Spring Has Sprung

We know it is Spring around Tall Ships America HQ when the invites to our annual “DC Reception” in the US Capitol Building go out in the mail. Every year, we host a gathering of politicians, naval attaches, board members, port partners, and supporters to talk about sail training, tall ships and the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE®.

Introducing our Great Lakes TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE(r) 2013 Fleet

Sorlandet

We have a great (as always) fleet of vessels coming into the Great Lakes this summer. Familiar faces will be joining some new ships and we couldn’t be more excited. Here is the list and for more information on who is going where and how to contact them, visit our Participating Vessels page.

Appledore IV
Challenge
Denis Sullivan
Empire Sandy
Fair Jeanne
Friends Good Will
Hindu
Kajama
La Revenante
Lynx
Madeline
Niagara
Pathfinder
Peacemaker
Playfair
Pride of Baltimore II
Red Witch
Sorlandet
St. Lawrence II
Unicorn
Windy

 

We survived! Now you can donate to our Annual Appeal!

Photo courtesy SnorgTees.com

 

We made it! Wee! As you rush out to do the holiday shopping you thought you’d gotten out of this year, why not take the time to donate to Tall Ships America? It’s quick and easy. Through our scholarships, grants, programs, and conferences we help young trainees connect with life-changing experiences, and our members achieve greater success. 

Tall Ships America has been given a generous $50,000 challenge to raise an equal amount by December 31^st.  We are halfway there, and we need your participation to reach our goal. 

Your past support of Tall Ships America’s  was put to immediate use to fund scholarships, the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE(r), vessel resources and so much more.   Make a generous donation today and help us meet the challenge by December 31^st. 

Tall Ships America supports education under sail in ways that no other organization can ever do.  We thank you for your past support, and ask you to help us sustain sail training in America for the future.

20th Edition – Sail Tall Ships!

Nineteenth Edition

In February of 2013, we will be releasing the 20th edition of Sail Tall Ships! A Directory of Sail Training and Adventure at Sea, a comprehensive guide featuring hundreds of Tall Ships America member tall ships, shore-based programs, and business partners offering a diverse range of sail training opportunities throughout North America and around the globe.  This 432-page soft-cover book includes photographs, specifications, program descriptions, and contact info.  A must for those planning their own adventure and for tall ship enthusiasts alike!

This directory is the 40th Anniversary Commemorative Limited Edition and, for the first time ever, will be in full color. To be included in the latest directory, the deadline for member dues in December 31st.

By now, our member organizations should have heard from Lori. If you are a current member organization and have not heard from Lori, please contact her asta@tallshipsamerica.org. If you would like to become a member of Tall Ships America and would like to be included in this special anniversary edition of Sail Tall Ships!, you can become a member online or call our office (401.846.1775).

A day to give back

 

This calming photograph taken by Matt Maples

 

First there is Black Friday. Then Small Business Saturday. Sunday is a day of rest. Then Cyber Monday works your internet skillz. As your credit card sizzles quietly and you swear if you see one more boldly aggressive advertisement telling you to ACT NOW! you miiiight just freak out, why not do something that feeds the soul and puts you on the good list. Today is #GivingTuesday™ and, according to the mission statement,

#GivingTuesday™ is a campaign to create a national day of giving at the start of the annual holiday season. It celebrates and encourages charitable activities that support nonprofit organizations.

In that case, welcome to the season of giving…back! Our annual appeal is ongoing (until December 31st).  Use your generosity to give back to the sail training community. With your support, we are changing lives and opening new horizons through adventure and education under sail. It is a work we are proud and privileged to undertake.  Help us find the leaders of tomorrow. Sign aboard and support the work of Tall Ships America today.

 

The Thad Koza Photography Contest is Back!

Guest Blogger: Happy Commissioning Day, Perfect Present, and “All the Laundry”

Pride of Baltimore II
Pos: At Anchor off Annapolis
Wx: SSE F 3, 3/8 Cumulus

Today marks the 24th anniversary of Pride of Baltimore II’s commissioning. Different from her launch day, when she first touched the water as a complete, floating hull but was still awaiting a rig, an interior, and mechanical and electrical systems, today marks the day that she was finished and ready to sail away on her first voyage and begin her illustrious career as the signature example of Maryland’s Maritime History.

On this day in 1988, Pride II was also certificated by the United States Coast Guard for carrying Passengers. This distinction took the mission started by her predecessor to a whole new level. Instead of just boarding the ship at the dock, or marveling at her from a distance – as was the case with the first Pride – people can actually experience the grace, power, and agility of a Baltimore Privateer underway. If you’re adventurous enough, the dreamy wonder of sailing the epitome of early 19th century sailing performance can be a reality. And in 24 years, Pride II has signed aboard thousands as passengers, or as deeply involved “working guest crew” trainees.

Click here to continue reading about Pride of Baltimore II’s Commisioning Day>>>

PRIDE AFTER DARK is November 9th!

Join Pride of Baltimore II at Pride After Dark! On Friday, November 9th you are invited to hear salty sailing tales, meet the ship’s crew, and celebrate the life of the foresail, which is about to be retired, and will be on display at Pride After Dark.

Pride II will be docked outside of the building and illuminated in twinkling lights. She’ll be visible through the amazing glass walls of Thames Street Wharf.  Guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres by local restaurant sponsors (Atwaters, Chesapeake Wine Company, Sofi’s Crepes, The Center Club, Stratford University and Waterfront Kitchen), an open bar and entertainment provided by ONE ROCK Studio.

Business/cocktail chic attire suggested.

Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased at www.pride2.org 

Bonjour, Montreal!

This weekend, I am in Montreal for the tall ship event hosted by the Old Port. Six ships are berthed in the Jacques-Cartier Basin – Peacemaker, St.Lawrence 2, Pathfinder, Roter Sand, Fair Jeanne and Empire Sandy. Yesterday was the Parade of Sail and you couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day. Here are some photos from the event so far…

Around the corner and under the bridge

New ship in the fleet, RoterSand from Germany

 

And like that, they were gone

L to R – Larinda,HMS Bounty,Pride of Baltimore II

Walking the Halifax waterfront after the ships had left Monday, there was something different (besides the obvious). Dar was the first to figure it out, it was quiet. For the past five days, we had been surrounded by music – buskers with their guitars, little old ladies with their spoons, raucously loud bands playing rock and roll, Irish music in the bars, and bagpipers on every corner.  Now, with the crowds dispersing and the ships headed to the outports, it was another quiet Monday afternoon along the waterfront.

Monday morning was spent packing up our office and saying goodbye to friends. Most of the ships we will see next year in the Great Lakes and there will be many familiar faces among the crew. Others, we see throughout the year, at our various meetings and our annual conference (details to be announced soon!). But still, the end of our summer series always seems so final.

Down on the Boardwalk

We had a crew parade this morning along the waterfront and our intrepid photographer, Darlene, was on hand to document it -