     |
Start Your Tall Ship AdventureAre you looking for the adventure of a lifetime? A different way to entertain out-of-town guests, celebrate your next birthday or anniversary? Look no farther than a Day Sail aboard the Flagship Niagara! The majestic 19th century grace of Niagara’s enormous square sails embodies the spirit of adventure in all of us. Here time stands still and history comes alive. Your boarding pass awaits you. We’re looking forward to you joining us! Download Mail-in Registration Form Day Sail ExpeditionsSailing aboard Niagara, a US Coast Guard licensed Sailing School Vessel, is a unique opportunity to experience the long-vanished world of the square-rigged sailing ship. Step into a world of canvas, wood and iron to see first-hand what life was like aboard a tall ship and to lay your hands on an ancient set of traditions. The ship is a wind driven and muscle-powered machine full of the sights and sounds of maritime history. The Educational Day Sail on Niagara gives some insight into the life and adventures of those hard and hearty sailors. What to ExpectYour adventure will include frequent short talks by the captain and crew explaining the tasks they perform and the ship's maneuvers as Niagara's Merchant Marine licensed professionals, as well as the trainees, apprentices, and volunteers perform them. The crew will invite you to lend a hand in “walking away” with the halyards to hoist the topsails. For the especially enthusiastic student, you can get even more involved with sail handling and other work under the supervision of the crew. The duration of your Day Sail is about five hours. Some voyages occur during the day, others during the evening. Depending upon the time of your sail, Niagara's cook will provide a hearty lunch or dinner for all hands. A vegetarian (not usually vegan) alternative is usually available. The menu is designed for sailors, and they require a decent meal with adequate calories, starches, vegetables, and protein for needed energy. Can I do it?This voyage is an open water adventure, which should not be construed with discomfort and hardship. Your voyage will be a fun and exciting day. Sailing can be challenging at times, particularly if the weather causes lumpy seas. Niagara is a relatively smooth-sailing ship. But please dress and hydrate accordingly. A voyage on Niagara is not a luxury sightseeing cruise and she is not a passenger ship. The United States Coast Guard has designated Niagara as a School Sailing Vessel and does not carry passengers, but students. All day sail students are required to follow the instructions of the crew, and be able to move about the deck when necessary to be clear of crewmembers as they handle the lines and sails. Students will be on deck and exposed to the weather most of the time. There are some places to sit. Niagara has steep ladders between decks and a low overhead (ceiling) below the main deck. Day sailors are cautioned to watch their footing on deck and their heads when below. Minimum age is twelve. Participants below the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and if in a group, there must be one adult for every five minors. There is no maximum age, but please be guided by the physical requirements above. All minors must have a signed parental consent/liability waiver. What to Bring• Wear soft, traction giving shoes such as sneakers, running shoes, or deck shoes. No high heels please. • Bring warm clothing. The air temperature on the lake is often less than on land. A jacket, hat and sunscreen are good ideas. • Check the weather forecast before you come. If rain is forecast, bring a raincoat or foul weather gear. No umbrellas please. Niagara will sail in the rain. • Only people with special dietary restrictions will need to bring their own meal. • No alcoholic beverages are permitted aboard Niagara. • Smoking is limited to the main deck and at certain times will not be permitted at all. • While onboard please turn off cell phones, because they diminish the traditional setting. • Do not bring radios, portable chairs, or picnic coolers. • Cameras and video recorders are encouraged. • Motion sickness is not often a problem. However, the best preparation is to be well fed, hydrated and rested prior to boarding. If you are concerned about motion sickness, we recommend you consult your physician. Medications are, of course, permitted, although most are only effective if you start taking them well in advance of departure. If you have a medical condition which should be brought to the attention of the ship's medical officer, please list it on your registration form. Where to Report• For Day Sails in ports other than Erie, contact the Niagara League office at (814) 452-2744 x222 for information. • For Day Sails in Erie, check in directly at the ship one hour prior to ship departure. Access to the pier is located on the northwest corner of the Erie Maritime Museum building. Look for the white steel gate. • Parking is available on the west side of the museum building. Please contact the Niagara League office at 814.452.2722 x222 or email sailing@flagshipniagara.org with any questions. Tuition Fees, Refunds, CancellationsDay Sail Tuition (Erie Only): Flagship Niagara League Members: $50 Pennsylvania Residents $60 Out of State Visitors $70 Day Sail Tuition (for ports other than Erie): Prices TBD by scheduler Cancellations and Refunds:The captain will make every effort to meet the ship's sailing schedule. Including delaying departure. A refund is available if on the day of the sail the voyage is cancelled by the captain or the Niagara League management. A voucher for a rescheduled sail can be issued instead. No refund will be given if at least three hours are spent underway. Full refunds will be given for day sail students cancelling more than five days prior to the sailing date. No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than five days in advance of the sailing date. If you have a reservation to sail with us and can't make it, you are encouraged to find a replacement. We'll still need a registration form and waiver signed by that person. Please notify the league office of any changes in advance of the sail date. (814.452.2744 x222) |
