits made possible through partnerships with organizations including Allen Insurance and Financial and those in our new Leadership Circle: FD Yachts, Classic Harbor Line, Sea Cloud Cruises, Sebago, and Zhik. Those companies, along with others who have stepped up, have enabled Tall Ships America to deliver meaningful tools, connections, and opportunities that reinforce what we all know to be true: tall ships are extraordinary platforms where education, leadership, environmental stewardship, workforce development, and personal growth naturally intersect.

As we look toward 2026, one of our central goals is to create more opportunities for new audiences to connect with tall ships in organic and authentic ways. Supporting sail training remains at the heart of Tall Ships America’s mission, and our member organizations bring that mission to life—delivering exceptional sail training aboard their vessels every day. While tall ships teach people how to sail, their impact extends far beyond seamanship alone. They help individuals build confidence, develop resilience, learn teamwork, and ultimately become better versions of themselves. Tall ships serve as powerful, complementary platforms for education, community engagement, and meaningful partnerships, both on the water and ashore.

Thank you to our members—both the ships and the individuals—who continue to support and strengthen Tall Ships America through your engagement, trust, and shared commitment to this work. I am also deeply grateful to the staff and Board of Tall Ships America for their unwavering dedication and the countless hours they give in service of this community. It has been an honor to work alongside all of you this year, and I look forward to seeing many of you in Chula Vista, California, February 8–11, 2026, as we come together to chart the course ahead.

With gratitude and fair winds,

Stu

Stuart Gilfillen, Executive Director

2025 Annual Appeal is happening now!

Tall Ships America has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships and grants since 2020. 

We need your support to continue creating these opportunities
in the year ahead.

Will you consider a year-end gift to Tall Ships America?

• $50 helps reduce financial barriers for a young sailor taking their first step under sail
• $100 supports scholarships that connect aspiring mariners with professional training and mentorship
• $250 helps make immersive, transformational sail training experiences accessible to those who otherwise could not participate

There is still time before the end of the year to make a meaningful impact!

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. 

Book your room today and get the discounted attendee price. Room block releases on January 6th, after that we cannot guarantee the reduced price or availability. 

On the fence about attending the annual conference? We have so many great sessions and speakers. you can find them here.

We also have Crew Grants available! Click on the button below for more information about the conference, booking your room, and crew grants. 

New Member Discount! 

Kong USA specializes in climbing gear and safety equipment, with a manufacturing tradition dating back to 1830. Based in Bristol, Rhode Island, Kong USA offers a wide range of equipment, including stretchers, carabiners, and harnesses, designed for climbers, rescue professionals, outdoor enthusiasts and tall ships crew. The company emphasizes quality and safety, ensuring that its products meet rigorous standards for performance and reliability.

Tall Ships America is excited to offer members 15% off premium safety and climbing equipment from Kong USA.

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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