Californian

Sail aboard California’s official tall ship

Launched in 1984 and officially designated the State of California’s tall ship, Californian is a replica of an 1847 Revenue Cutter, offering sailing adventures and educational programs.

The Official Tall Ship of the State of California

Built from the ground up in 1984 at Spanish Landing in San Diego Bay, Californian was launched with great fanfare for the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. In July 2003, she was officially designated the tall ship of the State of California, the only vessel to hold this prestigious title.

Since her launch, Californian has hosted thousands of adventure seekers, sailing enthusiasts, students, and history buffs along the West Coast. She has also embarked on voyages to Hawaii, Mexico, and the East Coast, becoming one of the most recognizable and celebrated tall ships in America.

A faithful replica of the 1847 Revenue Cutter C.W. Lawrence, Californian represents the ships that once patrolled California’s coast enforcing federal law during the Gold Rush. The Revenue Cutter Service, along with four other maritime agencies, later merged to form the United States Coast Guard in 1915.

Acquired by the Maritime Museum of San Diego in June 2002 through the generosity of the Hughes and Sheila Potiker Family Foundation, Californian underwent a major restoration in 2003. This overhaul included re-stepping her masts, replacing standing rigging, fitting new sails and mechanical systems, and refurbishing her below-deck areas—made possible through a grant from the California Coastal Conservancy.

Today, the Maritime Museum of San Diego uses Californian for a variety of educational programs, dockside exhibits, and public adventure sails, ranging from half-day excursions to multi-day voyages.

Tall Ship Adventure

Set sail on a four-hour historical adventure aboard the schooner Californian, a replica of a Gold Rush-era revenue cutter and the Official Tall Ship of California. Join the crew as they navigate this traditionally rigged tall ship, and take part in the action by hauling a line, manning the helm, and watching the crew set and furl the sails.

As you sail, hear captivating stories of San Diego’s maritime past, from tales of whaling and the sea otter trade to local sea battles and the art of ship’s gunnery. Discover what life was like at sea while experiencing a hands-on journey through history.

Click Here for Tickets and Sailing Schedule

Interesting Facts

  • Designed for speed, Californian has seven sails, carries 7,000 square feet of canvas, and is armed with four six-pound deck guns.
  • Californian hosts students from all over the Southwest in Living History programs.
  • Tall Ship Adventures and charters are available to take you and your guests out for a experience that few ever thought possible.

Ship Statistics

LOA 130 feet
Sparred Length 145 feet
Beam 24 feet
Maximum Draft 9 feet, 5 inches
Gross Tonnage 130
Rig Topsail Schooner
Auxiliary Engine Diesel