A volunteer crew including current and retired UTMB employees sailed Texas’ official tall ship, the Elissa, into the Gulf of Mexico for her 2016 annual sea trials from April 4–16. The ship, built in 1877, is a true survivor and one of the few remaining authentic square-rigged sailing vessels in the world that still sails today. Each year, UTMB volunteers not only help the Galveston Historical Foundation’s Texas Seaport Museum maintain the Elissa, but also test her readiness by sailing her proudly into the Gulf. This year's UTMB Elissa volunteer crew included (L-R): Nicole Mendell, Carrie McAllister, Dylan Lancaster, Lori Richards, Richard Hodge, Luis Felipe Trigo Boix, Adrian Recinos, Kathy Machol, Judy Glaister, Bert Nash, Heidi Spratt and Birte Kalveram (on anchor). Not pictured: Keerthi Gottipati, Velinda Love and Michael Wonio.