SBMM is proud to host a special event as part of its Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series, featuring Santa Barbara resident and seasoned sailor Will Sofrin. Sofrin will share his unique insights on the legendary USCGC Eagle. Join us on November 21, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. for an engaging evening as Sofrin delves into the history and impact of the USCGC Eagle. Admission is free for SBMM Navigators Circle members, $10 for other members, and $20 for the general public.
The USCGC Eagle, renowned as America’s Tall Ship, is set to embark on a significant Pacific tour in 2025, marking a pivotal chapter in maritime history. This tour, which will trace the historic routes of the Coast Guard’s early revenue cutters, celebrates the legacy of the Eagle and its crucial role in training the future leaders of the U.S. Coast Guard. In anticipation of this historic journey, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is proud to host a special event as part of its Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series, featuring Santa Barbara resident and seasoned sailor Will Sofrin. Sofrin will share his unique insights on this legendary vessel. Join us on November 21, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. for an engaging evening as Sofrin delves into the history and impact of the USCGC Eagle.
A Storied Past: From Nazi Germany to the U.S. Coast Guard
Originally christened as the Horst Wessel in 1936 at the Blohm and Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, the ship was initially a flagship training vessel for the Nazi Kriegsmarine. During World War II, it served multiple roles, including training Hitler Youth and conducting armed missions in the Baltic Sea. After the war, the vessel was captured by the British and eventually handed over to the United States, where it was rechristened as the Eagle. Today, it remains a cornerstone of the Coast Guard Academy’s maritime training program.
A Legacy of Leadership and Seamanship
Since its acquisition by the Coast Guard in 1946, the Eagle has played a vital role in shaping the character, leadership, and seamanship of cadets and officer candidates. This hands-on education continues a tradition dating back to 1877, when the Coast Guard Academy began using ships like the James C. Dobbin and the Danish vessel Danmark for maritime training. Today, the Eagle serves not only as a training vessel but also as a floating ambassador for the Coast Guard, representing the service during public relations tours.
2025 Pacific Tour: A Tribute to Maritime History
The Eagle’s upcoming Pacific tour will follow in the wake of its 19th-century predecessors—the revenue cutters. These early cutters were instrumental in establishing the Coast Guard’s presence in the Pacific, enforcing customs regulations, aiding in rescues, and ensuring maritime order during the California Gold Rush. Over time, their duties expanded to include environmental protection and ice-breaking, safeguarding America’s maritime interests along the Western Coast and in Alaska.
Santa Barbara’s Will Sofrin: A Unique Perspective
Santa Barbara resident Will Sofrin was recently invited as a captain’s guest to sail on the Eagle during a training exercise in the North Atlantic. Sofrin, who began his maritime career as a wooden yacht restorer in Newport, Rhode Island, will share insights from this experience during his talk at SBMM. His deep passion for the sea has shaped his life, leading him to author All Hands on Deck: A Modern Day High Seas Adventure to the Far Side of the World and contribute to publications such as Classic Boat Magazine, Cruising World, and Yachting World.
“The Eagle is not just a ship; it’s a living classroom that teaches leadership, perseverance, and the importance of tradition,” said Sofrin. “I’m honored to have sailed on this storied vessel and to share in the experiences that shape the next generation of Coast Guard officers.”
SBMM invites all history buffs, literature lovers, and maritime enthusiasts to attend this special event. Tickets are available now, with proceeds supporting the museum’s exhibitions and educational programs.
Lecture guests will also be able to view SBMM’s latest exhibition, Majestic California Piers, featuring 31 photographs showcasing iconic piers throughout California (spanning from San Simeon to Oceanside). The piers are seen through the lenses of acclaimed photographers Bill Dewey and Dan Merkel, whose breathtaking aerial views and intimate details provide unique vantage points of these coastal landmarks. The show will be on view until January 19, 2025.
Most individuals attending the lecture will be able to find seats on the main floor. When overflow seating becomes necessary due to larger than normal attendance, guests are invited to view the lecture from the museum’s Munger Theater. All lecture seating is first come, first served. SBMM members are invited to enjoy a pre-lecture reception from 6:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., which provides early access to the event. Learn more about becoming a member.
The Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series is sponsored by Marie L Morrisroe.
Santa Barbara’s Will Sofrin: A Unique Perspective
Santa Barbara resident Will Sofrin, an experienced sailor with more than 30,000 blue water miles to his name, was recently invited as a captain’s guest to sail on the Eagle during a training exercise in the North Atlantic. Sofrin, who began his maritime career as a wooden yacht restorer in Newport, Rhode Island, will share insights from this experience during his talk at SBMM. His deep passion for the sea has shaped his life, leading him to author All Hands on Deck: A Modern Day High Seas Adventure to the Far Side of the World and contribute to publications such as Classic Boat Magazine, Cruising World, and Yachting World.