Author: Sydney Thomas

Ocean SF and Rolex Big Boat Series

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Ocean SF is the Sustainability Partner for the Rolex Big Boat Series. Here is an outline of the races this weekend.

The boats will be docked around the bay at different yacht clubs. The first warning signal will be at 11:00 a.m., so you will see the boats waiting and ready for the race committee to do the countdown for their class.

In a typical sailing race, the race starts five minutes after the first warning signal. The standard starting procedure, called the “5-4-1-Go” sequence, is governed by the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS). 

This sequence uses both flags and sound signals to communicate the countdown to the racers. 

  • 5 minutes (Warning Signal): The race committee raises the class flag for the boats that are about to start and sounds one short signal. The start line is now established, and racers begin their final preparations.
  • 4 minutes (Preparatory Signal): The committee raises the “P” flag (the Blue Peter) and sounds one short signal. Racers must now stay on the pre-start side of the line. In some races, other flags like the “U” or “Black” flag may be used to indicate stricter starting penalties.
  • 1 minute: The committee lowers the preparatory flag and sounds one long signal. This marks the final minute before the start.
  • 0 minutes (Start Signal): The committee lowers the class flag and sounds one short signal. The race has officially begun. 

All Classes:

Friday, September 10th – First Warning 11:00

Saturday, September 11th – First Warning 11:00

Sunday, September 12th – First Warning 11:00

In San Francisco, you can watch the races from Marina Green or Fort Mason. Come and join us!



Summer Internships

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Summer Interns – Ocean SF

Seeking highly motivated and creative individuals to join our intern team. Ideal candidates must be interested in building a sustainable fashion brand and, most importantly, promoting environmental causes.

This program will teach and develop entrepreneurial skills on all levels, including product development, marketing, fashion design, social media advertising, technical skills, project management, and LEADERSHIP.

We currently have three returning interns from last summer and two new hires. Our interns are studying business, digital marketing, and environmental sciences at Berkeley, Duke, Santa Barbara, and SLO. So far, we have a great team, but we need students with web development and data analytics backgrounds to help out.

You can learn more by contacting me directly.

Sydney Chaney Thomas

contact@oceansf.co

How Ocean SF Became A Leadership Incubator: 

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Note from our founder:

My daughter Paris suggested turning Ocean SF into a leadership incubator because that’s the part of running Ocean SF that I love the most: turning people into great leaders.

There is nothing like allowing the interns to pull the levers and drive new business. It gives them immediate feedback on their efforts: number of likes, shares, and of course, sales.

Yes, social media looks easy, but it’s not. It takes creativity, careful planning, skill, and hard work—Ditto for creating new products, running a website, inventory control, and managing countless pop-ups.

Running a clothing company like Ocean SF can look glamorous, but it is anything but. It has been one of my greatest challenges.

Since 2021, Ocean SF has become more than a lifestyle clothing brand — it’s a leadership incubator that fosters creativity, resilience, and purpose-driven action. With a foundation rooted in sustainability and community impact, Ocean SF inspires individuals to lead with intention in their professional and personal lives. By exemplifying values like innovation, environmental stewardship, and ethical business practices, the brand creates a unique ecosystem where emerging leaders can learn how to align their actions with a greater vision. Each product and initiative reflects a commitment to leadership that blends style, functionality, and responsibility, empowering customers to make meaningful choices in their own lives.

The Ocean SF leadership incubator focuses on cultivating essential skills like adaptability, collaboration, and vision. Through workshops, events, and mentorship opportunities, the brand connects individuals who share a passion for environmental awareness and positive change. Participants not only learn how to lead but also how to inspire others to embrace sustainable practices and forward-thinking solutions. By fostering a culture of growth and shared responsibility, Ocean SF positions itself as a platform where leaders can thrive while addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

At its core, Ocean SF is a movement that encourages individuals to lead by example. Whether through the garments they wear or the initiatives they support, the brand reminds its community that leadership starts with small, intentional actions. By creating opportunities for learning and collaboration, Ocean SF embodies the belief that leadership isn’t confined to boardrooms; it’s present in everyday choices and their impact on the world. In doing so, Ocean SF, besides producing high-quality, ethical clothing, nurtures a community of empowered leaders ready to drive change.

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Sustainable Fashion: Elevated Style with Purpose

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I love this photo of our first prototype made in LA in 2016. This is my daughter Siena, she’s 15 years old in this photo.
One of our first prototypes made in LA in 2016. This is my daughter. She is 15 years old in this photo. 

Sustainable fashion isn’t just a trend — it’s a movement shaping the future of how we dress. For those who value thoughtful choices and impeccable style, it’s an opportunity to build a wardrobe that reflects your values and exudes sophistication. This isn’t about compromise but intentionality, blending luxury with purpose in every stitch.

When I started Ocean SF, people didn’t know the difference between polyester and cotton. They would tell me their jacket was cotton when in fact it was 100% polyester. No one was talking about how polyester fleece pollutes drinking water. It wasn’t even a consideration. 

I’ve been doing this for eight years. It’s been a long and winding path educating others on the benefits of sustainable and ethical clothing, but I feel there has been real progress and people are changing how they shop.

The Hidden Cost of Convenience

Fast fashion may deliver instant gratification, but it comes with a heavy price. The industry contributes to 10% of global carbon emissions, pollutes waterways with toxic dyes, and generates mountains of waste. Add the exploitation of garment workers into the mix, and it’s clear that convenience is costing us more than we can afford. The good news? We have the power to choose better.

Prioritizing Well-Being

Sustainable fashion challenges the status quo, prioritizing the well-being of people and the planet. Here’s what sets it apart:

  • Eco-Friendly Fabrics: Materials like organic cotton, merino wool, hemp, and recycled fibers that minimize environmental impact.
  • Ethical Production: Fair wages, safe working conditions, and support for local communities.
  • Timeless Design: High-quality pieces designed to last beyond fleeting trends.
  • Circular Fashion: Encouraging reuse, recycling, and reducing waste in the fashion cycle.

Why It Matters

  1. Environmental Responsibility: Lowering carbon footprints and conserving precious resources.
  2. Ethical Impact: Supporting fair labor practices and uplifting workers worldwide.
  3. Durable Quality: Investing in fewer, better-made items that stand the test of time.
  4. Effortless Versatility: Classic, sustainable pieces integrate seamlessly into any wardrobe.

Building a Conscious Wardrobe: Your Guide

  1. Choose Transparent Brands: Support companies that openly share their sustainability practices. Certifications like Fair Trade and GOTS are reliable indicators.
  2. Embrace Secondhand Finds: Estate sales, vintage and thrift stores offer unique, high-quality treasures.
  3. Swap Clothing With Friends: Trade with friends the things in your closet that you don’t wear or offer to lend your clothing to others. 
  4. Invest in Timeless Staples: Focus on versatile essentials that work across seasons.
  5. Care for Your Clothes: Proper washing and mending can significantly extend a garment’s life.
  6. Rent or Borrow: For special occasions, explore rental services to reduce waste.

Ocean SF: Elevated Sustainability

At Ocean SF, we believe that clothing should elevate your style while respecting the planet. Our mission is to create luxurious, sustainable pieces that become the cornerstone of your wardrobe. Each garment is carefully crafted using eco-friendly materials like responsibly sourced merino wool and organic cotton.

Here are some of our signature designs:

  • The Ocean SF 100% Cotton Hoodies: A refined essential that’s cozy, breathable, and endlessly versatile.
  • The Organic Cotton Tee: A perfect balance of softness and durability, designed for everyday wear.
  • Eco-Friendly Outerwear: Sophisticated jackets that combine functionality with sustainability, ready to take on any adventure.

Our approach goes beyond design; it’s about creating a lasting impact. By choosing Ocean SF, you invest in garments that honor the planet and the skilled artisans who make them. We’re setting a new standard for modern luxury — one that feels as good as it looks.

The Road Ahead for Sustainable Fashion

The journey toward sustainable fashion is accelerating, but it’s far from complete. From innovating with new materials to making eco-friendly options more accessible, every step counts. As brands and consumers, we share the responsibility of crafting a more conscious industry.

 Fashion That Inspires Change

Sustainable fashion is more than a choice; it’s a lifestyle. It’s about making thoughtful decisions that uplift the planet and its people. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just beginning to explore this space, every effort matters. With Ocean SF, you’re not just curating a wardrobe — you’re joining a movement that defines style with substance. Together, we can shape a future where the clothes we choose to buy and wear empower, inspire, and transforms. 

How Ocean SF Became a Leadership Incubator

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In 2021, when I was struggling the most to get my company Ocean SF off the ground, my daughter Paris who was the Ocean SF summer intern project manager that summer suggested I make it a non-profit because it certainly was NOT profitable. I was personally funding Ocean SF and trying to sell clothes in the middle of a pandemic. She suggested turning Ocean SF into a leadership incubator because that’s the part of running Ocean SF that I love the most: turning people into great leaders.

Luckily, we are not a nonprofit and have grown more and more profitable over time, but working with my interns is one of my favorite things. I love getting to watch them pull the levers and drive new business. Yes, social media looks easy, but it’s not. It takes creativity, careful planning, skill, and hard work—Ditto for creating new products, running a website, inventory control, and managing countless pop-ups. Running a clothing company like Ocean SF can look glamorous, but it is anything but. It has been one of my greatest challenges. 

Since 2021, Ocean SF has become more than a lifestyle clothing brand — it’s a leadership incubator that fosters creativity, resilience, and purpose-driven action. With a foundation rooted in sustainability and community impact, Ocean SF inspires individuals to lead with intention in their professional and personal lives. By exemplifying values like innovation, environmental stewardship, and ethical business practices, the brand creates a unique ecosystem where emerging leaders can learn how to align their actions with a greater vision. Each product and initiative reflects a commitment to leadership that blends style, functionality, and responsibility, empowering customers to make meaningful choices in their own lives.

The Ocean SF leadership incubator focuses on cultivating essential skills like adaptability, collaboration, and vision. Through workshops, events, and mentorship opportunities, the brand connects individuals who share a passion for environmental awareness and positive change. Participants not only learn how to lead but also how to inspire others to embrace sustainable practices and forward-thinking solutions. By fostering a culture of growth and shared responsibility, Ocean SF positions itself as a platform where leaders can thrive while addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

At its core, Ocean SF is a movement that encourages individuals to lead by example. Whether through the garments they wear or the initiatives they support, the brand reminds its community that leadership starts with small, intentional actions. By creating opportunities for learning and collaboration, Ocean SF embodies the belief that leadership isn’t confined to boardrooms; it’s present in everyday choices and their impact on the world. In doing so, Ocean SF, besides producing high-quality, ethical clothing, nurtures a community of empowered leaders ready to drive change.

The Ocean SF journey proves that when we start on a course of action, especially one where we follow our hearts, we never know where we will end up. I feel blessed to have work that I love where I can provide real impact every day.

Thank you to all who have supported me along the way.

Love and blessings to all.

P.S. Shop Ocean SF 20% off sale using code: LOVE2025 and follow us on Instagram (click here).