Who are the Sea Shells?

The Santa Barbara Sea Shell Association (“Sea Shells”) is a family-run organization fostering healthy, independent children by developing and encouraging youth sailing skills.

Founded in 1948, the Sea Shells mission is to teach children, ages 8–18, the art, skill, and sport of sailing, and to impart a love of sailing, a stewardship of our local harbor, and a sense of community through family-oriented and volunteer-driven programming. For 75 years, the Sea Shells have taught sailing, seamanship, self-reliance, and teamwork. In addition to the weekly Sunday regattas, there are picnics, instructional days, work days, parties, and road trips. Skippers and families develop strong, long-term friendships. Many skippers who learned through Sea Shells continue sailing in our Santa Barbara community and beyond.