The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s annual gala fundraiser, Love Boat: Sailing to Alaska, grossed $230,000 in support of the museum’s SBMM’s exhibits and youth education programs.
Inspired by the romance and adventure of an Alaskan cruise, the March 6 event was attended by some 200 at Cabrillo Pavilion. It featured fine dining, auctions, music, dancing, and community support.
Highlighting the evening was the presentation of the Admiral’s Award to world-renowned ocean explorer, environmentalist, educator and filmmaker Jean-Michel Cousteau, whose lifelong dedication to ocean stewardship has inspired generations.
Cousteau shared reflections on humanity’s connection to the sea and emphasized the importance of educating young people about ocean conservation and the role future generations play in protecting marine environments.
“Jean-Michel Cousteau’s presence made this year’s gala especially meaningful,” said Dr. Alex Weinstein, president of the SBMM Board of Directors. “His life’s work reflects the very values we hope to inspire through the museum — curiosity, stewardship, education, and a deep connection to the ocean.”
Weinstein, SBMM’s longtime executive director discussed his 19 years of leadership, and received a standing ovation in recognition of his contributions to the museum’s growth and community impact.
Dr. Weinstein offered a tribute and introduced SBMM’s new executive director Dean Noble, marking a moment of transition and continued momentum for the organization.
Andrew Firestone served as emcee, and gala co-chair and sponsor Robyn Parker made an impromptu and heartfelt appeal, inspired generous giving, SBMM said.
The gala featured a live auction with experiences including a private Fourth of July party at SBMM, Condor Express private charter, Parade of Lights party at the museum, a seven-day Holland America Line cruise for two, and a four-night Sun Valley getaway.
Fundraising during the evening highlighted the museum’s education programs and their impact on the community. Last fiscal year, SBMM served some 4,800 students through 150 different programs and events, including more than 1,000 youth through its nationally recognized Maritime on the Move program.
The museum also offered 50 adult education programs, welcoming nearly 2,400 participants.
“For more than 25 years, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum has connected our community to the region’s rich maritime heritage while inspiring thousands of young people through hands-on learning,” said Dr. Weinstein.
“The generosity shown at this year’s gala ensures that SBMM can continue expanding its exhibits, school programs, and youth initiatives for years to come,” he said.
SBMM thanks its 2026 sponsors and supporters including:
Captain’s Table :
Robert and Carolyn Duncan
First Officer’s Club : Lynda Fairly and Richard Finkley , Chuck and Mary Wilson , George Writer
Cruise Director:
Hiroko Benko and John and Bobbie Kinnear , Debbie and Mike Bruce and Bob and Mary Gates , Andy and Mary Jane Cooper, John and Tracie Doordan, Caroline and EJ Fisher , Ann Howard, Hutton Parker Foundation , Mark Commercial, LLC, Bill and Marian Nasgovitz, Montecito Bank & Trust.
Island Explorer :
Arlington Financial Advisors, Randy Franciose and Christy Kelso , Lynn Kirst, Ellen Robinson
Print Sponsor:
JANO Printing & Mailworks
Media Sponsor:
Noozhawk
For more about SBMM programs and upcoming events, visit sbmm.org.