Being part of the Volunteer Team

By Pat Lawrence March 2026

Every Tuesday for the past two years, I’ve come to Spaulding to meet with the Program Director. We plan the activities, events, and social activities that Spaulding presents throughout the year. Party planning takes time. Our team works on developing the message, working on the communications pieces, and reaching agreement among the staff and administrative team.  

I moved to Sausalito in 1970 and fell in with the sailing crowd that had boats in the downtown harbor. I refurbished a 13-foot Shamrock and learned to sail in Richardson Bay. I then crewed for friends before purchasing a 30-foot Alberg that we sailed in the Bay. Every weekend, the gang would go sailing. I met Myron Spaulding, Hank Easom, and the working waterfront owners during this time.

With the first oil embargo, international interest developed around how to use sail-assist on ocean-going cargo ships. Research was happening in both England and the United States. My husband, Hugh, became interested and was an active participant in these research symposiums. Before long, we had a 168-foot sailing cargo ship that was refitted in England and sailed into the Caribbean; Hank Easom was on board for the Atlantic sailing. I sailed the North Sea and English Channel and, later, in the Caribbean. I learned to cook for 10 while on the ship! 

I returned to Spaulding Marine Center through Matt Zarem, who was my neighbor for about 10 years. One day, he asked me to visit the Woodrum Library to see how I might help.  That small invitation has grown into a major volunteer commitment. I am able to offer my professional work experiences in communications, marketing, and customer service skills to Spaulding’s programs.  

Spaulding is a working boatyard. Every day, the yard changes. It is a delight for me to see these activities, as I have boatyard experience in both the northeast of England and several islands in the Caribbean. Spaulding is also a living, working, nautical museum filled with tools from Myron’s career. And Spaulding provides working classes for others to learn these skills.

CALL TO ACTION

I am a strong supporter of Spaulding Marine Center programs not only with my time but with financial donations. The Boatworks 101 program and continuing care for Freda require support. The “Support Us” link on Spaulding’s website (spauldingcenter.org) indicates how you can participate as a volunteer, and we are always looking for willing hands for our various activities.

Support Sausalito’s working waterfront by stopping by the Spaulding Marine Center, touring the yard, learning more about the history of Spaulding and the local waterfront, and joining our various public events and activities.