San Diego, CA – Maritime Museum of San Diego, the 501c3 non-profit waterfront Museum with a mission to serve as the community memory of our seafaring experience by collecting, preserving, and presenting our rich maritime heritage and historic connections with the Pacific world, invites community members to join the 2027 Square Rigger 101 Program, preparing volunteers for the opportunity to participate in the operation and preservation of the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s historic sailing vessels, including Star of India. No previous sailing experience is necessary. The Museum welcomes individuals who are enthusiastic, willing to learn, committed to safety, and ready to work as part of a team.
According to MMSD President & CEO, Christina Connett Brophy, Ph.D., “Volunteering at the Maritime Museum of San Diego is about more than learning to sail. It is an opportunity to preserve maritime history, develop new skills, form lasting friendships, and become part of a remarkable community. We are excited about our plans to sail Star of India next year Saturday and Sunday, October 16 & 17, 2027 to honor her centennial anniversary as our San Diego icon on this treasured waterfront.”
Square Rigger 101 introduces participants to traditional seamanship and the responsibilities of working aboard historic sailing vessels. Training combines instruction, practical experience, teamwork, and guidance from experienced Museum sailors. Participants will learn about the vessels, their equipment, safe working practices, and the skills necessary to become contributing members of the sailing crew. Sailing aboard a historic vessel requires commitment, physical participation, attention to safety, and the ability to work cooperatively with others. Successful completion of the program requires meeting the applicable training and qualification standards. Attendance alone does not guarantee qualification for sailing duties.
Jim Davis, Director of Ship Operations and Star of India First Mate, has been with MMSD for his entire career and has proudly trained crew and sailed Star in San Diego dozens of times, when the Museum traditionally honors her birthday and legacy as the world’s oldest active sailing vessel launched in the Isle of Man as Euterpe in 1863. “We have an international treasure here along the waterfront and our volunteers and staff ensure she will be a San Diego icon for years to come.”
Square Rigger 101 participants must complete the Museum’s volunteer onboarding requirements, including 1) an official volunteer application and signed waiver 2) have an active Museum membership 3) proof of current medical insurance 4) valid state or federal photo identification document and 5) any additional Sail Crew-specific requirements.
The Museum’s sailing operations are subject to U.S. Coast Guard requirements. Sail Crew participants must meet the Museum’s required drug-screening standards. Additional instructions will be provided as candidates progress through the program.
Sail Crew members must demonstrate the knowledge and physical skills required for their assignments. Qualification testing opportunities are offered throughout the year, including quarterly opportunities for new participants. Written examinations and physical qualifications will also be part of the Museum’s Square Rigger 101 course.
Written examinations: Crew members continue annual written testing until they earn scores of at least 80% in two consecutive years. Once this requirement is satisfied, routine annual written testing is no longer required unless the examination or requirements change.
Physical qualifications: Every Sail Crew member must complete the required physical qualification evaluation each March, regardless of when they initially qualified. There are no exceptions to the annual March requirement.
Additional qualifications and evaluations may apply depending on the volunteer’s assigned duties.
Mandatory Square Rigger Orientation will be held at the Maritime Museum of San Diego located along the downtown waterfront at 1492 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 (between Grape and Ash Street) Wednesday, December 9, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Square Rigger 101 training program will be held for 9 (nine) consecutive Sundays, January 10 – March 7, 2027, from 7:30 AM – 12:30 p.m. Training and Qualification Testing will be held Sunday, March 14, 2027. Additional Centennial Sail Training and Preparation will be held on Sundays, August 8 – October 10, 2027. The additional training period supports preparation for Star of India‘s 2027 sailing activities.
Individuals may apply by completing the official 2027 Square Rigger 101 Volunteer Application at https://www.volgistics.com/appform/327892817
To submit additional questions about the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s Square Rigger 101 program visit https://sdmaritime.org/volunteer/square-rigger-101/