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Start Your Tall Ship Adventurewith a Day Sail Expedition on the NiagaraAre you looking for a different way to entertain out-of-town guests, celebrate your next birthday or anniversary? Look no further than a Day Sail on the Flagship Niagara The majestic 19th century grace of Niagara’s enormous square sails embodies the grandeur and strength of our Commonwealth, the wanderlust of our forbearers, and the calculated thirst for adventure that has led our nation to prosperity for centuries. Here time stands still, and history comes alive. Here your boarding pass awaits you. We’re looking forward to your arrival! Isn’t it time you put the wind at your back? Select Dates/Check Availability Download Mail-in Registration Form Day Sail ExpeditionsSailing onboard Flagship Niagara is a unique opportunity to experience the long-vanished world of the wooden square-rigged sailing ship. Step into a pre-industrial society to see first-hand and lay your hands on an ancient set of traditions. The ship is a wind and muscle-powered machine full of the sights, sounds and smells of maritime history. The Educational Day Sail on Niagara gives some insight into the problems faced and challenges met by our forbearers. What to ExpectYour adventure will include frequent short talks explaining the various tasks and maneuvers as the crew of professionals and longer-service trainees perform them. Should you wish, you can lend a hand in “walking away” with the halyards to hoist the topsails. For the especially enthusiastic student, you get even more involved with sail handling under the close supervision of the crew. Duration of the sail is about five hours. Some sails occur during the day, others during the evening. We will provide lunch or dinner, depending on the time of the sail. All meals are typically a large and hearty stew with a vegetarian (not usually vegan) alternative. The menu is designed for sailors, and they require a decent meal with adequate calories, starches, vegetables, and protein for needed energy. Students share in the experience. Can I do it?This experience is an adventure, which should not be confused with discomfort and hardship, but rather is a fun and exciting day of sailing. Sailing can be challenging at times, particularly if the weather causes lumpy seas. However, this is not common in the summertime on Lake Erie and Niagara is a relatively smooth-sailing ship. Since Flagship Niagara is not a luxury sightseeing cruise and not a passenger ship, all students are required to follow the instructions of the ship’s professional crew, and be able to move about the deck when necessary to be clear of crewmembers as they handle the lines and sails. The Educational Day Sail lasts about five hours; participants will be on deck most of the time. Niagara has steep ladders and low overheads below deck, and participants are cautioned to watch for tripping hazards on deck. Minimum age is twelve. Participants below the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and if in a group, there must be one adult for every five minors. There is no maximum age, but please be guided by the physical requirements above. All minors must have a signed parental consent/ liability waiver. What to Bring• Wear soft, traction giving shoes; no high heels. • Bring some warm clothing–a jacket and hat and sunscreen. • Check the weather forecast before you come. If rain is forecasted, bring a raincoat–no umbrellas, please. • There are marine toilets onboard; instructions are simple but must be followed. • Only people with special dietary restrictions need bring their own lunch/ dinner. • No alcoholic beverages are permitted onboard. • Smoking is limited to on deck only and at certain times will not be permitted at all. • While onboard, please turn off cell phones, because they diminish the traditional setting. • Do not bring radios, portable chairs, or picnic coolers. • Cameras and video recorders are permitted. • All minors must have a signed parental release form. • Motion sickness is not often a problem. The best preparation is to be well fed, hydrated and rested prior to boarding. If you are concerned about motion sickness, we recommend that you consult your physician. Medications are, of course, permitted, although most are only effective if you start taking them well in advance of departure. Where to Report• For Day sails in ports other than Erie, contact Julie Wagner at (814) 452-2744 x222 for instructions regarding where and when to meet the ship. • For Day sails in Erie, Check in directly at the ship forty-five minutes prior to ship departure. Access to the pier is located on the north side of the Erie Maritime Museum building (there is a white steel gate, which will be open one hour before departure.) • Parking is available in the gravel lot, near the ship, on the northwest side of the building. • The Captain will begin an introduction on the pier, thirty minutes before departure. • Day sail schedule information and trainee applications are available online by Clicking Here and available at the Erie Maritime Museum Gift Shop. They also may be requested by fax or email. Contact: Julie Wagner at 814-452-2744, ext. 222 or email jwagner@flagshipniagara.org Tuition Fees, Refunds, CancelationsDay Sail Tuition (Erie Only): Pennsylvania Residents $60 Out of State Visitors $70 Flagship Niagara League Members $50 Day Sail Tuition (for ports other than Erie): General Public $75 Flagship Niagara League Members $65
Cancelations and Refunds:If the sail is canceled by management due to weather or maintenance problems, liability will be limited to full refund. (Weather criterion for cancelation is actual or high probability of winds over 25 knots or severe thunderstorms.) No refund will be given if at least three hours were spent underway Full refunds will be given for all individual day sail student cancelation up to one week in advance of sail. Half of the fee will be refunded for cancelation less than a week and up to three days in advance. No refund will be given for cancelation less than three days in advance. |
