The Ocean Institute in Dana Point will receive a $20,000 grant from the State Coastal Conservancy in support of the Institute’s 2014 Toshiba Tall Ships Festival (www.tallshipsfestival). The Ocean Institute was one of 52 organizations located along the California coast selected for $1.3 million in “Explore the Coast” grants made by the Conservancy. The purpose of this grant program is to support activities that allow more people to explore California’s spectacular coast and/or enhance a visitor’s experience.
The Toshiba Tall Ships Festival is held each September, and features tall ships visiting the Institute from up and down the California coast. Participants have the opportunity to sail onboard the ships, engage in mock cannon battles, learn maritime history and enjoy pirate encampments on the shore. It is the Ocean Institute’s largest annual event.
“Nothing quite captures the imagination like the sight of a majestic tall ship sailing into the sunset. Every year, thousands of people come out to Dana Point in order to celebrate the culture and traditions of these magnificent vessels,” remarked Dan Stetson, the Ocean Institute’s president and CEO. “In the process, we are inspired to realize how important the coastline has become—not only to our collective history, but to our everyday lives. With the Toshiba Tall Ship Festival’s 30th anniversary coming up in 2014, we are so thankful for the Coastal Conservancy’s support in making the event possible.”
“The Toshiba Tall Ships Festival offers an exceptional opportunity for people to get to know our working waterfronts,” said Sam Schuchat, the Coastal Conservancy’s executive officer. “Tall masts and full sails are a spectacular introduction to California’s rich maritime history.”
The Coastal Conservancy is a state agency that works with the people of California to protect and improve California’s coast. The conservancy has helped open more than 100 miles of coast and bay shores to the public and preserve more than 300,000 acres of wetlands, wildlife habitat, parks and farmland.
About The Ocean Institute: Founded in 1977, the Ocean Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to ocean preservation through education, setting the standard for educational excellence and serving as a leading resource for universities, museums, teachers and all others seeking to increase their knowledge of the ocean. The Ocean Institute is open to the general public on weekends, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost: $6.50 adults, $4.50 children (ages 4-12), Ocean Institute members free. Unique maritime and ocean-themed items are available in the Chambers Gallery every day, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Institute address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor
Jim Graves
