Some years ago, we tried to take the train from our suburb into Chicago for a Tall Ships festival, and the train was so packed that we not only couldn’t get on (especially with a stroller at the time) but we threw in the towel altogether, figuring it would be a madhouse at the other end and/or on the return trip. So we were delighted to see the tall ships just across the state line in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Yes, there were only seven rather than (if the most recent Chicago version in 2016 is any indication) 14, and yes, in only two cases could you get a look at the cabin rather than just the deck, but we still enjoyed ourselves immensely.
With that said, here’s the Bluenose II, a reconstruction of a Grand Banks fishing schooner with its home port in Nova Scotia.
Here’s the U.S. Brig Niagara, home port Erie, PA, a reconstruction of the original Niagara upon which Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry defeated the British in the Battle of Lake Erie. The ship now offers a “sail training program” for teens and adults (typical rate: $1,800 for 2 weeks) in which the trainees are instructed by the professional crew while they sail the Great Lakes.
And last but not least, the Barque Picton Castle. Same deal as the Niagara, in terms of professional crew and “trainees” but the Picton Castle is privately owned, and the voyages costlier but also longer, and will include, in 2020 – 2021, a year-long “Voyage of the Atlantic.” The website says that adults of any age can and do participate, and that most are “under 35,” but the folks we saw were clearly doing this as an early-retirement adventure.
Sorry, there’s just the one picture, but it was pretty cool that the wind was light enough for them to have the sails at least partially unfurled.
So that’s that. Hope you enjoyed some part of your weekend!
All photos courtesy my husband, er, Mr. Actuary.
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