The Western Flyer officially set sail on March 16—what a way to kick off an epic journey!
The Monterey community turned out in style—literally. After an incredible storytelling event Saturday night at the Stanton Center, hundreds showed up on Sunday to give the Flyer a sendoff to remember. More than 300 guests toured the vessel throughout the day, while others rolled in with vintage cars, donned their best 1940s attire for the costume contest, and danced to swing tunes and sea shanties. Cheers rang out as we pulled away from the dock, and the fireboat sent up a salty salute. In every way, this sendoff marked a new chapter in the Flyer’s story.
Huge thanks to our incredible volunteers and partners: the Monterey Public Library, National Steinbeck Center, Monterey History and Art Association, Empire Vintage Autos, and Del Monte Auto Club. We’re also deeply grateful for the support of California State Parks, the Monterey Fire Department, and Old Fisherman’s Wharf—especially Chris Shake from Old Fisherman’s Grotto, who kept our volunteers fed and made sure the sea shanty band didn’t go beerless!
Thank you from the bottom of our salty, sea-loving hearts.
Some of Our Favorite Moments in Photos…
(With a special shout-out to the amazing photographer, Jess Soriano.)
Ballet Folklóric Efrayim kicked off the day with a dazzling display of culture and artistry.
The Cannery Row Jump Dancers and The Moonglow Jazz Band were pure magic—we’re still tapping our feet.
The Fishwives were rowdy, rollicking, masters of sea shanties–and, apparently, of music-related feats of engineering (can you guess how they got that bass onto the flying bridge!?)
Gyotaku printing kept kids of all ages busy.
Guests took a stab at being literary legends with the National Steinbeck Center’s Mad Libs.
Vintage cars + vintage rags = 1940s glam! Thanks again to Empire Vintage Autos and Del Monte Auto Club for rolling in and adding sparkle to the celebration!
The Costume Contest
Brian “Doc” Edwards of the Monterey Public Library kept the costume contest running smoothly.
A huge shoutout to everyone who rocked their 1940s best! You brought history to life and truly earned your prizes and VIP spots at the send-off party.
Legacy on Deck
Did some of the guests aboard the Flyer during that last hour look a bit familiar? You weren’t imagining things—those were family members and descendants of John Steinbeck, Ed Ricketts, Carol Steinbeck, and Sparky Enea, joining us to send the vessel off with a little legacy in their DNA.
Thanks again to our amazing volunteers!
Did we already thank our volunteers? Well, we’re going to thank them again, because it’s worth repeating: we really, truly couldn’t have done any of this without you!
Bon Voyage!
As the Flyer pulled away, our hearts swelled as the fireboat sent up a salute and the crowd on shore waved and cheered. After a slight delay (let’s just say that a thumb injury required a quick pit stop), the vessel swung around the Monterey Peninsula. As she passed Point Joe and headed into the Pacific, the Flyer was officially on her way!
Follow The Flyer’s Journey
Want to tag along on the Western Flyer’s 85th-anniversary return to the Gulf of California? Here’s how to stay in the loop (and on the map):
- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
- Read our Board President Tom Keffer’s Blog from the Sea of Cortez
- Sign up for our newsletter for updates, stories, and salty surprises.
- Check out our Baja 2025 schedule and Upcoming Events.
- See what’s making waves In the Press.
- Track the boat in real time at Where’s the Flyer?
