Letters – by Our Readers
Dear Bill,
I wanted to share our latest press release and film with you. Enjoy!
Monterey, CA. Emmy-award-winning actor and comedian Nick Offerman has teamed up with the nonprofit Western Flyer Foundation to produce a short film about the restored 1930s fishing boat, the Western Flyer, made famous by John Steinbeck in the classic book “The Log from the Sea of Cortez” (1951).
The nine-minute, lighthearted yet moving film follows the Western Flyer on a decades-long journey from Steinbeck’s adventures in the Sea of Cortez to dark days at the bottom of a slough to a triumphant Monterey homecoming last fall. It was released today in honor of John Steinbeck’s 122nd birthday.
We were thrilled that Nick Offerman wanted to help create this film and share the Western Flyer’s story. Not only is Nick a hilarious and much-loved celebrity, but he also happens to be an incredible writer, woodworker and even a boat builder! He’s the perfect fit for this project and we had so much fun making this film with him and the talented storytellers at Soulcraft Allstars.
Well known for his award-winning portrayal of Ron Swanson in the sitcom “Parks and Recreation” (2009-2015) Nick recently took home an Emmy for his powerful work in “The Last of Us” (2023.)
The nonprofit Western Flyer Foundation worked with shipwrights and experts in Port Townsend and Seattle, Washington to restore the Western Flyer before it returned to Monterey Bay last fall, where it now serves as a platform for research and education. The organization has produced this short film to share the Western Flyer’s inspirational story with a broader audience. The film can be viewed at westernflyer.org/nick-Offerman-film
Sherry Flumerfelt,
Executive Director
Western Flyer Foundation
sherry@westernflyer.org
831-220-8047
Thank you for sharing.
Sherry! The film is incredible. Nick Offerman is an excellent narrator, and there are some great images. I am amazed how they convey so much information in a short period of time. I have followed the saga of Western Flyer for the last year or two since John Garza told me she was being restored. John and I both are fans of John Steinbeck. John recently gave me a collection of Steinbeck novels for my birthday.
I look forward to coming to Monterey to see this beautiful craft. I hope Western Flyer can make a research trip up to the Delta in the near future too!
Best regards,
Bill
Hi Jackie!
I am at the Rusty Porthole having the best food on the Delta. I just love the view I had from Franks Tract. This is one day I am happy to not be out there.
I grabbed a Yachtsman magazine on my way in. I am loving your spider story!
I said to the waitress, I know her as I pointed to your picture.
I hope all is well and that we cross paths again.
Kelly (jet ski Kelly)
HAHAHA! Thanks, Kelly!
I envy you. I am sitting here in Oakland doing deskwork on a Saturday. Wish I was in the Delta instead. I just wish I had photographed that little spider’s web. The good news? On Thursday I noticed a new, small web on my transom in Richmond. Just one little bug in it, but one bug leads to another! Thank you for the email. I really appreciate it.
Jackie
Dear Bill,
Please be advised I am with SeaNet Yachts now. As you know I have some 30 years of experience marketing quality boats. SeaNet is a leader in the industry not only in new and pre-owned vessels, but also with fractional ownership. We cover the United States and Europe. SeaNet is unique in the industry in that we have the infrastructure in place to deliver five-star service, yacht management, storage, crew placement, maintenance, cleaning, training and all other details of your experience. All that is left for the client is to enjoy the boat. Check us out at www.seanetco.com
Tom Troglia
Tom,
That is great. I remember your MarineMax days in the Delta. You had a great clientele and were always delivering boats. I know you are spending your time now between Zihuatanejo, Newport Beach and the Delta. Let’s get together for lunch the next time you are in the area.
Bill
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