Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

“It was through the sailing ship that man learned about the planet. Through the sailing ship, the peoples of the earth grew closer, learned about each other, traded silks and furs, iron and coal, lumber and wheat-supporting one another, helping one another, beginning to understand one another. And often, when understanding failed and darkness fell upon the lands, the ships kept open the sea routes until such time as the light might reappear.”

Barclay Warburton, Founder of American Sail Training Association, 1980

Tall Ships America is working diligently to create and implement an action plan to address issues of diversity, equity and inclusion across the fleet. The plan is evolving, and our action is on-going. It signifies an organizational commitment to prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion in the sail training and tall ships community alongside a commitment to taking action, monitoring progress, being accountable and providing evidence of change.

We believe education is the cornerstone of change and our mission is firmly grounded in education.

We were founded on the belief that the tall ships and sail training carry messages of hope, cultural exchange, learning life skills and leadership to the world.

We will work with our members to promote and support their work to create a more diverse community.

We know we need to do more and do better to create diverse governance structures, inclusive messages, and equitable, safe spaces and opportunities for all people.

Tall Ships America is embedding diversity, equity and inclusion in our work by:

• Dedicating resources to connect sail training and education to empowerment of individuals and strengthening communities;
• Creating education and training experiences for our members that enlighten, support, encourage and promote greater understanding and better practices across the North American fleet;
• Increasing the visibility and desirability of opportunities within our fleet for all people; and
• Exposing gaps of participation in sail training by any segments of society and exploring ways to fill those gaps with and through our members.

Tall Ships America and our community of vessel owners and operators, sail training programs and tall ship mariners have been talking about issues of diversity and inclusion across the fleet for years. Our intentional approach with and on behalf of our members is based on our organizational commitment to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion in the sail training and tall ships community. It signifies a commitment to taking action, monitoring progress, being accountable and providing evidence of change.

A Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee was established by the Executive Director in July 2020 to inform and influence the plan for action and update the plan as steps were taken and progress was made. The volunteer committee members represented all levels of the tall ship community, from recreational sailors to sail training organization executive directors.