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Please Call
(231) 941-2000
or
800
678-0383
for more information
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Windjammer - Multi-Day Cruises |
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| "The whole experience far exceeded our expectations!" |
"Hidden Treasure"... "Undiscovered Paradise"... phrases that are well suited for the island wilderness areas, charming coastal villages and sailing routes traveled by the schooner Manitou in these "fresh water seas." Pristine deserted sandy beaches capped by beautiful rolling hillsides... Clear, sparkling, swimmer-friendly waters... Wonderful sailing breezes... are all typical of this area.
Join us aboard Manitou for a unique adventure back in time. You will discover the beauty of northern lake Michigan from the deck of this majestic sailing vessel while enjoying a level of relaxation rarely experienced in today's frenzied world.
THE SCHOONER
Manitou is one of the largest sailing ships on the Great Lakes , constructed with modern materials, but similar in design to vessels that sailed one-hundred years ago. She was built specifically for passenger service, making her one of the most comfortable windjammers afloat. A traditional two-masted, gaff rigged, topsail schooner, she measures 114 feet in length with over 3,000 square feet of sail and displaces (weighs) over one hundred tons. Up to twenty-four passengers can enjoy the pleasure and thrill of sailing aboard Manitou.
Our licensed captain has many years of experience and together with the professional crew you can rest assured you're in good hands. Manitou meets or exceeds all U.S. Coast Guard regulations for construction, stability, safety equipment and electronics for vessels in passenger service. If the wind should fail, the sturdy diesel engine powers her swiftly to the next destination. Because of her size and design she ensures a comfortable relaxing sail for all.
DESTINATIONS
Located at the base of beautiful West Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City, MI is the vibrant homeport for Manitou. Traverse City's unique shops and galleries, as well as its many high quality restaurants, are sure to enhance your sailing adventure.
Remove yourself from the trappings of modern life while aboard Manitou : no TV, phone (cell phones are discouraged), beeper, email, and definitely no itinerary.
The wind and weather conditions help determine our course, and after a good day of sailing we drop anchor at
one of a variety of possible destinations. We may take in a little local color at a historic fishing village such as St. James on Beaver Island , or visit one of Michigan 's oldest general stores (est. 1839) while at Old Mission Harbor. The storekeeper will recount its fascinating history while serving up a genuine fountain soda or ice cream. Surveying the ship at anchor from atop a historic lighthouse or stumbling upon an abandoned, turn of the century farm are likely possibilities on the remote Manitou Islands . Marvel at the towering beech trees during a hike on Power Island in Grand Traverse Bay, or hunt for the ancient Petosky Stone while beach combing in Cathead Bay. A wealth of islands, bays, anchorages and coastal villages are within our reach.
ABOARD SHIP
Life aboard the Manitou is fun and informal. The object here is to slow down and take things as they come. Discover the lost art of conversation with new found friends, read a good book, marvel at the breathtaking array of stars, get back in touch with yourself. Many folks have told us that this is the best stress reliever they have ever found. While underway, you are free to leave the sailing to our experienced crew or lend a hand and learn the
arts of the sailor. After Manitou tucks into a snug anchorage for the evening, take out our sea kayaks or rowing dinghy for a little exploration. Beach combing is special fun for those who would like to further enjoy the beauty of many of our destinations.
You'll love the food on Manitou. Our healthy menus will satisfy the heartiest of seagoing appetites, with emphasis on Manitou specialties, fresh fruits, and produce of the region. Our team of cooks will delight you with bountiful home cooked meals turned out of the ship's galley. All of the cooking is done on our wood fired stove, "Cleo", and is served either family style in the main cabin or as a wonderful buffet on deck. Beverages such as juice, tea, and coffee are provided during meals. Soft drinks may be brought on board and stored in your cabin or in ice chests provided on deck.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Manitou accommodates twenty-four passengers in twelve double cabins. Each is nicely appointed but simple and rustic with two sturdy built-in bunks and electric lighting. They are clean, cozy, comfortable, and supplied with fresh linens, towels and warm blankets. All of the cabins and entries have plenty of headroom and windows which can be opened for ventilation. Passengers look after their own cabins and keep them "shipshape." Skylights and seating areas around the ship's various cabin sections add to the overall comfort for conversation or an intimate encounter with a good book. The ship's marine heads (toilets) and hot showers are conveniently located on deck.
WHAT TO BRING
Pack comfortable casual clothes in soft luggage instead of suitcases for easy stowing. Bring layers of clothing so you can be prepared for cool and cold nights as well as warm or hot sunny days. Rubber soled shoes, bathing suites, sunglasses and rain gear, cameras and musical instruments are items to be remembered. For those who might like to sleep on deck during nights with bright stars and the Northern Lights, a sleeping bag and cushioned pad should be packed as well.
For the comfort of all on board:
Radio/MP3 players with headphones only please
Smoking is permitted on deck only
Excessive drinking is prohibited
Minimum passenger age is 12
Note: Guests board the ship the evening prior to sailing.
Group charters are available! |
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HOW TO SAIL WITH US
The areas we visit will seem worlds away when on board, but we are within easy reach by car or commercial airline service. There is plenty of free parking. We accommodate only twenty-four guests, so reserve early.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
Please visit the contact section to make a reservation.
MANITOU - 2010 MULTI-DAY SAILING SCHEDULE
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BOARD SHIP 4-6PM THE NIGHT PRIOR TO SAILING DATE.
10% DISCOUNT FOR RETURNING WINDJAMMER AND B & B PASSENGERS
Prices are per person, double occupancy.
SPECIALTY CRUISES
Wine Tasting Cruise – Explore the great wine regions of the world with sommelier and restaurant proprietor Amanda Danielson. Each evening aboard the Manitou we will discuss the winemaking histories and taste the varietals of different countries. Dinners will feature paired wines chosen by Amanda as a perfect complement to our meals. Amanda and her husband Paul moved to Traverse City in 2000 with the intention of opening a restaurant. Their dream came true in July 2004 when Trattoria Stella in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons welcomed its first guest. Amanda was raised in restaurants and driven toward hospitality education early in her career. Her passion for training took her around the world to open new restaurants and upon arrival in Northern Michigan, worked for Grand Traverse Resort and Spa first as its training manager and then as fine-dining operations at the Trillium Restaurant and management of the Resort's wine program. Amanda strongly believes in educating the community through a series of wine and service classes. She continues to pursue her own education and more certifications in the vast field of wine. Paul and Amanda recently co-founded the Grand Traverse Convivium of the Slow Food Movement.
“The best thing about wine is that the more you learn, the more you realize that you’re never going to know. It’s always new; it’s always fresh; and you can be rest assured that you will never get bored of learning, teaching and drinking wine.”
- Amanda Danielson
For more about Stella’s, visit www.stellatc.com
Photo by Gary DeLong Music Cruise – It’s always a treat to have Great Lakes folk singer Lee Murdock join us aboard Manitou as he brings the history, legends, and characters of the Great Lakes to life through song and story. This one usually brings back old friends who have sailed with us in years past…..an added bonus! Lee Murdock has uncovered a boundless body of music and stories in the Great Lakes. There is an amazing timelessness in this music. Great Lakes songs are made of hard word, hard living, ships that go down and ships that come in. The music is grounded in the work song tradition, from the rugged days of lumberjacks and wooden sailing schooners. Murdock comes alongside with ballads of contemporary commerce and revelry in the grand folk style. Lee's fans have discovered a sweetwater treasure in his songs about the Great Lakes, finding drama and inspiration in the lives of sailors and fishermen, lighthouse keepers, ghosts, shipwrecks, outlaws and everyday heroes.
"I'm interested in trying to find the life in these songs; in making music that's exciting to people today. I am looking for the songs and the interesting stories, not only for the people who already enjoy folk music, but for those who think they don't like folk music." - Lee Murdock
For more on Lee Murdock go to www.leemurdock.com
Photo by Giovanni Benintende
Astronomy Cruise – Astronomer Bob Moler will be our guide to the moon and stars as we study the brilliant northern Michigan heavens. Charting a course just like sailors centuries before, this is a weekend for those who are awed by the vast wonders of the sky. Passengers will see how the stars rise and set, just like the sun, and appear to circle around Polaris (the North Star) as the earth rotates. Passengers may bring their own small telescope or binoculars. A telescope will be aboard the ship for the group to share.
Bob Moler has been an avid amateur astronomer for over 50 years, having been a guest lecturer with the Roger Chaffee Planetarium in Grand Rapids in his earlier years. He's currently affiliated with Leelanau School's Lanphier Observatory, and Northwestern Michigan College's Rogers Observatory. He has explored many aspects of astronomy from telescope making, astrophotography and eclipse chasing to name a few. For over 34 years he's produced the weekday astronomy program Ephemeris on Interlochen Public Radio which features the current wonders visible in the heavens to the naked eye and binoculars. Websites: http://ephemeris.bjmoler.org and http://bjmoler.org/blog1/
"The stars and constellations in the dark skies over the lake are same ones the ancients saw. But with binoculars or a telescope we can glimpse wonders they never dreamed of. Old star stories mingle with new as old mysteries give way to new more profound ones." – Bob Moler
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