Sunday, March 29, 2009

Set Sail Aboard Traverse City’s Tall Ship Manitou


Make memories this summer, with an exciting fresh-water sailing adventure aboard the Tall Ship Manitou, which sails out of its home port in Traverse City, Michigan.

Three excursions are offered daily (Noon, midday, evening) with weekly special-themed cruises offered on Monday - Friday through the end of August. Whether traveling solo, as a couple, with a family or as part of a group, a Tall Ship sail makes a great traditional Great Lakes adventure.

THEMED CRUISES
Moomers Ice Cream Sails! (Thru August 28)
$40 per adult, $20 per child
Monday and Friday afternoons (3-5 p.m. sail) bring the whole family out for a glorious sail on the bay and the best ice cream in northern Michigan…Moomers! VOTED #1 SCOOP OF ICE CREAM IN AMERICA ON “GOOD MORNING AMERICA!” We’ll sample five flavors, including our very own “Tall Ship Manitou.”

Wine Tasting Cruises (Thru August 27)
$60 per person
In July and August you can sample a medley of local wines and enjoy specially catered cuisine as we ply the sparkling waters of Grand Traverse Bay. Tuesday nights feature Leelanau cellars, while Thursdays we will taste the offerings of Left Foot Charley.

Entertainment Nights (Thru August 26)
$60 per adult, $41 per child
Wednesday evenings in July and August are our entertainment nights, featuring the popular music group “Song of the Lakes” playing lively jigs, chanteys and ballads of sailing and life on the sea. The evening also includes a picnic meal.

The regular sails are priced at $39 adults/$20 children for the noon sail (includes picnic meal), $34 adults/$18 children for the afternoon sail, and $42 adults/$26 children for the evening sail (includes picnic meal). A cash bar is available for all excursions.

In addition to the day sails and specialty cruises, the Manitou offers a “Floating B&B” experience which includes the evening sail (Tuesday through Saturday), accommodations in bunk-style cabins and breakfast the next morning ($220 per couple/$127 single/$60 per child, ages 8-12).

Multi-day fall windjammers are for those with a more adventurous side. The 2008 schedule includes:

Astronomy Cruise (September 11-14, 2009)
Hillsdale College professor and amateur astronomer Mark Nussbaum returns as our guide as we study the brilliant northern Michigan heavens.

Wine Tasting Cruise (September 18-21, 2009)
Explore the great wine regions of the world with sommelier and restaurant proprietor Amanda Danielson. Each evening aboard 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.

Artisan Chocolate & Storytelling Cruise (September 25-28, 2009)
Join local chocolatier Mimi Wheeler, owner of “The Grocer’s Daughter” and her husband, Norm of “The Beach Bards” for a truly unforgettable weekend of mouth-watering creations and amazing myths, legends and stories.

Music Cruise (October 2-5, 2009)
Join us as we once again welcome renowned folk singer Lee Murdock aboard for four days of Great Lakes music, history, and lore.

As one of the largest sailing ships on the Great Lakes, the Manitou is a replica of an 1800s “coasting” cargo schooner. A traditional two-masted, gaff rigged, topsail schooner, Manitou measures 114 feet in length with more than 3000 square feet of sail.

With a 62 passenger sailing capacity (24 overnight capacity), there is plenty of space for sitting and moving around the decks while under sail. While aboard the Manitou, passengers are free to leave the sailing to the experienced crew or lend a hand and learn the arts of the sailor. An excursion aboard the Manitou allows you to remove yourself from the trappings of modern life: no TV, phone (cell phones are discouraged), beeper, email and definitely no itinerary.

To make reservations for any of the 2009 Manitou sailing adventures, call toll free 800-678-0383. Gift certificates are also available. For additional information about the Manitou, including its corporate charters, log on to www.tallshipsailing.com.

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