2025 Astoria Regatta Admiral

Captain Michael Tolley is a Columbia River Bar Pilot and Master Mariner with over 30 years of experience at sea. A 1993 graduate of Maine Maritime Academy, he began his career as a Naval Officer, deploying twice overseas. Throughout his career, he has circumnavigated the globe 13 times, commanded the historic schooner Roseway, and spent nearly a decade as Captain of bulk carriers. 

While commanding the bulk carrier Harriette, he successfully defended his ship from Somali pirates, facing gunfire and an RPG attack. Later, as Captain of the Liberty Grace, he again confronted piracy in West Africa. In 2014, he played a critical role in rescuing 241 Syrian refugees in the Mediterranean before transitioning to the Columbia River Bar Pilots in 2015. 

A devoted husband and father, Captain Tolley’s career is a testament to adventure, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the sea.

2025 Admiral’s Aide

A word from Dulcye : “Hello, I am Dulcye Taylor and I have owned and operated Old Town Framing Company in Astoria since 2006. I am also a designer/artist so a picture framing business made sense although I did come from a software background previously.

Soon after moving to Astoria I became interested in participating with the community at large, particularly the downtown core. My very first volunteer engagement was with the Astoria Downtown Historic District Association recruited as a board member to reinvigorate the organization. This is where I learned just how valuable volunteers are to a small community. I have served on this board for 17 years, as a member and executive officer, currently the president.

All organizations need some type of fundraising mechanism and I have a brain that thinks out of the box. Undoubtedly one of my proudest fundraising efforts has been the Jane Barnes Revue, a topsy-turvy fashion show where women and men dress opposite to their daily wear. It put dollars in the ADHDA coffers and became a yearly event (until the pandemic.) Another event I dreamed up was the “ZeroK”, a race for non-racers that helped the Astoria Parks and Recreation Foundation raise sponsorship monies.

Today I serve as President (again) for the downtown association. I also serve on the Clatsop County Historical board as well as the Liberty Theatre board along with being a Design Review commissioner for the City of Astoria. Plus a few more things. Recognition for my volunteerism is an honor and I have some awards under my belt including Volunteer of the Year - Oregon Mainstreet, George Award - AWCC, PAT Award - ADHDA, Lady Liberty Award - Liberty Theatre ,and the Magnanimous Mug Award - Fort George raising $19k to help the Food Web get an executive director.

I love Astoria. Working in my community, professionally and philanthropically, is a privilege. I like to have fun and share fun. Cheers!

2025 Grand Marshal