Maritime Museums of the World
Maritime museums are the living memory of humankind’s relationship with the sea.
They preserve the vessels, stories, innovations, and human achievements that have shaped our ability to explore, trade, connect, and dream across the oceans. For sailors and non-sailors alike, these museums offer a bridge between past and future, illuminating where we have come from, and inspiring where we can go next.
From ancient navigation tools to modern ocean-racing icons, maritime museums safeguard the knowledge and craft that enable sailing to endure as both a sport and a culture. They are anchors of heritage, creativity, and learning.
Our Highlights:
(coming soon)
Exhibition of the Month
Each month 10 museum exhiibitions will be highlighted here. Submit your exhibition for review. Exhibitions not selected can be entered in the Event Calendar
Restoration of the Month
Focus on museum vessel restoration projects that stand out and which have historical and or technical importance. Vessels need to be atleast 50 years old.
Photo of the Month
Each month 10 photos will be selected to be highlighted here and published on the various World Sailing Day social and media platforms.
Send us your photo !
Activity of the Month
Share your experiences and let us know what activities you have created for your visitors.
Touch & Feel Experience
Childrens displays. What innovative and exciting way have you managed to capture the childrens attention to promote sailing?
Research of the Month
Each month a fetaured historical research piece will be selected and published here.
All topics with a maritime and sailing theme will be cosidred for inclusion.
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
For children, maritime museums open the door to discovery. Through hands-on exhibits, historic vessels, model collections, and immersive stories, young visitors learn how courage, ingenuity, and teamwork allow us to cross oceans and push beyond the horizon.
These experiences spark imagination -showing that sailing is not simply a pastime, but a pathway to understanding science, weather, engineering, the environment, and global cultures.
Every visit plants a seed of possibility: a future sailor, boatbuilder, navigator, designer, explorer, or ocean advocate.
Maritime museums play a central role in World Sailing Day’s mission to foster inclusivity, education, and access for all ages and abilities.
By supporting these institutions, we help nurture a new generation ready to embark on their own voyages on the water and in life.
Take a look at our Maritime Museum Award Category!
World Sailing Day – 28th May partnered with Sailing Miles
Sailing Miles is the first global loyalty and rewards program designed and created for the sailing and marine industry. WSDO and the global rewards Sailing Miles program has partnered to stimulate and incentivise people and companies to stay engaged with sailing and get the best out of both programs.
If you sign up today, you can claim your first 1000 miles for free. Double that amount if you become a member of both WSDO and Sailing Miles!
