The Western Flyer Sets Sail! Two Days of Stories, Celebration & Send-Off Festivities in Monterey on March 15 & 16

Members of the 1940 expedition. Photo printed in the Monterey Peninsula Herald, March 11, 1940. Courtesy of the Martha Heasley Cox Center for Steinbeck Studies, SJSU. Click on the photo to view and download.
Monterey, CA – Eighty-five years ago, the Western Flyer set sail for the Gulf of California with what the Monterey Peninsula Herald described as “perhaps the strangest crew ever signed aboard a local workboat” (read the 1940 article here). Among them were renowned author John Steinbeck and marine biologist Ed Ricketts, embarking on the journey that would inspire the literary classic The Log from the Sea of Cortez.

Now, for the first time since 1940, this legendary vessel—newly restored—will retrace its historic route on a three-month expedition packed with science, education, and community outreach.

Before the Western Flyer sets sail, the public is invited to a special weekend of send-off celebrations—85 years to the week after its historic departure! These events will honor the vessel’s enduring legacy and mark the beginning of its next great journey. The festivities will culminate in a farewell celebration at Old Fisherman’s Wharf—the same location where Steinbeck, Ricketts, and their crew first set sail!

Saturday, March 15 – Tales from the Western Flyer
Stories, Legends & the Voyage Ahead
When? Saturday, March 15, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Where? Stanton Center, 5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA

Get Tickets & Learn More

For nearly a century, the Western Flyer has been home to fishermen, scientists, sailors, and storytellers—so you can bet this boat has some tales to tell! On the eve of its departure, hear legendary stories, view images from its historic voyage, meet the crew, and get a glimpse of what lies ahead on its return to the Gulf of California.

A limited number of tickets are available for $30 each and include drinks, appetizers, and access to the Stanton Center’s Steinbeck in Monterey and Bounty of the Sea exhibits. Proceeds support the Western Flyer Foundation and the Monterey History and Art Association.

Sunday, March 16 – Western Flyer Send-Off Celebration
Be Part of History—Party like It’s 1940!
When? Sunday, March 16, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Departure at 3:00 PM

Where? Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, California

More Info: www.westernflyer.org/events/

Eighty-five years ago, when Steinbeck, Ricketts, and their crew set sail, Monterey was already in party mode—the annual Fishermen’s Festival was in full swing. Naturally, the crew joined in (because who would miss “one of the best parties in local history,” according to another article published in the Monterey Peninsula Herald that day?). Now, it’s time to do it again!

This free community celebration will feature:

Live Music & Dancing – Ballet folklórico, swing dancers, jazz, and rollicking sea shanties by The Fishwives!
1940s costume contest – Dress to impress, strike a pose with “Ed Ricketts,” and win prizes!
Tours of the Western Flyer – Step aboard and explore this legendary vessel (stay tuned for details on how to sign up for limited tours!)
Hands-on science & art activities – Fun for kids and adults alike!
Limited-Edition Commemorative T-Shirts – Return to the Gulf of California merch for sale
Grand Finale – Watch as the Western Flyer sets sail at 3:00 PM with a fireboat escort and a celebratory ship horn farewell!
“This will be a truly special and one-of-a-kind event for Monterey,” said Sherry Flumerfelt, Executive Director of the Western Flyer Foundation. “Back in 1940, the Western Flyer set sail with music, dancing, and a lively dockside send-off. We’re working with the Monterey Public Library and other local organizations to bring that same energy back with a farewell party worthy of this legendary vessel!”

Photos taken aboard the Western Flyer during the Farewell Party at Old Fisherman’s Wharf on March 11, 1940. Courtesy of the Martha Heasley Cox Center for Steinbeck Studies, SJSU. Click each photo for more information and to download.
More About the Expedition
The Western Flyer, immortalized in The Log from the Sea of Cortez, sets sail from Monterey on March 16, 2025, at 3:00 PM, retracing its historic 1940 route. Over the next three months, the Flyer will travel down the California coast and through the Gulf of California. More than a historical retracing, this voyage is a mission-driven expedition. Partnering with scientists, educators, and conservationists, the Western Flyer Foundation will conduct research, exchange knowledge, and inspire the next generation of ocean stewards. Read more about the historic voyage in the February 6, 2025, press release.

Public Events Along the Way
As the Western Flyer embarks on its historic journey, the Western Flyer Foundation is partnering with communities to host public events, open houses, educational tours, and presentations along the way. Stops include Santa Barbara, Long Beach, Newport Beach, San Diego, Ensenada, La Paz, Santa Rosalía, Agua Verde, San Jose del Cabo, and more—featuring special celebrations, museum partnerships, and public programs that bring the vessel’s legacy and mission to life. Learn more about upcoming events and locations at: https://www.westernflyer.org/baja2025/.

Follow the Western Flyer’s Journey
Stay connected as the Western Flyer makes history again:

Track the Western Flyer in real time – Where’s the Flyer?
Follow along for stories, videos, contests, and updates:
Email newsletter westernflyer.org/newsletter/
Facebook @thewesternflyer
Instagram @westernflyerfoundation
YouTube @WesternFlyerFoundationChannel
About the Western Flyer Foundation
The Western Flyer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that sparks curiosity by blending science and art, inspired by John Steinbeck, Ed Ricketts, and their 1940 journey aboard the Western Flyer. After an award-winning restoration, the foundation now provides free ocean-based education programs for students and engages scientists and communities through research and outreach. Learn more at www.westernflyer.org.

Corporate Partners
The Western Flyer Foundation is grateful for the support of its Corporate Partners, including:

Chris Shake Enterprises
InterContinental The Clement Monterey
Noland, Hamerly, Etienne & Hoss
With additional thanks to in-kind supporters:

Moss Landing Boatworks
Uncruise Adventures
Woodward Marine Market
Penguin Classics
Interested in Corporate Partnership Opportunities? Visit www.westernflyer.org/become-a-corporate-partner/.

The Western Flyer in Monterey harbor after returning from the Sea of Cortez trip, 1940. Photo courtesy of the Martha Heasley Cox Center for Steinbeck Studies.
Posted in Press Releases