Schooner Martha Foundation

Mission

Since its establishment in 1997, the Schooner Martha Foundation has dedicated itself to the restoration of the historic 1907 wooden sailing vessel MARTHA, and to providing an authentic youth sailing training experience. Over 70% of the foundation’s funding comes from donations. Every contribution is directed toward the restoration and upkeep of the vessel, as well as providing sail training scholarships for underserved students.

Description

MARTHA teaches young sailors the full responsibility of operating a classic wooden vessel under full sail. They are tasked with charting the course, maintaining the safety of the vessel, managing the sails, steering the vessel, and ensuring MARTHA's upkeep throughout the voyage. The foundation ensures that scholarships are accessible so that no aspiring young sailor is denied the opportunity to experience sailing.

MARTHA stands as an authentic, 118-year-old wooden sailing vessel, meticulously restored using traditional materials and techniques. Remaining true to her legacy, MARTHA and her dedicated crew actively engage in competitive sailing, participating in local long-distance races alongside modern sailboats and even venturing offshore in prestigious events like the TRANSPAC race from California to Hawai'i. 

While MARTHA has held her own in racing circles, her focus is a summer schedule of youth and family trips in the Puget Sound region and Canadian waters. The goals of this program are to provide an authentic sail training adventure. This program instills valuable life skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership as participants work together to operate MARTHA at her full sailing potential. Beyond the technical aspects, it fosters a deep appreciation for the marine environment and instills a sense of responsibility for its preservation. It also provides a platform for personal growth, building confidence and resilience as participants face challenges and conquer them on the open seas. It’s easy to see how MARTHA requires consistent maintenance due to her age and many uses. 

The foundation will run a limited sail training schedule this summer in preparation for a substantial restoration project targeting the replacement and repair of MARTHA's cabin top, port lights, cabin sides, and cabin top furniture, aiming to authentically restore her to her original above-waterline 1907 construction. We need to raise funds of $100,000 during 2025-2026 to complete this project, so please consider MARTHA in your GiveBig plans. 

Comprised entirely of volunteers, the foundation board is driven by a commitment to maritime history. They generously contribute their time fueled by a love for MARTHA and a shared passion for both sailing and imparting its art and skill to future generations. Your support is vital in ensuring MARTHA's continued sailing journey. Thank you for being part of this endeavor!