Reflections on my grandfather, MA Petrich, Sr., builder of the Western Flyer
My grandfather, Martin A. Petrich, Sr., or MA, owned Western Boat Building Company, the shipyard that built the Western Flyer. She was launched in 1937 in Tacoma, Washington, built for MA’s friend Frank Berry and his son Tony, who accepted delivery of her in Monterey. The following year she would go on a voyage that would make her “the most famous boat in American literature.”
Artist Spotlight: Ventana Surfboards
Martijn Stiphout and David Dennis of Ventana Surfboards & Supplies in Santa Cruz incorporate Western Flyer wood into their beautiful surfboards and other ocean-centric products. They’ve also collaborated with other artists and artisans on amazing projects in homage to Steinbeck, Ricketts, and the Western Flyer.
Monterey County Gives 2022
November 10 is the first day of Monterey County Gives, a year-end campaign that inspires local philanthropy. We are using this campaign to help fund the Western Flyer’s next exciting chapter as a platform for education and research. Please consider joining our community of donors!
Artist Spotlight: Andrea Dingeldein
Andrea Dingeldein (aka “The Local Naturalist”) specializes in visual depictions of the maritime environment. She illustrates everything from the flora and fauna of the ocean realm, to the vessels that have guided generations of humans toward scientific discovery. You will recognize some of Andrea’s work in our T-shirts and other designs.