A Community Hub Inspiring Maritime Traditions

Dixon Kuhn, November 11, 2024

I spent my earliest summers at my grandmother’s cottage in Harbor Beach, Michigan, on the shore of Lake Huron. My very first boat was a raft made of wooden shutters nailed together, enough to support a 35 lb. kid, and pushed by a pole. The harbor had three long, massive concrete break walls and a lighthouse. My goal was to get to the lighthouse…and thus began my love of boating and the water.

After a career in brand management, I turned to volunteering with boat-oriented groups—most recently for Spaulding Marine Center, which I consider important due to its contribution to the local community and the support it provides for anyone who enjoys boating. Spaulding maintains boats, builds boats, instructs apprentices on how to repair boats, maintains an extensive reference library, teaches sailing to both kids and adults, and provides a community gathering spot for educational and maritime events. If I have left something out, rest assured that Spaulding is working on it!

If you have not yet visited Spaulding Marine Center, you are in for a treat! You’ll find an impressive level of energy, a welcoming “vibe,” knowledgeable folks, and many beautiful boats being worked on.

This historic institution has become a great place for the Sausalito waterfront community to gather—and you can even rent the facility for your own events. 

You may be aware of the movement to preserve the Sausalito working waterfront. I believe Spaulding is the best example of supporting the area's maritime history and traditions and preserving the culture of the Sausalito community.

As a Spaulding Maritime Center volunteer, customer, and supporter, I can assure you that you will enjoy the friendly, welcoming, and helpful environment and attitude of the folks who work and teach there. Please support the noble efforts of this wonderful community organization by getting involved in any way that you can.