Featured Events and Programs
Annual Events
Kids' Conference on Watersheds
January
The Ocean Institute launched its annual watershed program to teach 5th grade students from southern California about the science of the watersheds, an area of land which runs into a body of water such as a river, lake or the ocean. Over 2,500 students per year participate in the program which provides them with the opportunity to present the findings of their studies among their peers, local elected officials, and professionals in the field.
The Watershed program is made possible through the generous support of Miocean, the Toyota USA Foundation, SIMA, Orange County Community Foundation, and the Kenneth and Eileen Norris Foundation.
 Jazz in January
Late-January / Early-February
The Ocean Institute's popular Jazz in January fundraising event combines renowned jazz artists with an elegant evening of dinner, cocktails and auctions. Past performers include David Benoit, Rick Braun, Richard Elliott, and Gerald Albright. Opening night features a concert performance for 300 guests who will enjoy a variety of complimentary wines and appetizers. The premiere evening features an intimate performance for 200 guests and a cocktail reception with wines provided by Young's Market Company, a magnificent martini lounge provided by Ketel One Vodka, and an award-winning, four-course dinner prepared by local chefs from The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa, The Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, The Montage Resort & Spa, Laguna Beach, and The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. The evening also includes a connoisseur silent and live auction. All proceeds benefit the Ocean Institute.
 Girls in Ocean Science Teen Conference
February
The Girls in Ocean Science Teen Conference, presented by SDG&E, is a day-long conference is designed for enthusiastic 7th -12th grade girls who have an interest in science. The goal of the conference is to inspire and excite young women to pursue degrees and careers in the sciences. Eight prominent female ocean scientists from around the country interact with the girls on the research vessel Sea Explorer and in the Ocean Institute's teaching labs. Girls explore careers in areas such as engineering, ocean conservation, marine biology and education.
 Festival of Whales
First two weekends of March
Join the community in celebrating the annual migration of the California Gray Whale. During the first two weekends of March, Dana Point offers a variety of festivities including a parade, street faires, art exhibits, concerts, environmental activities, educational opportunities, crafts, and marine mammal cruises.
Throughout the festival the Ocean Institute's learning labs focus on new discoveries in marine mammal research and allows visitors to explore a variety of fascinating phenomena unique to the magnificent whale. Families have the opportunity to listen to underwater whale sounds to discover how whales communicate, enjoy hands-on activities, listen to guest speakers, and create fun children's crafts. For additional information about the Festival of Whales, please visit www.festivalofwhales.org.
 Golf Classic and Gala
April
Golf enthusiasts are invited to the Ocean Institute's annual Golf Classic and Gala fundraising event. The tournament is held at the prestigious St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach Golf Links, which offer challenging holes and sweeping Pacific Ocean views. The tournament has raised more than $1 million since its inception and draws participants who are top business leaders in Orange County.
Gala participants enjoy the Ocean Institute's world-class facility, along with delicious food prepared by the chefs of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. The evening includes a silent and live auction that features over 100 items including weekend getaways, golf packages, fabulous dinners, surf & sports merchandise and much more.
Bob McKnight, President and CEO of Quiksilver, Inc. and Mark Daly, Vice President of Community Relations at Quiksilver, Inc. serve as Honorary Chairmen for the event. Both gentlemen have worked diligently over the years to increase awareness about the Ocean Institute and Quiksilver, Inc. has been a major sponsor of the Golf Classic for the past 12 years, as well as a long time supporter of the Ocean Institute. A unique feature of the Golf Classic is that each foursome is paired with a member of the golf team from a local high school. This gives students the opportunity to interact with business leaders in the community.
 Dana Point Harbor Boat Show
May 29 - June 1, 2008
Dana Point Harbor is one of the most spectacular marinas along the California coast, from San Francisco to the Mexican border. Always full with the highest-quality of boats, Dana Point Harbor is home to thousands of watercraft and enthusiasts who enjoy all types of water sports activities throughout the year.
New and Used Boats and Products will be on display both in and out of the water at the boat show. A great selection of power and sail vessels will be on display, including Albemarle, Baja, Cenczi, East Bay, Egg Harbor, Formula, Grand Banks, Island Packet, Mediterranean, Mikelson, Mustang, Nordhavn, Ocean,Pacific Sea Craft, Pursuit, Riviera, Tiara, Viking, with more being added each week. For more imformation visit www.dphboatshow.com.
 Build-A-Boat Challenge
Mid-June
The annual Build-A-Boat Challenge is a one day contest in which participants design, build and race their own boats. This exciting event raises funds for the preservation of the Institute's two tall ships Pilgrim and Spirit of Dana Point which host thousands of school children in award-winning, living history programs.
The event combines design ability, construction skills and seamanship into a fun competition. Each team is supplied with limited resources and given four hours in which to build a boat. Upon completion, the boats are taken to Baby Beach to participate in heats. Spectators are free and are encouraged to come and cheer on the teams.
Review the 4th annual Build-A-Boat Challenge (video clip) >
Learn More>
 Toshiba Tall Ships Festival
September: Weekend after Labor Day
For over 20 years the Ocean Institute has hosted the annual Toshiba Tall Ships Festival, the largest annual gathering of tall ships on the West Coast. The festival features a spectacular array of family-fun activities including live sea-faring music, art shows, interactive living-history encampments, and a variety of tasty food.
The festival begins on Friday evening as the tall ships parade into Dana Point Harbor. On the weekend, visitors can enjoy maritime displays and demonstrations, music concerts, Polynesian dancing, pirates, and dramatic sunset cannon battles. Visitors can also explore the historic tall ships and listen to the crew share tales of adventure and life at sea. Inside the Ocean Institute guests can experience live parrot shows, pirate games, music, wood carving, ship models and special presentations. Join us for a weekend of fun and adventure as we celebrate the area's rich maritime history.
Participating tall ships typically include the brig Pilgrim, Spirit of Dana Point, Californian, Curlew, Exy Johnson, Irving Johnson, and the American Pride. Visiting ships are subject to change. For complete information about the festival visit www.tallshipsfestival.com.
 Annual Richard Henry
Dana Charity Regatta
September 4-7, 2008
This premier event,
sponsored by the Dana Point
Yacht Club, will benefit the
Ocean Institute.
The Regatta
Includes
- Marine Corps
Twilight Fishing Tournament
- Sponsor’s and VIP reception/
dinner held at the Ocean
Institute
- Racing for PHRF
- Non-spinnaker and junior sabot
classes
- Gala dinner and auction at the Dana
Point Yacht Club
All events are open to the public.
For more info. and pricing, please visit www.dpyc.org.
Rotating Exhibits
 International Year of the Reef
Weekends through September 2008
The year 1997 was declared the International Year of the Reef (IYOR), a global effort to increase awareness and understanding of coral reefs, and support conservation, research and management efforts. IYOR 97 proved to be very successful, with over 225 organizations in 50 countries and territories participating, over 700 articles in papers and magazines generated, hundreds of scientific surveys undertaken, and catalyzed conservation and policy initiatives, as well as numerous local and global organizations dedicated to coral reef conservation. Recognizing that ten years after IYOR 97 there continues to be an urgent need to increase awareness and understanding of coral reefs, and to further conserve and manage valuable coral reef and associated ecosystems, the International Coral Reef Initiative designated 2008 as the International Year of the Reef (IYOR 2008).
The Ocean Institute public programs will be celebrating coral reefs and our own local rocky reefs April 2008 - September 2008. Join us on the weekends to discover these important and beautiful habitats and the creatures that thrive there. Activities include beach clean-ups, special speakers, art, crafts, hands-on labs and more. We are open Saturdays and Sundays 10 AM to 3 PM. Admission is $6.50 for adults and $4.50 for children (3-12 yrs).
More>
|
 |
 |
Captain's Blog
Learn about the latest sightings from the RV Sea Explorer.
View Blog > |
|
| |
| |
|
