The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) is partnering with Anchor Rose restaurant to develop a series of collaborative harborside movie screenings and special events. The first of these will launch a new book, All Hands on Deck: A Modern Day High-Seas Adventure to the Far Side of the World, on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 4:30 p.m., with a unique experience. All Hands on Deck will include a reception on the Waterfront Center’s patio, a presentation based on author Will Sofrin’s book, an optional 18th- century-themed dinner, and a complete screening of the classic movie, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, considered by many to be the best sailing movie ever made.

First up for this exciting evening will be a reception and book signing on the museum’s patio featuring a complimentary 18th-century themed rum cocktail from Black Bart Navy Rum and the opportunity to meet author Will Sofrin.

The reception will be followed by Sofrin’s presentation at 5:30 p.m., and will include film clips, commentary, and photographs. Sofrin will share the story of his maritime adventure as part of the crew that sailed the American tall ship Rose (a 180-foot-long replica of an 18th-century British frigate), 6,000 miles from Newport, Rhode Island to Hollywood. The ship ultimately served as the centerpiece of the 2003 film Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, starring Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany.

Following Sofrin’s presentation, the film Master and Commander, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, will be screened on the museum’s patio. Anchor Rose restaurant, in partnership with SBMM, will offer an optional dinner based on food served to officers and crew in the British Navy around the turn of the 19th century.

Cost to attend the reception, the presentation, and the film screening is free for SBMM’s Navigator Circle Members and $35 for all others. For an additional $40, guests can register for the optional dinner, which includes a glass of wine and a buffet meal featuring lobster bisque, saffron rice, chicken, swordfish, and a vegan option. Register for this event at: https://sbmm.org/santa-barbara-event/. Proceeds from this event will enable SBMM to continue offering tall ship and other education and school-based programs.

This event is made possible in part by the generous support of Black Bart Navy Rum.

About the Author & Speaker
Will Sofrin, who grew up in Connecticut, describes himself as “the guy who didn’t follow any of the rules.” Instead of going to college after high school, he became an apprentice shipwright at the IYRS School of Technology and Trades, learning to build and restore wooden boats, and then became a professional sailor, working on yachts, logging over 30,000 blue water miles, and becoming a licensed captain. He sailed throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Central America and both coasts of the U.S., competing in numerous sailing events such as the America’s Cup Jubilee, the Prada Classic Yacht Challenge, and the 12-meter World Championships. Sofrin is a master shipwright who has taught at MIT and built boats for Billy Joel and Estée Lauder.