Bringing Tall Ships back to California!
Recruiting and hosting international naval and sail-training tall ships to San Francisco • Monterey • Los Angeles &• San Diego.
Supporting and celebrating California’s own tall ships from San Francisco to San Diego.
Ocean Alliances is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to cultural diplomacy, maritime education, and international cooperation—connecting California’s coastal communities with the world through historic sailing vessels.
Tall Ships in California, a Proven History
★
Hosting international Tall Ships in California since 1999
★
Forty+ international naval & sail-training vessels welcomed
★
Partnerships across many Oceans
★
Serving ports throughout California & The Pacific Coast
Our Mission
Since 1999, Ocean Alliances —formerly Sail San Francisco—has welcomed more than 40 international tall ships and naval training vessels to our coast. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we create programs that generate economic opportunities and cultural enrichment for California’s coastal communities.
Our mission is to strengthen ties across the Western Hemisphere and the Indo-Pacific by bringing international tall ships and naval sail-training vessels to California’s ports.
Through cultural diplomacy, maritime education, and our shared nautical heritage, we foster international cooperation, support youth development, and promote economic vitality. We believe the curiosity, passion, and joy that accompany each personal exchange onboard are steps toward world understanding and peace.
Photo Courtesy of Tall Ship Gloria
Why Tall Ships Matter
Education through Experience
Tall ships are living classrooms where participants learn teamwork, leadership, discipline, and seamanship through hands-on, immersive experiences.
Building Character and Resilience
Life at sea requires cooperation, perseverance, and problem-solving—fostering confidence, responsibility, and strong character in everyone aboard.
Cultural Diplomacy and Peace
By bringing people from different nations together, tall ships create opportunities for understanding, respect, and dialogue—proving peace begins when people meet face to face.
Join Us in Bringing Tall Ships to California
Tall ship visits are rare, powerful opportunities to connect cultures, inspire learning, and build goodwill across borders. With your support, we can continue welcoming the world to California’s ports.
Community Engagement
Visiting ships strengthen local ports and coastal communities through education, public access, and cultural exchange.
Stewardship of the Ocean
Tall ships inspire care for the ocean and the environment, teaching that responsibility for our shared world begins with knowledge, respect, and hands-on experience.
“You have answered to our every need and more since our first visit to SF in 2000 including making arrangements for Cuauhtemoc in Hawaii and Alaska. The support we received in maritime services alone has helped us to return to California again and again. ”
With Gratitude to our
SUPPORTERS & SPONSORS
