The San Francisco (SF) Maritime National Historical Park (MNHP), with headquarters in Building E at Fort Mason Center For Arts & Culture, partners with the SF Maritime National Park Association to present the Virtual Chantey Sing Series during SF’s shelter-in-place public health restrictions. The next sea chantey sing occurs on Saturday, December 19,  2020, at 12:00 p.m. and is a fundraiser for technology upgrades for the park association to support more virtual events.

Happening for 30 years and initiated by SFMNHP Ranger Peter Kasin, the chantey sings generally take place in-person on the sailing ship Balclutha or schooner C.A. Thayer docked at the Hyde Street Pier. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ranger Kasin has created a virtual “Sing Along: Shelter-In-Chantey Series” where people can accompany him as he sings traditional sea chanteys on video. The new Virtual Chantey Sing Series brings more people together on Zoom to boost their spirits by singing along with lead singers.

Aspiring lead singers familiar with sea chanteys can sign up to lead a song at Maritime.org/sea-chantey-sign-up (full for December 19, non-leaders still welcome). If you like, add a virtual background to your Zoom presence with images from the Maritime Association. For more tips, view the Chantey Sing Song Leader Guide.

Register and donate for the December 19 virtual chantey sing at GiveButter.com/ChanteySing.