Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI)

I have enjoyed volunteering with LAMI for a few years. It has been a pleasure to work with the staff at various events as we present LAMI’s programs to the public. LAMI is actively engaged in introducing and educating students in sailing, marine ecosystems, teamwork, and leadership skills.
LAMI’s volunteer program is awesome and well organized. There is something of interest to do regardless of your skill level. I strongly encourage anyone who wants to volunteer and do something worthwhile to take a look at LAMI.

I have been following this organization for a number of years after learning about it prior to the pandemic. The work they do to educate youth in such a unique setting is really important and impactful, especially in this day and age where both kids and adults are glued to screens. The power of a tall ship and the magic of the ocean, combined with real-world learning experiences and opportunities to really use your brain... almost sneaking it in because it's exciting and fun.... this experience can't be beat.

Plus, the fact that the organization focuses on providing this experience to youth who don't necessarily have opportunities like this is a beautiful thing... even the kids who DO have opportunities on the water benefit from the immersive on-board activities, since it gets them off of screens and forces them to figure things out without technology. I love that they provide opportunities for the general public to take part as well, because we all need more chances to be present, be one with nature, and give our bodies and brains a work out. I wholeheartedly encourage you to check them out. (Even if you're like me and you get sea sick... Dramamine is your friend and works wonders. Trust me!)

Los Angeles Maritime Institute is truly exceptional - their dedication to empowering underserved youth is evident in every interaction, from the passionate staff and crew to the tangible impact they make in the community. I whole heartedly recommend supporting their work.

As an educator in the Los Angeles area, I have had the chance to observe students grow as leaders and collaborators in many different venues, both in the classroom and in non-traditional field experiences. I have seldom seen such high levels of engagement, learning, and collaboration among students as I have aboard the tall ships at Los Angeles Maritime Institute. I have seen middle schoolers cast off their inhibitions and embrace challenges, throwing themselves into helping one another raise sails and operate the ship; I have seen high schoolers conquer their fears and learn to lead; and I have seen students of all ages gain new perspectives on marine ecosystems and develop a much needed ocean awareness. This experience for students is well worth it!

I loved this experience! I had so much fun and enjoyed it immensely. I went for 5 days on a tall ship over the summer and liked it a lot. The people were nice, the cooking was well above what I had expected and the other sailors were kind too. We covered quite a lot of ground during 5 days, sailing all around Catalina and going onland for a day, then coming back to the port. And I learned as I went, with lessons and learning experiences built in on the ship and on land. Overall I found this very fun, educational, and sweet.

❤ Vi

One of the best things about tall ship crewing is introducing others to it; last week was spent voyaging with 40 high schoolers to the northern Channel Islands on LA Maritime’s 110’ twin brigantines. By day five the students knew their sails, most of their pin rails, coils, knots, commands, and nav skills enough to start steering and handling the boats with a a drive, intent, and desire to experience life fully that one rarely senses in teenagers.
Breathtaking weather: brisk winds, clearest skies, and inspiring stars! Much night transiting, so the kids learned to stand and crew night watches, and as I was the celestial and archaic nav teacher, I had a field day (night?)! Sail on!

It’s a young man’s duty to seek adventure.
My first big adventure at 23 years old in 1977 was sailing and living aboard the replica of Christopher Columbus, “Santa Maria” floating museum ship for 6 months. This planted the seed for a lifetime of adventure fantasy. I would find my way, in my first life as a chef for cooking was my passion. In 1984, I would move to Chicago, and with a friend open the biggest nightclub designed by the same group that created Studio 54 in New York City, we blew the lid off of Chicago.
Later, I would move to Miami Beach and start modeling agency which brought me into another world.
I would see Mr. Versace almost daily in the local cafe, boxing in Mohammad Ali’s gym, also daily with actor Mickey Rouke and would later be invited by Donald Trump to bring 60 models to his newly purchased Mar-A-Lago for a grand opening Palm Beach bash. The next move was creating a marketing company with offices in Chicago, Miami Beach, New York City, Dallas and Los Angeles with 200 Nightclubs and Lounges with corporate sponsorship paying us, two dozen staff in each market to go out and party and be cool with their product. Introducing influencing before influencers came about. This brought me to Los Angeles and the Hollywood scene jumping into the celebrity circle due to connections and my artistic friends.
Los Angeles was a plethora of opportunities, a place to reinvent yourself five times over. From my concert producing days it became a hub for music pals that put me in their entourage while only later for them to record for five months in LA. My antic’s with The Rolling Stones could be legendary if I was a kiss and tell bloke. I did join Johnny Depp and Kieth Richard for dinner twice at Musso & Franks when they first meet, just to name drop.
Los Angeles was my new home of cultural exploits as it’s one of the greatest melting pots on the planet and I have visited over 3 dozen countries from this International base. My jungle exploits are legendary going to over 25 Mayan archaeological city sites in Guatemala, Honduras and four states in Mexico.
This city was a virtual turnstile for me as I was able to create many different challenges. I had a DVD distribution company with clients Fry’s Electronics, and Virgin Megastores. Movie locations, red carpet business, behind and in front of cameras as the list goes on because this is what happens here in Hollywood.
I lived out my fantasies and worked on a marketing campaign for DosXX Beer, where I became the inspiration for the “Worlds Most Interesting Man.” One thing that was longing in my diet, another type of adventure, and that was Tall Ship sailing. Upon doing my homework, I was on a mission to visit Los Angeles port harbor, San Pedro. The Maritime Museum was a wonderful attraction only to find out about the Tall Ships of the Los Angeles Maritime Institute. My Tall Ship fixation came into reality living in Los Angeles. As I sailed out of the home port San Pedro, I also sailed out of San Diego, Long Beach, Oxnard, and Ventura Harbor.
I danced on the decks of almost every tall ship on the West Coast including the Californian, Lady Washington, HMS Bounty, Hawaiian Chieftain , Irving and Exy Johnson, Bill of Rights, Swift of Ipswich and the replica
San Salvador.
After living in Hollywood coming up 30 years, with an active single fulfilling charmed life my greatest day and memory for this entire duration was provided by L.A.M.I.
It started off by enjoying the local LA Tall Ship Festival in San Pedro in 2008. After partaking on the press boat for the Bounty’s harbor entrance followed by other famous Tall Ships, the best was yet to come. Tours of these ships was grand, but booking a five day crew cabin on the Bounty was the icing on the cake.
We sailed out for a California coast cruise while staying in the open boundless sea as if alone. Eager to please, I volunteered for an immediate crew watch shift. The Captain gave me the bow watch position. I was familiar with this position but informed by the first mate my perimeters. After 40 minutes on watch, I spotted a giant object in the water approach the ship’s bow. Was it a dream come true, a visit from the biggest animal on the planet, which would be a first for me. Shouting at the
top of my lungs over the ships deck “ 90 foot WHALE off and approaching the starboard bow”…The whole crew ran for their camera’s and followed our new sea friend as it circled the entire ship while hanging out for 20 minutes before departing back into their ocean kingdom.
At the whales time of departure, I knew deep down inside that this special moment and it’s exhilaration would never be duplicated again or topped, all thanks to L.A.M.I.
The journey continued to San Diego as the famous Marlon Brando HMS Bounty tall ship lead 14 other Tall Ships, as we were the Flagship of the fleet that all departed from Los Angeles and meet up a week later to all dock at the Embarcadero for the San Diego Tall Ship Festival. The Bounty sank in a major hurricane a few years later losing their long term Captain and a crew member in the disaster. L.A.M.I. real “Hollywood Star” is their commitment to the community and it’s youth, besides giving me the greatest memory in my 30 years in Los Angeles…I salute you, L.A.M.I. and thank you for your fine efforts, sail on forevermore.

My experience sailing was so much fun I got to learn cool things about a sailboat. I got to learn how difficult it was and the many steps that came with it to sail. We got experience something new by having the chance to climb the net of the sailboat. I think that it was a great bonding experience with my peers because we all got to talk and learn new things about each other outside of work.

My experience sailing was enjoyable, a great learning experience, and a great opportunity to improve my collaboration with my fellow Summer Youth. I got to go out to sea and experience what sailors experience and I felt like a part of the crew for a few hours. The whole experience was quite liberating as the ship took you decently far away from the cities and infrastructure and across the horizon were open waters. While I did end up getting a little seasick, I still enjoyed the experience wholeheartedly.

The Saturday on the boat sailing with the team of LAMI was one of my favorite experiences by far. I’ve never gone sailing prior to that day, only on a boat. Not only did they teach us some of the basic core skills of sailing but also helped us get off our phones. It was more than just a view but a hands-on experience. My group was able to practice sailing the boat, climbing the ropes, with harnesses for safety, and bringing up the sails. When I got on the boat, I did not plan on putting a harness from the climbing activities or the net. Later did I know I would get on the net, and I very much enjoyed it. Under the sun it was hot but, in the net, it was very refreshing. We also got a tour of the cabin. We took a lunch break allowing us to get the full experience on how the team spends their days when sailing. I do wish I took the opportunity to climb the beam but even the net was just as fun of a experience.

LAMI launched my family’s love for sailing. When I first stepped foot on the tall ship, it was 2003, 20 years ago! I took a group of girls as part of a mentorship program. Some of these young ladies had never been on the ocean, much less on a Brigantine. It was a pivotal point. For all of us. These girls were welcomed aboard and learned “the ropes” as a team. Today, my own 14 year old son has had the privilege of having experienced 3 summer trips on the Exy & Irving Johnson through their summer camp. His goal is to become part of the Topsail Youth Crew and his love of sailing is ever strong. I have personally pursued sailing on a recreational basis and am now a certified sailor through the American Sailing Association. We’ve spent family time on day sails with STEM lessons aboard, gone aloft on volunteer days, celebrated the 4th of July watching fireworks light up the harbor. To say LAMI has been an influence on our lives as a family would be an understatement. We will continue to support LAMI and promote the wonderful educational programs and life adventures it enables. Thank you LAMI.

I spent 5 days on the Irving Johnson with 24 kids 12 to 17. We did exciting sailing and challenged the kids to stretch their experiences on the water. Try something you have never tried. After 5 days the transformation was amazingly positive. Squirrely self centered children became caring team players. I'll do it again.

I was part of the summer youth program and took a sailing trip and my experience became excellent because not only we got to sail on the boat, but we got to learn how to do things on the boat. Together as my peers and I were mastering how to pull the ropes down in order that wind blew its course of curtains and not only that, but I got sail the boat or even worked as a group collectively of pulling the ropes down and additionally fun actives such as going on the begging of the boat, and I got to look an entire view of water and sky. Excellent services they didn't treat us like strangers, but they dealt with us like boat households. Overall, it's a fun experience that you don't need to miss out on.

LAMI has been a great partnership of the Summer Youth Program at Marathon Petroleum. As a member of the Summer Youth Program, I was glad to be a part of this sailing experience. The sailing experience introduced me to communication and teamwork skills.

I’ve always loved the tall ships, or as my son calls them pirate ships! Sailing as a merchant mariner it makes me happy to see the next generation of sailors getting experience on a tall ship. I started out on a 90’ staysail rigged schooner as a teenager and now hold an Unlimited tonnage Masters license on a 850’ 3600 TEU container ship. Tall ships are the traditional gate way to enter the US Merchant Marine, LAMI keeps that gate open for the youth in LA and Long Beach.

I have been volunteering with LAMI since I retiring from my job as a mechanical engineer for a local manufacturing company in mid 2022. My focus has been on the refit of the American Pride and working in LAMIs great maintenance shop, Building G. This work has been very rewarding in seeing the Pride get back to her job of bringing this great program of sailing experience and training to the young people who get the opportunity to participate. I see how it changes their lives and brings them new perspectives on what they can do and improves their self-esteem and confidence through their experiences gained here.

I am a scout leader and our girls love sailing with LAMI! The crews are always fantastic with the scouts and great at teaching valuable skills and answering any and all of their many questions.

The Los Angeles Maritime Institute employs and has some of the greatest volunteers that I’ve ever met. Their commitment to their mission and service to the entire community is just amazing and inspiring!

I had the pleasure of joining Los Angeles Maritime Institute for one of their public sails and witnessed the teamwork and camaraderie amongst the crew first hand. Everyone was lovely and treated the guests on board like family.

I loved watching the children’s’ eyes light up when they were asked to help steer the ship, and then watching the parents’ melt to see their children enjoying the experience. We were also offered the opportunity to sit on the bowsprit, the netted area at the front of the ship that juts out over the water. Such an amazing opportunity!

This is just one example of the many programs LAMI offers but it was one of my favorites. I’ve also enjoyed walk aboard tours of the ship when they are moored during events, and they offer free programs monthly, summer camps, and more. It truly is a one of a kind opportunity, and while LAMI’s mission is to empower our youth, the organization has created a space that invites everyone to learn about and enjoy the ocean and all that goes with it, and I just love that!

I began volunteering with LAMI 5 years ago, and the experiences have truly changed my life! The long voyages with kids helped me find my passion to become a therapist and set me up for success in Master's Program at Pepperdine and now as an MFT trainee working with kids. My stories volunteering with LAMI have caught attention from schools and employers due to the unique experiences and circumstances that LAMI has to offer.

LAMI also has a variety of experiences to volunteer with, ranging from day sails in the harbor to two week long voyages to around the channel islands. Every experience is a great one, and the community of volunteers have always been welcoming to all ages and all experience levels. By learning and teaching, volunteering with LAMI helps build confidence and promotes thinking on your feet.

I have been both a volunteer and camper with LAMI, and both experiences have shaped my life and helped me become the confident, successful person I am today. Highly recommend LAMI!!

This is such an amazing place. The kids loveddddddd the trip. I'm from 7th St Elemtary PTA and this was an amazing trip for the kids to experience . Reach out and there happy to help

Their passion and support for education is tremendous. In addition to sharing about the ocean and caring for the ocean, there is a strong commitment to providing access for all to grow as individuals and as a team.

LAMI has sponsored a youth program that has given the participants an education about sailing and marine ocean skills. In addition, the youth have been mentored to find opportunities to learn more about the ocean in Universities, and/or continue pursuits in marine based occupations as careers.

LAMI is all about providing resources for the underserved youth of Los Angeles area. There is great dedication to providing opportunities to learn and grow while understanding the ocean that rules the planet's environment. The youth learn that we all have a role to play in this world.

Los Angeles Maritime Institute is AltaSea's oldest education partner. We rely on LAMI to provide dockside workshops in navigational skills, nautical knot tying and preventing ocean plastic pollution. LAMI and AltaSea also work together in providing virtual afterschool field trips from the Port of Los Angeles south to the Port of San Diego. LAMI is a valuable nonprofit offering minoritized children a chance to get out on the ocean and learn to sail a tall ship.

As a marine science teacher, I greatly appreciate this non-profit for the educational activities they carry out with students and also Spanish speaking adults on board their tall ships. They play a unique and important role in educating about the marine environment, human actions that impact it and efforts to change those actions that pollute the marine environment.

The activities on board with students are coordinated with teachers so as to assist them in presenting curriculum in an exciting and hands on manner.

I volunteered on some youth-related enrichment classes and found LAMI to be supportive and generous to its volunteers. I finally had a chance to go on one of their brigantines for the Harvest Sail 2021 and had a magical time. Sailing is as rare and romantic as ever! It was sunset in LA Harbor, calm waters, good breeze, wildlife, and cargo ships in the distance. The captain and crew were a kick to watch in action, and very welcoming. So looking forward to the next community sail.

This is a wonderful organization that helps disadvantaged youth open their eyes to opportunities in the maritime and ocean science fields. Great staff and crew!

I've been a volunteer with the Topsail Youth Program at the Los Angeles Maritime Institute for 27 Years. I am certain, that for participants, the program delivers experiential learning. It verifies the effectiveness of teamwork. Participants step off the 100 ton Tall Ship knowing they have succeeded at something they could not have imagined themselves doing.

When considering Topsail and LAMI we must understand it's value. What is the value to our society of just one young person succeeding instead of failing at life? The answer ... Priceless!

Great program! All the employees and board members are truely passionate about helping out the kids in the community. Can’t wait till all the programs can be in full swing again to sign up my son

I joined the LAMI volunteer team 5 years ago, assisting in their small boat building program for local high school students. I then transitioned to helping reconstruct damaged tall ship components, and large components for our restoration of the tall ship, the Swift of Ipswich. I can say without hesitation that this program powerfully touches children with a gift of accomplishment that deeply broadens their individual horizons. The selfless giving, teaching, and coaching of the crew members, is only surpassed by the dedication that permeates the entire organization.

My son learned confidence, self-esteem, leadership and social skills along with the incredible sailing and teambuilding abilities we knew would be part of his experience.
We look forward to years of adventures with LAMI.

The best thing about LAMI is the people. From the Executive Director all the way down to the volunteers and all of those in between, everyone is passionate about the experience they are bringing to the kids and the community.

My son volunteers with LAMI and is excited to work with the crew as they show kids the excitement of being on the open sea. My wife and I have been on a few cruises and enjoyed the interactions with the crew and they are very professional in all aspects of sailing.

LAMI is a 5 star nonprofit expanding the lives of our youth. Bringing out a life changing expreiance. How Wonderful!

LAMA has been a leader in working with kids in the environment to help them understand their place in the world, and their responsibility as guardians and shepherds of the marine ecosystem for many years. While focusing on outdoor/environmental education they use "sail training" as an avenue to help children build confidence in their own abilities as well as give them opportunities to develop the teamwork and collaborative skills they will need in the modern workplace. Finally, sailing on a beautiful brigantine is a wonderful sensory and esthetic experience, one that the students will remember for the rest of their lives.

At 16 years of age, my class at Banning High School participated in a week long voyage to Catalina Island. I now reflect on that experience as a turning point in my life. Having grown up in a home with few resources, LAMI provided a sense of inclusion and a rich learning experience. A year later, LAMI organized a trip for several students to participate in the 2005 European Tall Ship race. It was my first long distance trip and one of the fondest memories of my life. Hal Barstow and several other amazing people took several kids to London, we visited Portsmouth, and set out from New Castle aboard Sorlandet, a Norwegian full brigantine which berths in Kristiansand. We sailed across the North Sea and arrived in Fredrikstad several days later, followed by a visit to Oslo and the surrounding area. That trip was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I hope LAMI keeps doing similar amazing things.

Los Angeles Maritime Institute has been a wonderful resource for my family and for the youth in the community. Not only does this fabulous program offer youth a chance to learn about the ocean, the environment, the maritime industry, and marine skills, additionally the program also provides an opportunity for our young people who have never been to the ocean an avenue to experience the Pacific Ocean and the California coast. All four of my kids have enjoyed the opportunities offered by LAMI. As a parent seeing how much fun my children were having, I wanted to take part too. LAMI provides opportunities for adults to volunteer. There is so much to learn and experience and LAMI makes it fun and accessible.

Sailed with LAMI many times. Wonderful people! It's a real pleasure helping kids learn about sailing and the sea!

I've, personally, seen kids lives changed dramatically for the better.

My experience with LAMI has been incredibly positive. I’ve been moved by their passion for the ocean, and drive to enrich young people’s lives by sharing the wonders of the sea.

My beautiful, brilliant nine-year-old daughter was also fearful and anxious much of the time. When I told her that LAMI was running an overnight experience for Girl Scouts of her age, she was initially thrilled. As the day grew closer, however, she became more and more anxious. When we boarded the beautiful Tallship, Exy Johnson, she was excited ... but also very nervous. But she had nothing to fear. The next 24 hours were absolutely wonderful. The crew guided her around every part of the ship. She learned sea shanties and celestial navigation. She bonded with her bunk mate and munched on snacks as the captain told stories into the night. It was a truly magical experience that expanded her horizons; I will forever be grateful to LAMI for providing her with that opportunity.

During my volunteer work to help the Institute with their planning process, I was very impressed with the staff experience of tall ships, the passion for ocean sailing and the dedication to helping youths develop skill and gaining confidence. Their operational success is a reflection of a great team working so well together to fulfil the Institute's noble goal. So glad they are there to help shape an aspiring future generation.

While I have never personally participated in this program, I think it is a wonderful thing the Institute does in providing opportunities for young people to get exposure to exploring the ocean which they might not otherwise have.

I volunteer for this group, and am really impressed with the engagement and enthusiasm of the young people their programs reach. I have seen young minds opened to new possibility, which keeps me motivated to give as much of my time as possible.

This is an Amazing program not only for local kids but also for International kids such as our students from China to explore the ocean by sailing. The organization delivered high quality leadership with kindness and knowledge! We love our experience!

They are willing to work with teachers locally, nationally and in other countries to assist in classroom education. Some of that education is on-board their tall sailing ships, and other components are virtual on-line with zooms into classes around the world
LAMI has awesome resources for teachers on-line. Complete course materials from elementary thru college. They take out 7,000 children a year!
Their field trips are an unforgettable experience for youth.
They also have the only bi-lingual community sails with an ecology focus, held monthly, in all of California.

I was part of this program as a child and it changed my life for ever.

I have not participated, but I have supported the LAM Institute because I think they are doing spectacular work. They are providing an experience that could change the lives of students, and they provide an essential experience: first-hand knowledge! There is no better learning experience!

LAMI serves a population of underprivileged and too often overlooked youth in a unique manner. It is only one of two such organizations in the Greater Los Angeles California area. Children learn valuable life lessons when aboard the several sailing vessels operated by LAMI. Among them are teamwork, planning, leading, STEM topics in the context of ship construction, maintenance, tool use, vessel operation, navigation, and safety. They gain confidence to attempt difficult tasks (under appropriate supervision), and through accomplishing those tasks, are motivated toward success in every other aspect of life. I have been associated with the organization for over thirty years. There is no more dedicated and capable staff than those guiding LAMI and educating their young charges. The majority of funding comes from charitable contributions. Without the ability to be funded in such a manner, regrettably LAMI would be unable to continue its essential mission. Just ask any child -- especially those who are now adults -- and they will tell you that LAMI changed their life for the better. And no doubt in a multi-generational way. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Randle M Biddle - Windship Studios - Maritime Historian - Builder of Models of Ships

Excellent way to get kids connected to the ocean and possible ocean-related careers.

It's amazing that inner city youth live so close to the ocean and have never seen it! LAMI teaches youth so much about their city, their planet (with STEM implications), and themselves.

Hello. I joined LAMI on my birthday 25 yrs ago and am still active. It has been an amazing experience to see so many people develop skills and to grow up with confidence and a better sense of the world after sailing with us. Truly an organization that welcomes "youth of all ages." It is because of the training that I started at LAMI that I was able to have a maritime career. And I find deep fulfillment in getting to share my career training and knowledge with the next generation.

For years I've worked with the Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI) to bring students to the ocean, students that otherwise would likely not have this opportunity. We traveled around the LA Harbor and into the Pacific to study plastic pollution, something I've researched for years, and with LAMI I get to watch the faces of children light up with imagination and wonder. The service LAMI provides to the city is invaluable. Teachers, students, researchers, public and private audiences, all get to see the sea from the vantage point of the most beautiful ships in LA.

I first sailed with LAMI as a volunteer in 2013 and I had no sailing experience when I stepped aboard the Irving Johnson. Thanks to the experienced team on-board I quickly learned how I could help move this Tall Ship (really tall ship) around the the Port of LA. I also learned that Tall Ship sailing is a wonderful equalizer because everyone on-board has an important role to play in this sailing experience. There are few environments that truly equalize us and this equalizing experience benefits us all. Tall Ship sailing is a fantastic opportunity to practice the art of communication and the LAMI Topsail Youth program offers an environment for everyone to develop their leadership skills.

Let me start off by saying, I really enjoy volunteering with this organization. I was skeptical at first, as I signed up a few years ago, I was not sure I had it in me. I started volunteering with LAMI in 2013. I have made good friends along the way and even introduced a few to the program. I soon got really familiar with the brigantines, the ships crew and most importantly the outlook of the program. I then became, part of the volunteer crew, still getting my hands and feet wet. I became more confident in myself as part of the crew to show the youth of today that education is more important for them then just being mind boggled with computer games, and just hanging out doing nothing productive. This program works with LAUSD, and other programs that involve youth. Educating them about the ships aren't the only things they learn. Its about teamwork, character, confidence building, that each individual learns.
I was offered a position for the Tall Ships Festival as Ships Liaison Officer in 2014, and thanks to LAMI I was able to continue more of my knowledge with Tall ships, the Port of Los Angeles, the education aspect of the program. I still volunteer occasionally, when my time allows. I still learn new things when I volunteer with the LAMI program, captains, and crew.

I have sailed with LAMI for about 9 years, since I was 10. Starting out with youth sails, I developed a love for the activity and grew to going up to as many as 6 sails a month with adults and schools. Being home schooled, it helped me be able to go out more often. The biggest outcome I take from LAMI are the friendships that I was able to develop with the other kids.

I teach inner-city Marine biology in Los Angeles. The LA maritime Institute gave some of my students in our Marine biology class and also members of our Marine biology club an opportunity, free of charge, to participate in several days of activities on board their tall ships.
These inner-city youth would never have had this unique opportunity. This is an organization that should be generously funded so that they can continue to give inner-city youth especially experiences on board a tall ship where they not only learn hands-on and leadership skills but also navigation and Marine science.
MFriedman

I was volunteer crew for several years with LAMI. The staff is fantastic. It was always amazing to see the transformation of the school kids who trained with us. The kids often came on board tentative and shy, but after learning about the ship, taking on the responsibility of being part of the crew, and working together as a team, they left full of pride and confidence in their newfound skills. The ships and the program offer a one of a kind experience and is transformative.

LAMI TopSail is a great non-profit! It's geared towards helping students from elementary to high school build self confidence and learn skills that they can carry with them through life. I really admire their passion and dedication. Since being here I've experienced nothing but kindness and encouragement. I am a single mother with a little boy of my own, so I would definitely consider taking my son on a sail or sending him to spend a weekend learning the ways of the sea. I feel that LAMI is very important for kids because they not only teach skills on how to work on a team, leadership, self-sufficiency, communication, and many more but they are very environmentally friendly and working towards conserving the ocean. There is a lot of collaboration between LAMI and other organizations to make the community and the ocean a better place for everyone. I'm very happy that I've gotten the opportunity to work with everyone here. :)

LAMI is based in my home town, and I started sailing as a student at 14. Through high school, I spent the bulk of my summers sailing and volunteering through the youth crew program. That time away from school, shore and parents, working so hard with great people; was what kept me in my home town for the rough points of high school. Essentially, my great, angsty, teenage rebellion became sailing with this wonderful alternate family, and I am so lucky for the experience. I'm now finishing up a graduate degree at Northwestern University, and I doubt I would have traveled the same path if I had never gone sailing.

I've been a volunteer with LAMI for nearly 3 years. In that time I've observed the effect the program has on often surly or reserved youths, sure they "know it all". When confronted by the Brigantines, with their mass of confusing lines, new language and unfamiliar tasks, this organization quickly transforms these youths into eager participants. We very quickly can see the kids who are eager to learn, to take the helm, challenge themselves to go aloft, to try something new, to step into a leadership position and "lead" a team tacking sails or preparing a meal. It's an analogy for life; you can choose to participate, or you can choose to observe. The Brigantines Irving and Exy Johnson allow all participants, whether youth crew or adult volunteers, to find exhilerating new opportunities for personal growth in a wonderfully unique environment. From seeing dolphins cavorting at the bow of the ship, to going aloft or taking the wheel, to just being on a boat for the first time and experiencing natures bounty, the Brigantines of the Los Angeles Maritime Institute are the vehicles for opening windows into a whole new world for the youths that have the opportunity to sail with us.
This is an invaluable organization providing countless happy memories and educational moments to the youth of Los Angeles. I strongly encourage support of this fantastic organization!

This is one of the most effective youth programs I have ever seen!

I can't count how many youth I've seen turn from borderline angry when they came on deck, to peaceful teenagers with more perspective on their lives, when they left. And all inside a single day...

There is something very special going on at LAMI, whose traditions I hope will continue for years to come. How I hope I can conrtibute to the on-going community service that blooms at LAMI!

I have worked with kids, in the school setting, for about 17 years. Although I have always found my work rewarding, I was looking for a different opportunity to support our youth. I just recently started volunteering with LAMI and have been absolutely blown away at the positive impact this group makes every day. In large part, I attribute this to the passion and dedication of the organizers, coordinators, and boat crews. Top notch all the way.

Best of all, they are planting seeds of success that will sprout for generations.

Mike V.

LAMI has captivated our heart for a long long time... their amazing work and their amazing spirit flows on the waves of the Pacific... We are so lucky to have been involved in several occasions with you guys, thanks for the friendship, thanks for the community involvement, thanks for your high spirit...
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Marcia + Jorge Vismara

I volunteered for LAMI full-time for six months and I couldn't have spent my time a better way. The people who work for LAMI are dedicated, intelligent, and really interested in the education of young people. On the voyages we took out to sea I noticed a huge difference in the attitude, confidence, and energy of the kids within a few days of leaving port. Many of them didn't want to leave a the end of the week, and we hated to see them go (until a new group arrived!). The mentoring and skill-building that happens with this organization is unique among educational institutions that I've seen. I would work with LAMI again anytime I'm in the Los Angeles area.

I served aboard the tall ship Lady Washington during the winter of 2008-09, and with our sister ship the Hawaiian Chieftain one of our ports of call was at LAMI in Los Angeles. I say 'port of call' but LAMI became our second home for several weeks during the winter school break. We double-moored before the LAMI offices, both ships together, and those are some of the fondest memories of my life.

LAMI worked with us to bring in the public and the schoolchildren that we served, fed us, threw us roving sailors a beautiful Christmas and New Year's, gave us use of their shower and took us for a spin on the Lexi Johnson when we felt so cooped up in our own ships we were fit to burst. I learned to make a monkey's fist there, how to sing Mingulay. And one of my shipmates was a graduate of LAMI's program, one of the best sailors and one of the best men you could ever hope to know. If he's what LAMI produces...then LAMI isn't just a good organization to work with, or a good organization for sailors, it's a good organization for our country and the world.

I've been volunteering with LAMI for four and a half years. The program gives the children and teenagers we work with practical skills, real responsibilities and essential experience in what community means.

I am sometimes discouraged with what our society offers kids: slogans like "No Fear," or blood-and-thunder movies that equate courage and swagger. I think lots of times, we give kids little chance to find out what they can and can't do or to learn how to do things, and then when they flounder on their own, we blame them.

LAMI gives kids the structured, orderly chance to learn about themselves and the world in very practical ways. The ships are beautiful, but they're not spectacles: they're working machines. Some of the kids are afraid to go aloft at first, but they learn that nobody's forcing them. There's plenty of useful work to do on deck. If they do climb, nobody will disrespect them if they decide to come down, and if they stay up, the very reasonable fear of falling is a tool they can use to take necessary precautions and keep themselves and their shipmates safe in order to do the work aloft. They learn to care for the machine and their shipmates in other ways, from coiling lines properly to preparing and cleaning up meals to cleaning the heads. They learn to use their hands, and also to follow orders, because we're a team. There's a chain of command based on skills. It really doesn't matter how old you are or what you do ashore: what counts is commitment to the ship and seamanship. The kids learn to live by the old seagoing rule of first the ship, then one's shipmates, then oneself.

My son grew up in Youth Crew. When he was little, he had problems with depth perception that could make him afraid to walk down a flight of stairs. But a couple weeks ago, while we were furling after a day of sailing, I glanced over and saw him almost horizontal in space about 40 feet over the deck, his foot braced against a footrope, pressing his body hard against the yard as he secured a clew lashing. Needless to say, he's comfortable and competent aloft. I was proud of him, but the really great thing about it was that it wasn't an extraordinary moment. What he was doing was just part of the work of furling. I was proud of him, but more importantly, I was and am sure of him. We've always had a good relationship; LAMI made us shipmates.

I've seen others benefit enormously from this program. Our mission statement says that we work with "at risk" kids, a term I've never been entirely comfortable with because I think we're all at risk, but still, some of the groups we take out on day sails or several-day trips do come from pretty rocky backgrounds, with drug-addicted parents or from gang-plagued neighborhoods. Over and over again, I've seen kids make little changes in themselves over the course of a day or so. I've seen them gain confidence and, in little ways, start to grow up.

I only wish more of them came back, because those changes take time and repetition to become a permanent part of a person's character. I think one of the reasons some don't continue has to do with funding. It would be great to be able to subsidize more transportation to and from the ships and scholarships for trips, and to wrap up repairs on our topsail schooner so that we can offer more programs.

I discovered LAMI three years ago and have been thrilled to not only work with the kids, but discover that a landlubber such as myself could soar as well. The volunteers and LAMI personnel are top notch, hard workers, and a hoot to be with....always much fun! This non profit changes lives....the lives of the school children it serves, as well as the lives of the volunteers and staff that "get it done"!

I have worked with LAMI in way that empowers and improves myself over the past year and have never been anything but impressed by their ingenuity, integrity, and love of what they do. In a crowded Los Angeles nonprofit landscape, LAMI has been able to brag for more years than most of us remember that they've found a great niche providing priceless skills and formative experiences to the young people who need these things most. As if that weren't enough, it's clear that the students impacted by LAMI's Topsail program are taking steps towards future intellectual challenges: the STEM enrichment of every activity on their vessels is evident, and presented in consistently fun ways that are age-appropriate.

During a time when classrooms are hard-strapped to find even the most basic resources they need to function, much less take young people out for a day or more of stimulating experiences that add up to a great adventure, let's just say that "the price is right" for LAMI's services – they are making education in a maritime setting accessible to the public education system, and I hope they will continue to do so for many years to come. Great work!

I've been volunteering for LAMI for over 4 years now and have found my time there to be an extremely rewarding experience, not only for myself but for the results I've seen with the youth the program serves. I really appreciate that I can learn to sail a tall ship and also help under-served youth in my spare time; even if I'm unable to regularly participate, the crew is patient with me and meets me where I am to continue my education. Being "part of the crew" is an amazing feeling!

I've also learned (and/or re-learned) the life skills that are being taught to the kids that come aboard the ships for this life-changing experience: teamwork, listening, challenging oneself on every level, and maritime skills such as navigation, physics of sail, mechanics, etc... and then there is the serenity you experience when you are under sail, gliding across the ocean with the wind through your hair, perhaps spotting wildlife such as dolphins, whales and sea lions, that really helps put everything into perspective. Thank you, LAMI!

My entire family has been volunteering for the past 6 years. This program does wonders for kids age 12 and up. It teaches through education, how to become empowered, overcome fears, learn team work, communication skills and trusting others.

My son was a bit of a lost soul. Didn't fit in with the "jocks" and just basically had no direction. He started to put on weight and retreated from the friends he had.... We had tried many sports, but none were a good fit for him. Team sports were a nightmare as he was always last to be picked a side, no one would throw him the ball - you get the picture... Heartbreaking for a parent to see..... We one day three years ago THANKFULLY was approached by a wonderful lady by the name of Sally B. She is one of LAMI's wonderful volunteers! She asked how old our son was and then suggested that on the weekend after we had met her, own son might want to try sailing for a day onboard one of the Brigantines LAMI has that take out kids (amongst many different groups) and teaches them to sail, how to work as a team/crew member, etc... OH MY GOODNESS, HIS WORLD (AND OURS) CHANGED FROM THAT MEETING AND THAT WEEKEND!!!!!!!!! So Josh has now been sailing/crewing/working maintenance for the past 3 years with the Los Angeles Maritime Institute's youth program. It blows my mind how much this program has changed Josh. He is so confident now, gregarious, stands straight and has gotten healthy (he wanted to get healthy to help him around the tall ship more and especially for when he got to climb the rigging)! He regards the crews and Captains from the Irving and Exy Johnson as a second family. They are patient and kind, and give the kids responsibilities that help them grow as individuals and to learn how to work as part of a team. The lessons and guidance Josh has received from his time over the past three years is INVALUBLE!!!!!! We are forever grateful for the day we happened to run into Miss Sally Braeden! As parents we are totally confident with leaving Josh in the expert hands of the LAMI crews. We know they will look after them (re safety), but also mentor and lead Josh to be a confident and proud young man! For this we are truly grateful. Plus it is fun for the kids (and adults)! I can say enough about this amazing program and cannot wait until Josh's younger siblings are old enough to take part in the wonderful experience LAMI offers. Thank you LAMI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let me start by saying this organization has been a very uplifting experience in the year that I have been volunteering with them. There is no doubt in my mind about how this group reaches out to the public/private sector of education. From the most prestige schools to inner city schools, they show so much enthusiasm to provide the best sailing experience for them. As an adult looking back more than 30 years or so, I wish that they had this program back then. I applaud all the effort Los Angeles Maritime Institute has provided from classroom learning to actually sailing the brigantines out in the open water. Volunteering with them has taught me the meaning of being a good role model for the youth of today. The staff and crew for this organization is wonderful all around, questions are answered, ideas are challenged and accepted. I have the up most respect for all they do....

As a volunteer-in-training, I am impressed with the importance placed on the educational aspect of this program. I have not yet had the opportunity to make a sail with a group of kids, but I have seen the Youth Crew in action. The Youth Crew are a number of kids who are following up on their initial experience aboard the tall ships and learning to become actual crew members. They are skilled, dedicated and have found a purpose in life, thanks to this program. Without the program, I'm sure a number of them would be languishing in the streets with little or no ambition or hope.
I am proud to be associated with this organization and I hope to become a fixture within the volunteer ranks.

I've been volunteering at LAMI almost since the begining. I could write volumes, uplifting stories about lives changed, sad stories about the everyday world our target kids must endure and accounts of how our volunteers come away fulfilled in exchange for their hard work. Consider kids who have never seen the ocean, 90 minutes after getting off the bus, causing sails 80ft over their heads to move from one tack to the other. It's real, and the kids get it. Consider how easily we level the playing field when a young lady or the most timid young man is the first to climb the rig. Climbing is a personal choice and the big tough guys are almost always the last to go up. Please click on the links to videos on this site to get a view of the power of the Tall Ship venue. The founder of Los Angeles Maritime, Captain Jim Gladson, describes himself as "a recovering school teacher". While that may be true, his vision has created something unique, priceless and magical. Please consider joining us as a volunteer and/or a donor.

I recently started volunteering and did my first trip to Catalina with kids last week. It was amazing how the crew and the youth bonded during the period. By the end of the trip all the youth participated in the chores that needed done on the ship. Some of the kids have never been out at sea or had to work as teams to accomplish a task. It was a great experience as a volunteer to see the benefit to the youth.

I had several opportunities to sail with the LAMI ships and I am always impressed with everyone involved in this organization. All the kids seem very happy and eager to learn. The mentors are very skilled and know exactly how to transfer their knowledge to those kids. I hope LAMI will be around for at least another 20 years and triple the amount of kids helped by their program....

I witnessed the most amazing transformation in a couple of angry, volatile middle schoolers while accompanying them on a three day voyage to Catalina Island. On the first day, even before leaving the dock, they were physically attacking each other over a very minor issue. By the end of the voyage, the two boys had accepted each other, not as friends, but as teammates. They still disliked each other, but they were willing to work together.

I have seen with my own eyes the difference the LAMI program makes in the lives of children who are at the most difficult ages of 12 - 14. I have also had the privilege of being part of that program and working with dedicated LAMI crew/educators and the children. It is truly amazing to watch the transformation that takes place, sometimes subtle, sometimes more overt. The kids who participate in the LAMI TopSail program may not ever set foot on a boat again but their experience stays with them. The LAMI model should be studied, adapted, and applied to more programs that target this age group. These kids are taken out of their comfort zone, away from the familiar, and then challenged in such a way that they are made to feel that they can succeed. They are introduced to the concept of working as a group, with the rewards of accomplishment or the consequences when one person does not or cannot contribute. They also learn to trust others when it counts. The faces of those who come on board are not the faces of those who step ashore...they are the faces of confident and more driven individuals who have a clearer understanding of the choices they face and the decisions they must make. I can't say enough wonderful things about this truly wonderful organization.

Fabulous organization that matches volunteers and sail training with at-risk-youth!

Strictly speaking, it's my father Ed who has been with this absolutely astounding organization for many years. As I now live in Colorado with my family, we've had just one opportunity to go on a youth sail, so call us "volunteers-for-a-day". To say we were staggered by the effect on those young people would be a colossal understatement. We saw virtually every one of them come to the realization that they can accomplish a thing -- maybe anything -- they would never have bet upon, and each of those kids left the Exy Johnson beaming and walking taller. Utterly astonishing; I could choke up again these years later at the memory. Must be seen to be believed.

I LOVE L. A. MARITIME INSTITUTE. I have been a volunteer for 20 years, and to see these kids grow up and become adults is life changing. When you see the looks on thier faces when they see the ocean for the first time it's makes it worth wild. It's hard for all of us to understand how these kid grow up living in areas that they are to scared to take walk around the block or even play outside. These kids learn that they can do anything. They learn that if you have a dream go for it. Become a volunteer and see what I am talking about. It only takes a little bit of your time a month.

SB

LAMI Topsail is an excellent program for empowering youth with the knowledge that they can do great things. The kids come alive when they learn how to sail the brigantines. They learn to be part of a team that needs each other and assumes responsibility for the various tasks they are assigned. As a volunteer in this program, I have seen countless lives of young people forever changed for the better by LAMI Topsail. Kids who came aboard the ship feeling worthless and insignificant, leave knowing they can be a valuable team member. They have a new vision for life with all the exciting possibilities the program exposes them to. The adventure the program provides is truly life changing and worthy of charitable support.

This is my favorite charity. It reaches out to at risk kids from the inner city that may not ever have the chance to sail on the water, and learn the team work it takes to sail a Tail Ship. For some of the kids this may be the 1st time they have been out of a gang area. The crew member Tiny is as good as they come, and he has sailed on several Tail Ship in several seas.