Join the Crew

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Feel the water beneath you and the wind in your sails when you join the volunteer crew of Friends Good Will at the Michigan Maritime Museum. Whether a seasoned sailor or complete novice, this course prepares you for sailing aboard a traditional Great Lakes sloop.  Experience the freedom and embrace the lore of an exciting bygone era during this educational tall ship journey. Tour the museum complex and learn of Michigan’s fascinating maritime heritage. 
 
Do you enjoy being on the water? Do you enjoy meeting new people? Do you enjoy learning new things? Do you enjoy testing your mettle a bit? Have you ever felt the allure of the sails of old?  Would you like to crew on a tall ship?  Now, you can do all these things here in West Michigan. 

The Michigan Maritime Museum is offering Basic Seamanship Training aboard their replica tallship Friends Good Will. The program consists of both classroom and on-water training. Participants must complete both training weekends (April 25-26,2020 and  May 16-17, 2020) to be considered for crew. The course is free to participants. Museum membership required. Limit of 20 people.

Sailing a traditionally rigged vessel is rewarding experience.  The crew and staff will help to teach everyone from grade schoolers to lifelong maritime buffs about maritime history, science, team building, and appreciation for our Great Lakes.  As Friends Good Will takes Museum visitors out on sails, an extraordinary world is opened up to them.   And, because we teach, we also learn, and grow; a truly rewarding experience. 

The museum is dedicated to the preservation of Michigan Great Lakes waterways, maritime history and culture. Upon completion of Basic Seamanship Training, you will become an official crewmember and can volunteer for as many sails as you like throughout the sailing season. On our vessels, we’re more than just a boat ride. Join our crew and make history come alive!

For more information, contact the volunteer coordinator at the Michigan Maritime Museum