Sailing Foundation

The Maritime Museum of San Diego and the Ancient Mariners Sailing Society have been partners in the preservation of our maritime heritage in Southern California since their formation. The two organizations share a common commitment to keeping active and well maintained sail fleets at sea on a regular basis. The Ancient Mariners join in the annual sailings of the Star of India, the oldest sailing ship currently able to make way on all points of sail, with her consorts: the Californian, HMS Surprise and other tall ships, providing escort vessels2 offshore for these popular seasonal events.

AMSS Flag vessels are yachts of between forty to one hundred years old, often privately owned sailing vessels and not generally sought for the collections of public maritime museums. Currently, boats qualifying as flag vessels of the AMSS are sail or power vessels of ancient vintage or classic design, not including vessels constructed of fiberglass, aluminum or concrete.

Vessels of this period were designed for international or universal rule yacht racing and the larger vessels were built to compete in ocean races such as the Trans-Pacific, Fastnet and Newport-to-Bermuda series. The full scale replica of the schooner America, the winner of the original America’s Cup in 1851, is berthed in San Diego, and is an AMSS flag vessel.

There is an irresistible aura about boats and yachts built of wood, an aura brimming over with the richness of creation. It flows from the strength and grace of trees themselves, through the hands of craftsmen who fashion them into proud new forms. It is the presence not only of substance but of soul, created in a collaboration between the earth, the sea, and the artisans who fit the wood with skill and care so that it will look lovely and last long.