Los Angeles Maritime Institute

For 23 years, the TopSail Youth Program has been changing the lives of underserved youth in the LA Harbor and greater Los Angeles area through a highly interactive educational program at-sea aboard the twin brigantines, Irving Johnson and Exy Johnson.  These 110-foot traditionally rigged vessels were named after experiential learning pioneers who sailed around the world seven times with young crews in the '30s and '50s, with a short hiatus as a result of World War II.

Our educational sailing vessels were built at the LA Waterfront (in San Pedro) between 2000 and 2002 and later, were proclaimed the "Official Tall Ships and Maritime Ambassadors of Los Angeles" by Mayoral proclamation at their launch in 2003. 

Recognizing the extraordinary value of "hands on" learning, TopSail founder, sailor and retired science teacher Jim Gladson designed an innovative program that incorporated every aspect of operating a large sailing vessel to engage youth in the "fun" of learning.  In addition to bringing subjects like science and math to life, the shipboard environment challenges youth to work together, improves communication, stimulates critical thinking and provides a safe environment to address feelings of inadequacy.  The experience is enlightening and empowering to say the least.

Welcome aboard!