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 select days throughout the summer.

THEMED CRUISES
• Moomers Ice Cream Sails! (Thru September 3)
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.” $40 per adult, $20 per child

• Wine Tasting Cruises (Thru September 2)
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. $60 per person

• Entertainment Nights (Thru August 25)
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. $60 per adult, $41 per child

• Microbrew & Pizza night (Thru Sept. 5) * * * NEW 2010 * * *
Sunday evenings have just become a bit more exciting with samplings of local beer from Right Brain Brewery and Crusted Creations during your evening sail. $60 per person

Whether traveling solo, as a couple, with a family or as part of a group, a Tall Ship sail makes a memorable traditional Great Lakes adventure. The regular sails are priced at $35 adults/$18 children for the noon and afternoon sails, and $45 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 ($209 per couple/$121 single/$61 per child, ages 8-12).

Multi-day fall windjammers are for those with a more adventurous side. The 2010 schedule includes:

• Women’s Wellness Cruise (September 10-13, 2010) * * * NEW 2010 * * *
A weekend of yoga, meditation, massage and life-coaching discussions which will awaken your spirit and your creativity and introduce you to a natural foods lifestyle. Relax and revitalize in an environment of fun and friendship as you ply the sparkling waters of Northern Michigan. Cost $735 per person.

• Wine Tasting Cruise (September 17-20, 2010)
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. Cost $685 per person.

• Music Cruise (September 24-27, 2010)
Join us as we once again welcome renowned folk singer Lee Murdock aboard for four days of Great Lakes music, history, and lore. Cost $685 per person.

• Astronomy Cruise (October 1-4, 2010)
Astronomer Bob Moler will be our guide as we study the brilliant northern Michigan heavens. Cost $685 per person.

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 2010 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.