A Tall Ship for Lake Superior!
The Algonquin
We are working to build or purchase a Tall Ship to expand our programs and take more kids sailing on Lake Superior!
ADVENTURE, DISCOVERY, STEWARDSHIP
Since 2014, Lake Superior Tall Ships, Inc. has been providing positive, life-changing outdoor sailing adventures to kids and adults in the Apostle Islands/Chequamegon Bay Area aboard the schooner Abbey Road.
Our trips are “Un-plugged” experiential learning voyages. Teamwork is required which fosters acceptance of others, cultivates personal responsibility and helps develop leadership skills.
Longer trips can be physically and emotionally challenging for some participants (although not dangerous). As controlled risks are overcome by participants they discover hidden strengths, acquire new skills and increase self-confidence.
The Abbey Road
We are very proud that we’ve had over 3,600 participants onboard the Abbey Road.
The Abbey Road is an excellent platform for small groups and we will continue sailing her into the foreseeable future. We would like to take more kids sailing on Lake Superior but we are not able to do this with the 52’ Abbey Road alone.
Our goal from the start has been to build the Alice Craig, a replica of a US Revenue Cutter that sailed Lake Superior from 1859 to 1887, but it could be several years before we are in a position to lay her keel.
Algonquin
So we are exploring the possibility of expanding our programs by acquiring a schooner that is listed for sale.
We will rename this vessel the Algonquin, after a vessel that was brought to Lake Superior in 1842.
Our preliminary budget to purchase and renovate a used steel schooner is $250,000.
With the schooners Abbey Road and Algonquin, we will be able to:
Extend our programs to more communities,
Support more groups that cater to kids,
Provide area schools two platforms for S.T.E.A.M. educational programs,
Increase environmental awareness & stewardship of Lake Superior,
Present historical interpretations,
Feature job opportunities in maritime trades,
Help kids become leaders, and
Have a positive impact on tourism.
We know that bringing a Tall Ship to Lake Superior will not cure cancer, feed the hungry, or house the homeless, but our hope is that kids who sail with us will be inspired to do great things in the future because they were able to see the world and themselves a little differently from the deck of a schooner.
How Can You Help?
How can you help kids experience great adventures, make amazing discoveries (often about themselves), and become good stewards of Lake Superior?
BECOME A PLANK OWNER
We are seeking "Plank Owners" to help us purchase the Mystic Whaler, recommission her as the Algonquin, bring her to Lake Superior and fund scholarships to take kids sailing. Plank Owners will receive appreciation gifts, invitations to exclusive events, special recognition and sailing opportunities that vary depending on the level of giving.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP
Whether It’s Through Monetary Gifts, In-Kind Donations Or Volunteering, Our Corporate Partners Play A Vital Role In Supporting The Operation And Experiential Education Programs Of Lake Superior Tall Ships.
We can Tailor Partnerships To Meet The Goals Of Each Corporate Sponsor While Also Meeting Our Mission.
VOLUNTEER
Your Volunteer Contribution Will Make A Difference. Whether You're Able To Help With A Single Event Or You Have The Time To Assist On A Regular Basis, A Rewarding And Invaluable Experience Awaits You.
Currently Our Volunteer Positions Are Primarily Land Based, And Include:
The Classic Boat & Schooner Rendezvous
The Pirates Ball Fundraiser
Subcommittee Work
Boat Maintenance
In The Future We Will Need Volunteers To Fill Positions Such As:
Shipboard Educators
Boat Maintenance Crew
Sailing Crew
Please contact Gordon Ringberg at sail@lakesuperiortallships.org to learn how your donation, sponsorship or volunteerism will help kids experience great adventures, make amazing discoveries (often about themselves), and become good stewards of Lake Superior.