CATALINA CREW FOUNDATION
Live to Tell the Tale™
BUILDING A LASTING LEGACY ON THE WATER
Welcome to the Catalina Crew Foundation, where our community works together to protect California's maritime heritage while inspiring donors and future generations to explore new experiences and Live to Tell the Tale.
OUR VISION
CATALINA CREW FOUNDATION ENVISIONS A FUTURE WHERE CALIFORNIAS WATERWAYS ARE CLEANER, SAFER, AND MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE
A future where abandoned and derelict boats no longer threaten our harbors.
A future where young people discover lifelong experiences, skill development, and acquire practical real-world knowledge within the marine industry.
A future where every visitor to our coastline leaves understanding the ocean a little better than they found it.
A future where donations of vessels and resources become opportunities for every Californian to experience the healing power of the ocean.
OUR MISSION
The Catalina Crew Foundation is dedicated to harnessing the healing power of the ocean to create opportunity, connection and lasting impact in our communities. Our mission is to expand inclusive access to the water for neurodivergent individuals, underserved youth, families and communities while advancing maritime education, environmental stewardship and safer, cleaner harbors.
Through hands on ocean experiences, community programs, maritime education and workforce development, we aim to inspire the next generation while creating pathways to careers and opportunities on the water. Through our Abandoned Boat Fund, we are also working to address the growing environmental and safety challenges created by abandoned and derelict vessels by supporting responsible removal, recycling and the repurposing of marine materials whenever possible.
We believe the ocean has the power to educate, heal, connect and inspire. By bringing people together around the water, protecting the marine environment and investing in the future of our coastal communities, the Catalina Crew Foundation is committed to creating meaningful change from Marina del Rey and Southern California to communities across California and beyond.
Live to Tell the Tale.
TRANSFORMING LIVES. PROTECTING OUR OCEAN. STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES.
Abandoned & Derelict Vessel Mitigation Fund
Removing derelict vessels, improving safety, supporting redevelopment
Environmental Education
Inspiring stewardship and protecting our oceans and waterways
Maritime Trade School
Preparing the next generation for in-demand maritime careers
Yacht Donation Program
Turning donated vessels into assets that power the mission
News Coverage on abandoned Boat problem
SAFETY HAZARDS
Risk of sinking, fire, collision, and injury.
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
Leaking fuel, oil, batteries and toxins pollute our water and harm marine life.
NAVIGATION OBSTRUCTIONS
They block access, limit slips and create dangerous conditions.
FINANCIAL BURDEN
Costly to marinas, taxpayers and communities.
FOR BOATS ALREADY ABANDONED
Empty slips are better than slips that contain abandoned vessels that present environmental hazards, safety risks, and financial burdens to our community. Removing these vessels:
Restores environmental health and improves navigational safety
Supports marina redevelopment aligned with today's boating industry
Provides slips for public safety vessels
Accomodates transient vessels and visiting boaters attending 2028 Olympic Games
Ensures our waterways showcase the best of Southern California to the world
FOR BOATS ABOUT TO BE
Most derelict boats did not start out abandoned. They started as a repair an owner couldn't afford. So the fund works the other end of the timeline too: helping boat owners who can't afford repairs fix their boats before they end up abandoned, keeping a slip clear before a crane is ever needed.
Removal cleans up what has already gone wrong. Repair is the part that stops the next one.
THE CIRCULAR SOLUTION
RESTORE OUR WATERS. RECOVER OUR RESOURCES. REBUILD OUR COMMUNITIES.
1
WE REMOVE
Abandoned and end-of-life sailboats are removed safely and responsibly.
2
WE RECOVER
Hazardous materials, engines, metals and fluids are removed. The fiberglass hull is saved.
3
WE PROCESS
Fiberglass is cleaned, shredded and prepared into a reusable raw material.
4
WE PARTNER
Our corporate partners test and manufacture new building and infrastructure products.
5
WE REBUILD
Recovered materials help build homes, manufacturing and infrastructure across California.
DECKING AND FENCING . PANELS AND SIDING . CONCRETE AND CEMENT ADDITIVES . MARINA INFRASTRUCTURE . COMPOSITE BUILDING MATERIALS
From yesterday's boats to tomorrow's homes: recovered materials possibly going toward Palisades fire rebuilding, Altadena fire rebuilding and Marina del Rey redevelopment.
2028
The world will be watching Los Angeles in 2028. We must have our marinas clean, safe and fully operational for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Once these abandoned boats are removed, the biggest redevelopment in Marina del Rey history can start.
CLEARING TODAY. BUILDING TOMORROW
YOUR INVESTMENT, REAL IMPACT
Clean our waterways and protect marine life
Remove safety and environmental hazards
Divert tons of fiberglass from California landfills
Create recycled-content building materials
Support fire recovery and community rebuilding
Strengthen California's circular economy
CORPORATE PARTNERS CAN
Sponsor boat removals and processing
Provide transportation and equipment
Support R&D and product testing
Manufacture or supply recycled-content products
Fund demonstration projects
Receive measurable impact reporting and recognition
ENVIORNMENTAL
EDUCATION
INSPIRING STEWARDSHIP AND PROTECTING OUR OCEANS AND WATERWAYS
Marine environmental education and conservation, delivered through community boating experiences, educational events and workshops. Ocean access programs put youth, veterans, neurodiverse and underserved communities on the water, because people protect what they have been out on.
MARITIME
TRADE SCHOOL
PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION FOR IN DEMAND MARITIME CAREERS
A trade school and workforce development initiative for people who want a career on the water, not just a day on it: students trained for maritime careers, and scholarships and career pathways into the maritime industry.
The school is still being built. Donations fund its development alongside the rest of the programs on this page.
WHAT YOUR SUPPORT ALREADY FUNDS
Alongside the programs above, the foundation runs a calendar of community days: first NFL games, days on the water, a yearly Christmas giveaway, and the Marina del Rey Christmas Parade, spreading holiday cheer and community spirit along our waterfront.
CHARGERS FAMILY FIRST TIME OUTINGS
Bringing families to their first NFL football game.
ON-WATER EXPERIENCES
Creating unforgettable moments that inspire connection, confidence and lifelong memories.
YEARLY CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY
Providing toys, essentials and holiday magic to local families in need during the holiday season.
BACK 2 SCHOOL COMMUNITY DAYS
Community events across Venice and Marina del Rey with It's Bigger Than Us and local leaders.
Catalina Crew Foundation has collaborated with Mayor Karen Bass, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, Councilwoman Traci Park, It's Bigger Than Us, the Los Angeles Chargers, the Venice Chamber of Commerce, and the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce.
THE YACHT DONATION PROGRAM
TURN YOUR YACHT INTO A LASTING LEGACY
Your yacht can create meaningful opportunities for children, families, and communities while providing significant financial benefits to you.
Marina del Rey. We have dock space to accommodate your vessel immediately, even during the donation process.
We may be interested in your yacht
If you have been considering selling, gifting, or simply finding a meaningful next chapter for your yacht, we would love to speak with you.
Catalina Crew Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3), Tax ID 87-1218918.
5 YEARS
Donors have up to five years to use their charitable tax deduction, and the appraised value may significantly exceed what the vessel would sell for on the open market.
HOW A DONATION WORKS
01
Talk with us
A brief consultation covers how the yacht donation process works, how a professional appraisal can help maximize your charitable contribution, and how your donation directly supports the foundation's mission. Call 310-494-1847.
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03
Bring it to Marina del Rey
We have dock space to accommodate your vessel immediately, even during the donation process. Your ongoing expenses end here: slip fees, maintenance, storage, associated costs and repairs.
05
Your yacht powers the programs
Donated vessels are turned into assets that power the mission: repurposed for the work on this page or converted into the funding behind it.
02
Establish fair market value
We can refer you to qualified, accredited marine appraisers. Value is based on your yacht's condition, maintenance history, upgrades, and documented improvements, and we can explain what documentation helps support the appraised value. Appraisal fees are tax deductible.
04
We handle the donation
A professional donation process handled by experienced marine professionals.
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06
Use your deduction
You have a potential five-year window to use your charitable tax deduction. Confirm what your specific donation qualifies for with your tax advisor.
YOUR DONATION HELPS SUPPORT
Ocean access programs for underserved and neurodivergent youth
Maritime trade school and workforce development initiatives
Marine environmental education and conservation
Community boating experiences and educational events
Abandoned and derelict vessel mitigation projects
Scholarships and career pathways into the maritime industry
WHAT YOU GET BACK
A potential five-year window to use your charitable tax deduction
An appraised value that may significantly exceed open-market sale price
Referrals to qualified, accredited marine appraisers, with appraisal fees tax deductible
An end to slip fees, maintenance, storage, and repair costs
A professional donation process handled by experienced marine professionals
A lasting legacy while supporting life-changing programs on the water
FROM RESOURCES TO LEGACY IMPACT
What comes in, what it produces, and what changes. This is how the foundation measures itself.
RESOURCES
Generous donors
Corporate partners
Grants and foundations
Volunteers and mentors
Marina and community partners
Donated vessels and equipment
PROGRAMS
Maritime Trade School
Ocean Access Programs
Environmental Education
Abandoned & Derelict Vessel Mitigation Fund
Chargers Family First Time Outings
Vessel Donation Program
OUTPUTS
Students trained for maritime careers
Youth and families served on the water
Abandoned vessels removed
Educational events and workshops
Vessels donated and repurposed
Community partnerships strengthened
OUTCOMES
Cleaner, safer waterways
Increased ocean access and inclusion
Workforce development and career pathways
Stronger coastal communities
Environmental stewardship in action
Economic growth and marine industry support
LONG-TERM IMPACT
Marina del Rey becomes the premier maritime destination on the West Coast
A lasting Olympic legacy for the 2028 Games
World-class waterfront for generations
STRONGER COMMUNITIES.
CLEANER OCEANS.
BRIGHTER FUTURES.
BE THE SOLUTION.
FUND THE FUTURE.
Your support today removes abandoned sailboats, restores our environment, prepares our marinas for the 2028 LA Olympics, and helps rebuild our communities.
100% tax deductible. Catalina Crew Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Tax ID 87-1218918. All donations are 100% tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Donating a vessel instead of cash? See how the Yacht Donation Program works, then call 310-494-1847.
Live to Tell the Tale™. A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving California's waterways, marine industry, and the communities around them from Marina del Rey.
Tax ID 87-1218918
MARINA DEL REY, CALIFORNIA
Captain Sean McCarthy, CCF President
An arm of Catalina Crew Marine Services & Lifestyle anchored in Marina del Rey, CA.
© 2026 Catalina Crew Foundation
Registered 501(c)(3). All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.