The Maritime Legacy of Matthew Turner

Matthew Turner was an American sea captain, shipbuilder, and designer. He built over 200 vessels, setting a record for the largest number of commercial sailing vessels produced in North America.

Turner was known for designing fast ships, notably the 'Galilee', which set a speed record sailing from San Francisco to Tahiti. His designs revolutionized the shipping industry in the late 19th century.

The Matthew Turner ship, named in his honor, is an educational tall ship launched in 2017. It's the first wooden ship of this scale built in the U.S. in over 100 years and uses eco-friendly technology.

The modern S/V Matthew Turner is operated by the non-profit organization Call of the Sea. It serves as a floating classroom, offering educational programs in marine environment and sailing to students.

Turner’s legacy in shipbuilding is remarkable for his self-taught design skills, the volume of ships produced, and his influence on maritime trade along the Pacific Coast and beyond.

Matthew Turner's ships were crucial in the development of the West Coast lumber and sugar trade, significantly contributing to the economic growth of the Pacific region during his era.