Last week, Pride of Baltimore II welcomed two incredible community organizations aboard for special sails in the Baltimore Harbor: Association of Guatemalans Without Borders (Asociación de Guatemaltecos Sin Fronteras) and Watershed Defenders (Defensores de la Cuenca).

With support from a grant from the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, and proceeds from the Virtual Race Fundraiser, we delivered on our promise to make Maryland’s maritime heritage and the Star-Spangled Banner story accessible in Spanish. In addition to providing Spanish-language handouts, a professional interpreter joined both sails, translating Pride’s Baltimore Clipper history and guiding conversation throughout the experience.

For many guests, it was their first time aboard a tall ship — and the joy was contagious. The energy, laughter, and curiosity on deck captured exactly what it means for Pride to serve as an ambassador for our state and our country.

We made people feel welcome and expanded their understanding of Baltimore’s maritime history, and the many opportunities that exist in the region’s working waterfront today. From shipbuilding and restoration to sailing and environmental stewardship, guests could see these possibilities all around them as we sailed through the Harbor.

Looking ahead to Maryland’s America 250th anniversary in 2026, these experiences reflect the very spirit of the MD Two Fifty commemoration: an inclusive, statewide reflection on our past that honors the contributions of all Marylanders and invites everyone to be part of shaping our shared future. Pride of Baltimore II will continue to sail in that spirit — connecting people, history, and opportunity — as Maryland and the nation celebrate 250 years of courage, independence, and community.

You have an important role to play as part of this story. Your end-of-year gift today will keep Pride sailing, operating safely, and ready to welcome visitors in every port. The State of Maryland provides critical support, but for every state dollar, we must raise two more to operate. And with the loss of federal funding, sailing next year is not guaranteed. That’s why we are turning to friends and supporters like you — people who believe in the power of Pride’s story.

A Legacy of Freedom Needs You.