Impact at a Glance

For more than two decades, Ocean Alliances 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.

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

★ 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

★ 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.

★ Ports Served

  • San Francisco

  • Monterey

  • Los Angeles / San Pedro

  • San Diego

  • Honolulu

  • Seward

  • Tacoma

  • New Orleans

(Additional ports supported through coordinated itineraries)

★ 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.

★ 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.

★ 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.

  • "Their attention to detail and commitment to quality truly stood out. We’ve already recommended them to others."

    —Former Customer

  • "Communication was top-notch and the final outcome was even better than we imagined. A great experience all around."

    —Former Customer

  • "Every detail was thoughtfully executed. We're thrilled with the outcome."

    —Former Customer

Why This Impact Matters

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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