MONTEREY — Eighty-five years ago, the Western Flyer set sail for the Gulf of California with what local media described as “perhaps the strangest crew ever signed aboard a local workboat.” 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 on March 11, 1940.
On Saturday, March 15, the Stanton Center in Monterey will host an enchanting evening titled “Tales from the Western Flyer,” celebrating the storied history of the legendary boat that has been a haven for fishermen, scientists, sailors and storytellers for nearly a century.
As the Western Flyer prepares for its upcoming voyage back to the Gulf of California, attendees will have the opportunity to hear captivating tales, view historic images and meet the crew beginning at 6 p.m. Limited tickets for this event will include drinks and appetizers, along with access to the Stanton Center’s engaging exhibits, “Steinbeck in Monterey” and “Bounty of the Sea.”
The following day, Sunday, March 16, marks a free send-off celebration at Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, coinciding with the 85th anniversary of the original voyage when writer John Steinbeck, marine biologist Ed Ricketts and their crew embarked on their historic journey amidst the festive atmosphere of the annual Fishermen’s Festival.
The free celebration will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., leading up to the Western Flyer’s departure at 3 p.m. Highlights of the event will include open house tours of the vessel, science and art activities suitable for all ages, and a vintage car display showcasing classic automobiles from the 1940s.
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a variety of performances, including traditional Mexican dance by Ballet Folklórico Efrayim, followed by swing dancing with the Cannery Row Jump Dancers and the Moonglow Jazz Band, complete with free dance lessons. As an exciting added feature, a costume contest inspired by the 1940s will further engage attendees, with winners receiving VIP access to an exclusive send-off gathering on board the Western Flyer.
As the festivities close, the Fishwives Sea Shanty Band will entertain guests ahead of the grand send-off, where the Western Flyer will depart for Mexico, marked by a fireboat salute and ship horn blast in a nostalgic tribute to the past.
“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 partners to bring that same energy back with a farewell party worthy of this legendary vessel.”
For more details, and to follow the Western Flyer’s journey, visit westernflyer.org.
