Sunset Sail on the Historic San Salvador July 19, 2025

We kicked off the event with a reception on the upper deck of the Berkeley steam ferry where hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine was served.  The ferry is beautifully appointed with stained glass windows and wooden benches carved with ornate designs.  Museum volunteer, David Clark gave a brief history of the San Salvador, Cabrillo's voyage, and the reconstruction of the San Salvador.  David was instrumental in assisting with the ship's rigging, including "the mother of all knots" that secured and stabilized the bowsprit.  Many attendees asked David questions afterwards.  Cake was later served in celebration of guests, Kevin and Janae Eslinger's anniversary and Janae's birthday.  

Attendees then headed over to the San Salvador where they boarded the vessel and were given a safety briefing by the captain.   The ship then left the dock to cruise around San Diego Harbor.  The crew raised the topsails, and a deck gun was fired during the cruise to demonstrate how it was used to stop invading personnel from other vessels.  San Salvador docents and crew explained various features of the ship to passengers, including the "whipstaff", a vertical lever used on 16th century ships that extended from the tiller on the lower deck to the helmsman's position on ta higher deck.  Another crew member on the main deck would shout instructions to the helmsman as to where to position the whipstaff to steer the ship. 

Champagne was served and Paula led a toast to the Explorers Club and Kevin and Janae's 9^th anniversary.  Explorers Club members attending the event included Paula Selby, Mary Munk, Christian McDonald, Robert Poor, Isabel Rivera-Collazo, Russ & Idee Matthews.  We were also joined by the Maritime Museum's CEO and President, Christina Brophy.   Complete Photo Gallery (Set up for free downloads): https://goldfishgallery.smugmug.com/Explorers-Club-San-Salvador-Sailing-Event