Saturday, December 5th | 6:30 - 9:30 PM
The Rockport Country Club
Step into an evening of elegance, intrigue, and maritime legacy at this year’s most anticipated event, The Maritime Ball: The Shape of the Wind, our annual fundraising gala benefiting the Texas Maritime Museum. Inspired by the unseen force that has guided ships, shaped coastlines, and influenced the course of maritime history, this extraordinary evening invites guests to celebrate the stories, people, and forces that have shaped Texas and its relationship with the sea.
Hosted at the beautiful Rockport Country Club, guests will enjoy complimentary valet parking, a gourmet three-course plated dinner, an open bar, and beautiful live ambient music in an elegant setting. The evening will also feature both live and silent auctions, offering exclusive treasures, unique experiences, and opportunities to support the Museum’s mission.
We warmly invite you to join us in supporting our mission to preserve and share Texas maritime history. Proceeds from the event will help fund future exhibitions, educational programs, conservation initiatives, and the ongoing stewardship of our historic collections.
Whether you attend as a ticketed individual guest, sponsor, or underwriter, your participation helps ensure that the stories of Texas’s maritime past continue to be preserved, shared, and carried forward for generations to come.
Thank You, Sponsors!
Follow the Wind from Start to Finish
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be immersed in an unforgettable celebration of maritime history and elegance. Every detail of the evening has been thoughtfully designed to make an impact, from the elevated décor and live music to the carefully curated dinner and engaging auctions.
Whether you’re savoring a handcrafted cocktail, bidding on a one-of-a-kind experience, or simply enjoying the company of fellow supporters, you’ll find that each moment is crafted to make you feel appreciated and inspired.
We invite you to explore the many special features that will make this evening so extraordinary:
To ensure a seamless and elegant arrival at the Rockport Country Club, complimentary valet parking will be provided for all guests courtesy of Harbor Parking. Simply pull up to the entrance and enjoy the evening from the moment you arrive.
After valet, guests will be welcomed in the Country Club Lobby at our check-in table, where they’ll receive a custom-printed event program featuring their name and table assignment. This beautifully designed keepsake is more than just a guide to the evening; it also serves as your official bid card for the exciting live auction following dinner.
Be sure to keep it close at hand throughout the night, as you won’t want to miss your chance to bid on exclusive items and experiences while supporting the museum’s mission.
A complimentary coat check will also be available for your convenience, allowing you to enjoy the evening comfortably and without worry.
Make your way to the open bar where guests will be able to sip classic favorites or try new concoctions throughout the evening. You’ll be able to enjoy a curated selection of fine wines, liquors and handcrafted cocktails as you socialize and savor your meal.
Don’t forget to explore the exciting Silent Auction Area, where a wide variety of unique items and unforgettable experiences await your bid
Bids can be placed until 9:00 PM. At that time, our crew of volunteers will guide the winning bidders through the payment and collection process.
Important Note:
All silent auction payments must be made the night of the event. We gladly accept cash, check, or credit card, though please note a 3.99% processing fee applies to all credit card transactions.
Prepare to indulge in a truly unforgettable dining experience. Guests will be treated to a gourmet three-course plated dinner designed by RCC Executive Chef Christopher Beasley. The meal will begin with a fresh seasonal salad, followed by one of two exquisitely prepared entrées and decadent desserts.
For the main course, guests may choose between:
- Golden Fried Soft Shell Crab – Light and crispy, finished with a luscious lemon & caper butter sauce.
- Savory Beef Tenderloin Filet – Medium-grilled and smothered in a flavorful Pontchartrain sauce
Both entrées will be served with peppery horseradish mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in a balsamic maple glaze, and warm rolls with butter.
To finish, indulge in your choice of dessert:
- Rich and creamy house-made Pecan Praline Ice Cream
- Tart Key Lime Pie with Chantilly Cream
To ensure each guest receives their preferred menu, we kindly ask that meal selections be submitted no later than Friday, November 20th. Preferences may be submitted using the form here, or by emailing us at admin@texasmaritimemuseum.org.
Bon appétit!
Get ready for the excitement of our Live Auction, beginning at approximately 8:30 PM! This is your chance to bid on an exceptional collection of one-of-a-kind items and unforgettable experiences, all while supporting the vital mission of the Texas Maritime Museum.
Every dollar bid goes directly toward preserving Texas’s maritime history, supporting educational programs, and maintaining the Museum’s exhibits and conservation efforts. Your generosity helps keep our stories alive, so bid high and bid often!
Important Note:
All auction payments must be made the night of the event. We gladly accept cash, check, or credit card, though please note a 3.99% processing fee applies to all credit card transactions. For higher-value items, that fee can add up, so if you’re planning to go big, don’t forget your checkbook!
Let the bidding begin, and thank you for your support!
Join us in your finest attire for an unforgettable evening of elegance and enchantment. This is a formal event, and guests are encouraged to embrace our enchanting theme: Shape of the Wind. Think flowing fabrics, graceful movement, sculptural silhouettes, and colors drawn from the sky, sea, and shifting horizon. Whether your look is dramatic and windswept or subtle and sophisticated, let the theme inspire you to make an entrance all your own.
Get swept up in the excitement and dress to impress!
Can’t make it to the gala? You can still be a part of this unforgettable evening by making a donation in support of the Texas Maritime Museum or by purchasing Advertising Space in our event program.
Your gift, no matter the amount, helps us preserve our state’s rich maritime heritage, expand our educational programs, and protect our historic collections for generations to come.
Every dollar makes a difference, and your support ensures that the Texas Maritime Museum continues to inspire all who walk through our doors.
Thank you for standing with us in our mission, even from afar.
Want to be part of the celebration and support the Texas Maritime Museum as an individual? An individual ticket is the perfect way to join the fun while making a meaningful impact.
You’ll enjoy the full Maritime Ball experience, all while helping advance the Museum’s educational programs, exhibits, and operations.
However you choose to participate, your presence helps create the momentum we need to preserve Texas Maritime History.
- One individual seat at a shared table*
- Complimentary valet parking
- Gourmet plated three-course meal
- Access to open bar
*We will make every attempt to honor seating requests, however, placement at a specific table cannot be guaranteed
Being a Tailwind sponsor for The Maritime Ball: Shape of the Wind offers a unique opportunity to elevate your business’s brand while propelling our mission forward. By aligning your company with a high-profile event, benefiting an esteemed non-profit organization like the Texas Maritime Museum, you enhance your visibility among a targeted audience of influential local leaders and potential clients, boosting your brand’s reputation and fostering goodwill.
This strategic partnership not only showcases your commitment to education and historical preservation, but also positions your business as a community-focused leader, creating positive associations that can drive customer loyalty and open doors to new opportunities. Your support at any level will be recognized and celebrated, amplifying your company’s presence and demonstrating that your values extend beyond the bottom line.
- A private table at the event, seating eight (8) guests
- Complimentary valet parking
- Gourmet plated three-course meal
- Access to open bar
- Sponsor name or logo included on the event webpage, social media thank you posts, and event-related email blasts
- Sponsor name or logo included on select event signage and in the event program
- Complimentary 1/4 page ad in the event program
A select number of underwriting opportunities are available for this year’s gala, offering a unique way to make a lasting impact while gaining meaningful visibility. As an underwriter, your support directly enhances the guest experience and helps offset event costs, allowing more funds to go toward the museum’s mission of preserving and sharing maritime history.
This year, we are offering just three exclusive underwriting opportunities:
- A private table at the event, seating eight (8) guests
- Underwriter name or logo included on the event webpage, social media thank you posts, and event-related email blasts
- Underwriter name or logo included on select event signage and in the event program
- Underwriter name or logo included on exclusive signage located at the event bar
- Underwriter acknowledgement in subsequent event press releases
- Complimentary 1/2 page ad in event program
- A private table at the event, seating eight (8) guests
- Underwriter name or logo included on the event webpage, social media thank you posts, and event-related email blasts
- Underwriter name or logo included on select event signage and in the event program
- Underwriter name or logo included on exclusive signage located at the music stage
- Underwriter acknowledgement in subsequent event press releases
- Complimentary 1/2 page ad in event program
- A private table at the event, seating eight (8) guests
- Underwriter name or logo included on the event webpage, social media thank you posts, and event-related email blasts
- Underwriter name or logo included on select event signage and in the event program
- Underwriter name or logo included on exclusive signage at each table.
- Underwriter acknowledgement in subsequent event press releases
- Complimentary 1/2 page ad in event program
Promote your business, share your message, or show your support by advertising in the Maritime Ball program. Whether you’re joining us for the celebration or cheering from afar, a full-color program ad is a meaningful way to be part of the evening and align your name with one of the community’s most anticipated events.
Custom printed and distributed to each attendee, the program offers valuable visibility among engaged supporters, local leaders, and friends of the Texas Maritime Museum. It’s an opportunity to showcase your brand, honor someone special, or simply demonstrate your commitment to preserving and celebrating our maritime heritage.
Can’t attend this year? Your ad ensures your presence is still felt, and your support still makes an impact.
Ad sizes:
- Full Page – $200
- 1/2 Page – $150
- 1/4 Page – $75
Program art is due by 11/23/2026. Don’t have artwork? Contact admin@texasmaritimemuseum.org for design assistance at no extra cost.
One of the most exciting moments of The Maritime Ball happens when generosity takes center stage. By making a cash donation or contributing merchandise or unique experiences to our Live and Silent Auctions, you are blowing life into the evening while directly supporting the Texas Maritime Museum’s educational initiatives, exhibits, and operations.
Auction packages and experiences spark friendly competition, inspire enthusiastic bidding, and create memorable moments long after the night ends. From one-of-a-kind experiences and exclusive services to curated gift packages or monetary gifts that strengthen our mission, every contribution adds momentum to the cause.
Whether you’re attending or supporting from afar, your donation helps turn celebration into impact, ensuring our maritime heritage continues to be preserved and appreciated for generations to come.
Register Now
Join us in supporting Texas Maritime Museum, the Official Maritime Museum of the State of Texas, as a sponsor for The Maritime Ball: Shape of the Wind.
For over 35 years, the Texas Maritime Museum has captivated visitors from all across Texas and beyond with engaging exhibits and educational programs, and worked stridently to ensure that the rich maritime history of our state is preserved. Your sponsorship helps to provide much-needed funds that will directly support our mission to educate, curate, and preserve Texas’ maritime history for today and posterity.
Sign up as a sponsor, underwriter, or ticket holder today to ensure your place at the 2026 Maritime Ball and in the history of our
esteemed organization.
* To reserve your space without a credit card, sponsorship forms are available for download here, or can be completed in person at the Texas Maritime Museum Administrative Office. Payments of cash or check can be made there Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM. Payments via check can also be submitted by mail to Texas Maritime Museum, 1202 Navigation Circle, Rockport, TX 78382. For more information, call (361) 729-1271.
All proceeds from this event support the Texas Maritime Museum. The Texas Maritime Museum is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Your Gift may be tax-deductible. Please print or take a screenshot of the confirmation screen for your records.