From Redwood City to Croatia — Boats Building Bridges

From the restoration of Vinka to our growing partnerships in Banja Luka [a region in the northern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina] and beyond, everything is coming together for an unforgettable summer of maritime exploration, cultural exchange, and hands-on learning. This year, we’re returning to Rab for the Felix Arba Expedition, where students will sail the Adriatic, engage in traditional crafts, and build friendships across borders. Additionally, we’re launching a Dajak boat-building project in Banja Luka, working with master craftsmen to preserve and celebrate this unique heritage.

To support these programs, we’re hosting a fundraising sail on May 4 — the Three Bridge Tour aboard the Derek M. Baylis. It will be a fantastic day sailing under the Golden Gate, Bay, and Richmond-San Rafael bridges, enjoying music, drinks, and great company — all while raising funds to help make these experiences possible for our students. I’d love to have you to join us or help spread the word! Tickets will go on sale soon and sell out fast, so stay tuned!

Wishing you a great start to the season, and looking forward to keeping you updated as we set sail for another amazing summer!

Fair winds,

James Bender.

P.S. In case you missed our New Year’s update, you can check it out here:

Boats Building Bridges ‘24 Highlights

As I reflect on the year, I see that the many different aspects of my life and its endeavors are converging. The work that we have done in Croatia with traditional boats and the preservation of intangible heritage has now grown into opportunities for students in Redwood City sailing on the classic yacht Ocean Queen V. My work as a teacher in the woodshop at Redwood High School has grown into plans to build a historic boat through pictures in archives. Our peacebuilding work with kids from former Yugoslavia has grown into opportunities for local boat builders to work directly with the students from the home for children in Banja Luka. Each of these endeavors has grown from work that is Boats Building Bridges … Read more here.

You can learn more about James Bender and the Boats Building Bridges program on our Good Jibes podcast, #111: “Dr. James on Teaching on Boats.”