The historic Western Flyer, chartered by John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts in 1940, now serves as a working research vessel and floating classroom, sparking curiosity through the intersection of marine science and the arts.

Reflections on Our Second Expedition

July 10, 2026

This spring, the Western Flyer traveled from Monterey Bay to the Pacific Northwest on a nine-week expedition built around four big questions. Our Executive Director, Sherry Flumerfelt, reflects on what we learned—and what it will take to do it again.

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Seas the Summer Is Back!

July 08, 2026

Seas the Summer is back! Join us on the Moss Landing waterfront every Saturday and Sunday from August 1 through September 6 for free hands-on art and science activities, Western Flyer tours, talks, local artists and vendors, and more.

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From the Western Flyer to World Champions!

July 08, 2026

X Academy’s Hephaestus Robotics team just took first place at the 2026 MATE ROV World Championship, competing against 47 high school teams from 13 countries.

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Applications Open for the Western Flyer’s MentorShip Program – July 13-17

July 02, 2026

The Western Flyer Foundation is accepting applications for its free MentorShip Program, a unique week-long summer experience in Moss Landing, July 13–17.

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The boat John Steinbeck made famous

Cascade PBS | Knute Berger, The Mossback Den, June 30, 2026

Last week a remarkable vessel was in town: the historic Western Flyer, a rescued and refurbished onetime purse seiner built in Tacoma, that famously cruised the Sea of Cortez in Mexico with author John Steinbeck and marine biologist Edward Ricketts aboard.

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Western Flyer Foundation Selects Four Mexican-Led Marine Research Projects for 2027 Gulf of California Expedition 

June 23, 2026

Press Release: Western Flyer Foundation Selects Four Mexican-Led Marine Research Projects for 2027 Gulf of California Expedition 

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