In 1940, John Steinbeck chartered the Western Flyer for a marine expedition with his friend, marine biologist Ed Ricketts. Their journey lasted about six weeks and took them along the Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez).
- This expedition formed the basis of the book “Sea of Cortez: A Leisurely Journal of Travel and Research” (1941), later reissued as “The Log from the Sea of Cortez” in 1951 (minus the scientific appendix).
- The journey was both a scientific exploration and a philosophical quest, blending marine biology with observations on life, community, and the natural world.
In 2015, a group led by businessman and conservationist John Gregg purchased the vessel for around $1 million with the intent to fully restore it.
The Western Flyer Foundation was established to restore the boat and repurpose it as a floating classroom and research vessel dedicated to education, science, and environmental stewardship.
Restoration took place in Port Townsend, Washington, and aimed to preserve the boat’s original character while equipping it with modern technology.
The restored Western Flyer is now a symbol of literary, scientific, and ecological heritage. It’s used to promote:
- Ocean literacy
- Environmental education
- Steinbeck and Ricketts’ shared legacy of curiosity and conservation
in the spring of 2025 Sherry and crew went to the Sea of Cortez in an 85th anniversary tour of Steinbeck’s first charter. Offering education in all the ports of call. Find out far more on their website!