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.
