All Aboard the Love Boat

By Lisa Marie Duncan

Supporters of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum gathered over the weekend for the festive “Love Boat” Gala, an evening devoted to celebrating maritime heritage while raising funds for the museum’s growing education and outreach programs.

The ocean-inspired event highlighted the museum’s role as a vibrant hub for maritime history and ocean education along the Central Coast. For more than two decades, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum has connected the community to the region’s rich seafaring past while introducing thousands of students each year to the science and stewardship of the sea through school programs, exhibits, and youth initiatives.

Guests embraced the maritime theme in natty nautical style, including supporters Jill Nida and Gary Simpson, along with Matt Wilson, commodore of the Santa Barbara Yacht Club. The evening’s introduction was delivered by Dr. Alex Weinstein, who brought swank seafaring flair in a black sequined blazer. Board members Robyn Parker, Caroline Fisher, and Randy Franciose joined friends in elegant ocean-chic attire.

The evening’s honoree was renowned ocean explorer and environmental advocate Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of legendary undersea pioneer Jacques Cousteau. Reflecting on a lifetime of exploration, Cousteau shared a message about humanity’s deep connection to the sea.

“The ocean is our sanctuary, our classroom, our greatest teacher,” he said. “I first went diving at age seven with my father, Jacques Cousteau. In my eight decades of diving, I have learned that the ocean is not separate from us – it is a part of us.”

Cousteau also praised the museum’s commitment to youth education. “Please pass on the message to your friends, your family, and most of all to the children,” he urged. “Children are like sponges. They absorb everything and it never goes away. Never give up on passing on the message to the children – the ocean is a part of us, keep protecting the ocean.”

A heartfelt tribute was also paid to longtime museum leader Greg Gorga, honored for his 19 years as executive director and greeted with a standing ovation. The museum also welcomed its new executive director and his wife, Dean and Holly Noble

Major sponsors included Robert Duncan and Carolyn Duncan, Linda Fairly and Richard Finkley, George Winter, Chuck Wilson and Mary Wilson, Hiroko Benko and Roger Chrisman.

Auctioneer Andrew Firestone kept the bidding lively with prizes including a seven-day Holland America Line cruise, a getaway to Sun Valley, Idaho, and private parties on the museum’s ritzy rooftop deck. By evening’s end, the gala had raised significant funds to support the museum’s exhibits and youth programs.