Traverse Tall Ship Company Adds "Scout" to its Northern Michigan Maritime Fleet

Traverse Tall Ship Company is proud to welcome a new vessel to its fleet in Traverse City. Scout – a classic Cabo Rico 38 XL – offers a luxurious private cruising experience for up to six (6) people on Grand Traverse Bay. Excursions, ranging from three (3) to nine (9) hours, are personalized to meet the needs of the guests.

“Guests can kick back or jump in and learn how to sail,” says Captain Dave McGinnis, owner of Traverse Tall Ship Company. “We want guests to think of this vessel as their personal yacht during the time they’re on board and we’re ready to deliver the utmost in personal service for those who choose to spend their day with us.”

Built in 1988 on a mountain site in Costa Rica, this lively cutter combines vintage design lines with modern construction technology accented with extensive teak woodwork. From her graceful clipper bow and wood deck trim to a stunning symphony of honey-colored teak (all sustainably plantation grown) below decks she will take your breath away. Brainchild of legendary naval architect W. I. B. Crealock, this vessel has won a reputation for legendary soft motion and stout offshore performance.

“A sail aboard Scout is perfect for special occasions such as proposals, wedding ceremonies, anniversaries, birthdays, business meetings, or just as a way to treat family and friends to a true Northern Michigan experience,” Captain Dave says. “Whether sipping a drink under the shade of the cockpit Bimini top lounging below, or stretching out to sunbathe on deck, there is plenty of room for your group of six.”

In addition to the traditional cruises, guests can also opt to add an afternoon of exploring historic Power Island. This 200-acre gem, located in the heart of Grand Traverse Bay, offers three miles of waterfront and five miles of hiking trails, open to the public. Other popular activities include picnicking, sunbathing and rock hunting – specifically searching for Michigan’s famed Petoskey Stones.

For added romance, Scout is available for a special dockside overnight experience. This evening includes a three hour sunset sail, after which the vessel is docked in Center Pointe Marina and the crew departs, leaving you alone to enjoy quiet time alone. Scout can accommodate up to four (4) people in two cozy double cabins. The boat also offers a head (bathroom) and shower, and guests are given access to the marina bath facilities and lounge. Other on-board amenities include a flat screen TV with DVD player, stereo system and full galley (kitchen) including a refrigerator (stocked with soft drinks).

Special cruising opportunities are being offered in conjunction with the National Cherry Festival:

* June 29 (12:30-5pm) — Cherry Festival Air Show Viewing & Sail ($650)
Cruise the bay under sail, after which Scout will anchor so you can enjoy the best seats in the house to view the spectacular air show!

* June 29 (7pm-11:30pm) — Night Time Air Show Viewing and Sail ($700)
Enjoy a sunset cruise followed by a unique night time air show, viewed from Scout’s anchorage on the bay!

* July 4 (7-11:30pm) — Sunset Sail and Fireworks Viewing ($700)
Celebrate the 4th in comfort and style! Scout will cruise the bay until sunset and then will anchor in a prime fireworks viewing location and enjoy the show!

* July 6 (7-11:30pm) — Sunset Sail and Fireworks Viewing ($700)
This display marks the end of the National Cherry Festival! Scout will cruise the bay until sunset and then will anchor in a prime fireworks viewing location and enjoy the show!

Guests are invited to bring their own refreshments or choose from the company’s catering menu (for an additional charge). All alcoholic beverages are BYOB, however soft drinks and snacks are provided at no charge.

The cost for the three hour cruise is $400 with additional hours added at $100 per hour; the Power Island trip (running six to seven hours) is $900; the overnight package – including the three hour sunset sail – is $700 based on double occupancy (up to two (2) additional guests for $50 per person). An overnight option – excluding the sunset sail – is also available for $350.

Since 1987, Traverse Tall Ship Company has been offering sailing adventures on the freshwater Grand Traverse Bay – and beyond, into Northern Lake Michigan. In addition to Scout, the company proudly sails Manitou – one of the largest sailing ships on the Great Lakes. A replica of an 1800s “coasting” cargo schooner, this traditional two-masted, gaff rigged, topsail schooner, measures 114 feet in length with more than 3000 square feet of sail, and can accommodate 59 passengers (24 overnight capacity).

Traverse Tall Ship Company is located at 13258 S.W. Bay Shore Drive (M22) in Traverse City and shares a dock with the fleet from the Maritime Heritage Alliance, creating a unique nautical experience for the area.

To make reservations for any of the 2013 Scout or Manitou sailing adventures, call toll free 800-678-0383. Gift certificates are also available. For additional information about Scout or Manitou, including corporate charters, log on to www.TallShipSailing.com.


www.facebook.com/TallShipManitou
www.twitter.com/SchoonerManitou

www.facebook.com/SailingYachtScout
www.twitter.com/YachtScout

Multi-Day Themed Windjammers Highlight Schooner Manitou's 25th Year in Traverse City

Since 1987, the Traverse Tall Ship Company has been offering sailing adventures on the freshwater Grand Traverse Bay – and beyond, into Northern Lake Michigan.

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.

During the month of September, the Manitou is once again offering its popular windjammer excursions. These multi-day outings give passengers a one-of-a-kind experience to head out into the open waters and enjoy a relaxing, stress-free get-away, while visiting quaint coastal villages and soaking up the panoramic views of the northern Michigan shoreline.

This year’s schedule includes a Four Day Getaway Cruise (Sept. 7-10 | $635pp), a Wine Tasting Cruise (Sept. 14-17 | $685pp), an Astronomy Cruise (Sept. 21-24 | $685pp) and a Three Day Fall Color Cruise (Sept. 28-30 | $570pp). Accommodations are provided in 12 double-bunk cabins, and fare includes lodging, all meals and sailing activities.

Throughout the summer months, three two-hour day sails are offered each day – at Noon, 3pm (Moomers Ice Cream Sail) and Evening (6:30pm). Speciality cruises include Microbrew Tastings on Sunday evenings featuring Short’s Brewing Company, Entertainment Cruises with “Song of the Lakes” on Wednesday evenings, and the Wine Tasting Cruises featuring Leelanau Cellars (Tuesday evenings) and Left Foot Charley (Thursday evenings) both including specially-catered Mediterranean cuisine from Silver Swan Homemade foods.

With a 59 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), internet, email and definitely no itinerary.

In addition to public day sails and multi-day windjammer cruises, the schooner Manitou works with Inland Seas Education Association, providing hands-on environmental education to school kids from throughout the region and state. The Manitou is also available for private charters, making it ideal for corporate outings, wedding parties and family reunions.

Earlier this year, thanks to a community effort involving the City of Traverse City, Discovery Center Great Lakes, Elmwood Township and Traverse City Light and Power, Traverse Tall Ship relocated just a short distance north of its former home, to the Discovery Center Great Lakes at 13258 S.W. Bay Shore Drive (M22), Traverse City (right across from what long-time residents refer to as the “coal dock.”). The dock has served as home for the Maritime Heritage Alliance fleet for some time, and the Manitou ads to the nautical experience of the area.

To make reservations for any of the 2012 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 (www.facebook.com/TallShipManitou).