FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sherry Flumerfelt, Executive Director
Western Flyer Foundation
sherry@westernflyer.org
www.westernflyer.org
(831) 220-8047
Photos: Click Here
High-resolution images available for media use
Seattle, WA — June 10, 2026
Concluding a successful Pacific Northwest expedition, the historic vessel Western Flyer will make one final public stop this weekend at Seattle’s Center for Wooden Boats, offering visitors a rare opportunity to step aboard the iconic vessel before she returns to Monterey Bay, California.
Built in Tacoma in 1937 and made famous by author John Steinbeck and marine biologist Ed Ricketts during their legendary 1940 expedition to the Gulf of California, the Western Flyer has been carefully restored and returned to service as a working research vessel and floating classroom.
Over the past several weeks, the vessel has traveled to coastal communities throughout Oregon and Washington, bringing hands-on ocean science experiences to nearly 500 students and engaging more than 2,000 visitors through public tours, films, talks, and special events. The Seattle visit marks a fitting conclusion to the journey, offering a final opportunity to step aboard the Western Flyer before she returns to Monterey Bay, California.
“Seattle was the Western Flyer’s home port for much of her life,” said John Gregg, founder of the Western Flyer Foundation, whose efforts led to the vessel’s rescue and restoration. “It’s special to bring her back and see her once again connected to the community where so much of her story began.”
Public Tours
Saturday, June 13 & Sunday, June 14
12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Center for Wooden Boats
Lake Union Park Historic Ships Wharf
Seattle, WA
Tours are free and open to the public.
The Pacific Northwest voyage was launched as a pilot educational program designed to connect students, scientists, and coastal communities throughout the region. Following the success of this inaugural journey, the Western Flyer Foundation hopes to make the voyage a recurring opportunity for future generations to experience hands-on ocean science, maritime history, and stewardship.
About the Western Flyer Foundation
The Western Flyer Foundation operates the historic Western Flyer as a platform for ocean science research, education, and storytelling, connecting communities to the ocean through hands-on learning experiences. More information is available at www.westernflyer.org.
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