The Spinnaker Society

The Spinnaker Society recognizes the special group of supporters who give at least $2,500 annually to the Center for Coastal Studies.

The Society bears the name of Spinnaker, the young humpback whale disentangled on three different occasions by the CCS Marine Animal Entanglement Response team. Spinnaker died in 2015, likely as a result of her entanglements, but her story didn’t end there. Her skeleton, on display at the Hiebert Marine Laboratory in Provincetown, is a symbol of the plight of whales, and our oceans at large. She is also a beacon of hope and understanding as her story continues to provide clues into the mysterious lives of the great whales, the ocean environment in which they dwell, and the role and responsibility of humans to protect this precious resource. 

The Board of Directors thanks the members of the Spinnaker Society for their leadership and vision in advancing the mission of the Center for Coastal Studies to protect and preserve marine ecosystems and the coastal environment. Spinnaker Society donors are vital to achieving our mission. Contributions support and advance each of the Center’s core programs: Right Whale Ecology, Humpback Whale Studies, Marine Geology, Water Quality, Marine Fisheries Research, Seal Population Biology, Shark Ecology, Marine Animal Disentanglement, Marine Debris and Plastics, and Education.

It is through the commitment of our donors that the Center will continue to break new ground and pioneer insights and approaches to conservation of the world’s oceans, especially around Cape Cod and the Islands, Massachusetts Bay and the Gulf of Maine.

Spinnaker Society Members receive:

• Recognition in CCS’ Annual Report, web site, and other communications (you may choose to be listed anonymously if you prefer)
• A special annual Society gathering with Executive Director Rich Delaney and exclusive communications from Rich about CCS programs and plans
• Complimentary tickets to CCS Summer Sunset Whale Watches 
• Invitations to exclusive talks from Center scientists, insider updates on CCS programs and accomplishments, and expert-led nature programs throughout the year 
• Complimentary CCS membership to give away to friends or loved ones
• A unique CCS Spinnaker Society gift

Joining the Spinnaker Society is a powerful and meaningful way for you to advance the work of CCS and make an important difference for a cause that you believe in.  To learn more about becoming a member of the Spinnaker Society, contact Sue Nickerson, Director of Development at [email protected] or 508-487-3622 x102.

CLICK HERE to make your Spinnaker Society Donation today. Thank you for your support.