Impact at a Glance

One World, One Ocean

For more than two decades, Ocean Alliances, formerly Sail San Francisco, has connected people, ports, and nations through the shared language of the sea. Our work delivers measurable educational, cultural, and economic benefits to California’s coastal communities while strengthening international relationships.

Nighttime scene of fireworks over a city and harbor, with a brightly lit sailing ship and a yacht on the water.

Cultural exchange builds lasting understanding

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Peace Begins When People Meet Face to Face

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Connection turns curiosity into cooperation

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Cultural exchange builds lasting understanding · Peace Begins When People Meet Face to Face · Connection turns curiosity into cooperation ·

By the Numbers

People dressed as sailors holding American flags on a ship's mast, with a clear blue sky in the background.

★ Global Reach & Exchange

  • International Class A Tall Ships Hosted: 40

  • U.S. Class B Tall Ships Hosted: 16

  • Countries Represented:
    Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Russia, Japan, Indonesia, Italy, Holland, and Canada

A young woman wearing a face mask steering a sailboat, with a view of water, hills, and a bridge in the background.

★ Youth & Educational Impact

International Youth Served:

  • Estimated international cadets and trainees served: 15,600

Young officers and crew members from around the world participate in sail-training voyages that emphasize leadership, teamwork, discipline, and cross-cultural understanding.

Local Youth Served:

  • Estimated California youth served: 600

Through partnerships with local sail-training organizations, students participate in hands-on maritime education that builds confidence, resilience, and environmental stewardship.

Night view of Downtown San Francisco with a clock tower in the foreground and illuminated city skyscrapers in the background, including a sign reading "Port of San Francisco."

★ Ports Served

  • San Francisco

  • Monterey

  • Los Angeles / San Pedro

  • San Diego

  • Honolulu

  • Seward, AK

  • Tacoma

  • New Orleans

A crowded outdoor festival with numerous people walking around, fair booths, and rides.

★ Economic Impact

Tall Ships strengthen Coastal Communities.

  • Estimated economic impact: $9,000,000

Tall ship visits generate meaningful economic activity for host cities by supporting:

  • Local marine services and suppliers

  • Hospitality, tourism, and dining

  • Transportation, fuel, and provisioning

  • Cultural programming and public events

These visits bring international visibility to California’s ports while supporting local businesses and maritime industries.

A crowded pier with multiple large sailing ships docked, tall masts, and American flags, filled with people including families, tourists, and crew members, some taking photos and enjoying the scene.

★ Public Engagement & Access

  • Average visitors per ship visit: 48,000

  • Hundreds of thousands of visitors welcomed aboard tall ships through free public tours, educational programs, and community events

Tall ship visits offer rare access to living maritime history—allowing people of all ages to step aboard active sailing vessels, meet international crews, and experience global cultures firsthand.

A close-up of a person's shoulder showing three pins attached to a dark navy police uniform shirt. The pins are a decorative badge with a crown, a detailed eagle with a shield and the date 1776-2016, and a gold key with the initials T K.

★ Cultural Diplomacy in Action

Naval tall ships serve as floating embassies.

  • During each visit, crews participate in:

  • Public tours and cultural exchanges

  • Diplomatic meetings and official receptions

  • Educational outreach and community engagement

Each sailor who steps ashore is considered a representative of their home country—creating moments of person-to-person diplomacy that foster trust, respect, and goodwill.

  • "You greeted us in six ports, always offering us your best so we felt like we were at home right away. The whole crew noticed!"

    —Lieutenant Luis Alberto Martinez Andres, Cuauhtemoc

  • "People like you create the best reaction in others because you are always looking for the best in each of us."

    —Sargento Washington Molina, Guayas 

Why This Impact Matters

Smiling men with medals on salon deck of a ship, celebrating after a sporting event, some wearing caps, sunglasses, and colorful shirts.

In a world increasingly shaped by division, tall ships offer something rare:
face-to-face connection, shared effort, and mutual respect.

Every visit strengthens international relationships, inspires young people, and reinforces California’s role as a global maritime gateway where education, culture, and cooperation meet.

LET’S GET STARTED

Help Us Expand Our Impact

With your support, Ocean Alliances can continue to welcome the world to our shores—serving more youth, strengthening communities, and building bridges across oceans.

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