Fall 2025
Captain Mark Schrader grew up far from the ocean on a farm in Nebraska. At a young age, his family moved to the California coast and he became fascinated with the ocean, ultimately becoming a boat captain later in life. Sailing around North and South America in one journey is an incredible feat. Mark conceptualized this expedition after he single-handedly circumnavigated the globe twice. He wanted to share what he had seen and experienced in those thousands of sea miles, which ignited a new idea.
In 2009, Mark drew a circle around North and South America and decided to sail that route with educators, scientists, and crew, to emphasize the fact that it was one island surrounded by one ocean. The expedition, named Around the Americas (ATA), became a 14-month sailing expedition which concluded in 2010. Schrader, now working with local educator Jennifer Dalton, leads the second ATA expedition launching in May 2025 from Anacortes, Wash.
Skagit Valley College is serving as a lead partner in the project through various program partners including SVC’s marine technology program. The program serves more than 50 students studying for their associate’s degree or certificates in marine maintenance technology, marine electrical technician, and marine mechanical technician.
SVC Marine Technology Students Refitting the One Ocean
Throughout the fall and winter, these students are refitting the 48-foot ketch, One Ocean, in preparation for the expedition. Currently, One Ocean is dry docked at the center and students are working on the boat to replace the engine, electronics, and other onboard systems while learning about rigging.
“This project will have a large educational impact on SVC students,” said Mike Beemer, SVC marine technology instructor. “Over the next six months, our students will complete necessary projects and later follow along once the boat sets sail.” While on a much larger scale, Mike said the project is similar to others that students in the Marine Technology program have worked on over the years.
Jennifer added that students from other universities and local school districts will learn and contribute to the expedition on all levels, including educational outreach and onboard scientific data collection. “The collaborative education outreach immediately connects and impacts more than 50,000 students before the expedition departs,” added Jennifer. “It will include live broadcasts, social media, educational videos, school visits, and in-person presentations.”
SVC Foundation is Providing Critical Funding Support
The SVC Foundation is collaborating to provide fiduciary support for the funding of the project. Currently, 475,000 dollars has been donated with a goal of 970,000 dollars to help with necessary refits, equipment, pre-voyage planning, post-voyage summaries, and the boat acquisition. “Local support is the key to the success of this effort,” said Mark.
According to Mark, the goal of the ATA expeditions is “to highlight the importance of a healthy ocean for all living creatures on the planet.” All scientific data collected on the expedition will be available open-source and shared with scientists, educators, students, and ocean enthusiasts.
While on the expedition, the ATA team will make 52 stops throughout both North and South America including locations through Canada, U.S., Argentina, Chile, Peru, Mexico, and others. At each stop, an open education curriculum and outreach component will be shared in multiple languages including English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
First Stop Victoria, B.C., then Around Cape Horn and Back in Anacortes in June 2026
The first stop is Victoria, B.C., to participate in the International Seaweed Symposium and continue on through the Northwest Passage to Brazil’s COP30 Climate Change Conference in November 2025. The expedition will navigate around Cape Horn and sail along the west coast of South America before completing the 14-month circumnavigation back to Anacortes in June 2026.
The ATA crew includes Mark, Jennifer, Mike, and two student interns, as well as various scientists throughout the expedition.
To explore ways you can support SVC’s programs, skagitfoundation.org/support-svc-foundation.