Sound Experience is an environmental and sustainability education organization that uniquely delivers programs to children, teens and the public aboard its 1913, 133-foot National Historic Landmark (NHL) schooner Adventuress.  One of only two NHL sailing ships still in active operation on the West Coast, Adventuress carries the highest level of historic significance in the nation and is an icon of Puget Sound tall ships. For more than 25 years, nonprofit Sound Experience has operated Adventuress as the region’s environmental tall ship, blending its three program areas of youth development, stewardship of our region’s waterways and maritime heritage. Young people from the region’s diverse urban and rural communities climb aboard Adventuress for powerful experiential day and overnight programs. As they journey throughout Puget Sound, young people join with their peers to raise the massive gaff-rigged sails as was done a century ago, and learn how their daily actions make a difference for the future of our marine environment. Adventuress is the only schooner of its size in the Puget Sound area that is owned by a nonprofit. As such, Sound Experience is committed to public accessibility of this national maritime treasure with affordable programs, free dockside events and public sails so that Adventuress remains “not for one, but for all.”

Our Vision

We envision a future where everyone values Puget Sound and chooses to act as stewards of its treasured waters.

Our Mission

Sound Experience sails the historic schooner Adventuress to educate, inspire, and empower an inclusive community to make a difference for the future of our marine environment. 

Our Values

• Deliver powerful shipboard youth and adult programs that emphasize environmental stewardship, leadership, community and historic preservation 
• Ensure that the public has access to visiting and sailing aboard the schooner Adventuress, a National Historic Landmark and Puget Sound treasure
• Create an inclusiv, welcoming community that is physically and emotionally safe
• Support personal and professional growth and lifelong learning opportunities for crew, staff, and volunteers
• Model low-impact, sustainable living practices aboard Adventuress that contribute to a healthy Puget Sound and planet
• Steward the maintenance and restoration of the historic schooner Adventuress so that she will sail in perpetuity
• Create non-profit, private and public sector partnerships that contribute to environmental stewardship, youth engagement and historic preservation
• Maintain the highest ethical standards in all areas of the organization including the ship, the staff, and leadership

Board Members

Sound Experience is guided by a 18-member Board of Directors who contribute their talents, resources, and passion. They are dedicated to building an effective, sustainable, and lasting organization that sails the schoonerAdventuress to make a difference for the future of our marine environment. Additionally, the following board-led committees (some including non board members) move forward key areas of governance: Executive Committee, Education Committee, Ship's Committee, and Marketing Committee.  

2015 Board Members (below)

Kenneth Greff, Board President, M.Ed., Seattle University

Dan Norton, Vice President, Absco Solutions

Pat Pielage, Board Secretary, Boeing Company

Valerie Myers, Board Treasurer, CPA

Ralph Pease, Argosy Cruises

Mark Donahue, Vigor Marine Tacoma

James “Kiwi” Ferris, Edensaw Woods

Michael Hoffman, H+dlT Collaborative

Scot Horton, Boeing Company

Nina Whiston, Akerman Senterfitt

Michele Wolski, Arlington High School

Scott Anderson, CSR Marine

Carol Hasse, Port Townsend Sails

Mike Groesch

Steve Fox, Heritage Wealth Advisors

Jean Knowles

John Piatt, Ph.D., USGS Alaska Science Center & University of Washington

Jim Fisker-Anderson, TOTE