The Western Flyer
2025 Featured Boat
The History
In 1940, John Steinbeck and marine biologist Ed Ricketts embarked on a transformative journey aboard the Western Flyer, a fishing boat that would become central to their exploration of the Sea of Cortez. The two men, driven by a shared curiosity about marine life, spent six weeks collecting specimens and studying the region's ecology. This voyage not only deepened their friendship, but also inspired Steinbeck’s book The Log From The Sea of Cortez, which blends scientific observation with philosophical musings.
Since its extraordinary six-week journey to the Sea of Cortez, the Western Flyer has become a symbol in American literature. Some even claim it might be the most famous fishing boat in history. This fame didn’t come instantly. Steinbeck’s The Log From The Sea Of Cortez wasn’t a runaway bestseller. Instead, its influence spread slowly, passed from person to person by those who felt a deep connection to its story. It’s a book that lingers in the mind, hard to forget. Over time, the book’s legacy has only grown, along with the legend of the Western Flyer.
Today
Today, the Western Flyer continues its legacy of research, serving as a platform for marine science and conservation. Operating under the Western Flyer Foundation (a nonprofit organization), the boat is used for oceanographic research, conducting environmental surveys, and supporting educational programs. It plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of marine life and promoting sustainable practices in the face of environmental challenges, continuing the spirit of scientific inquiry that Steinbeck and Ricketts once embarked on.
The Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival
Stop and visit the
Western Flyer on the festival’s main docks. Step back in time as the crew points out the highlights of the 1940 expedition and Steinbeck and Rickett’s time aboard. Attend the companion lecture
Two Voyages, One Legacy: The Western Flyer’s Timeless Journey in the festival Captain’s Bridge.
Boat Facts
- The Western Flyer was built in Tacoma, Washington, in 1937 by the Western Boat Company, owned by Martin Petrich.
- The 77’ seiner (drag net fishing boat) is made from old-growth fir.
- In early 2015 the boat was sold to John Gregg (BYC Member). Gregg enlisted Port Townsend Shipwrights Co-Op to restore the vessel to its historic glory, while exceeding modern safety, technological, and environmental standards.
- On June 29, 2022, Western Flyer was relaunched after its restoration at Port Townsend and towed to Seattle to receive a new hybrid engine.
- The engine installation and the conversion of the fish hold to a science lab and teaching space were completed by Snow and Company, Seattle in mid-2023.