Stimulate Your Senses with Multi-Day Sailing Excursions on Grand Traverse Bay Aboard Tall Ship Manitou

03-03-2009

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich) – Make your autumn vacation a true experience in 2009, with a multi-day windjammer cruise aboard the Tall Ship Manitou, based out of Traverse City, Michigan. From astronomy to music and wine to chocolate, you’ll find these unique excursions on Grand Traverse Bay provide a wealth of opportunities to relax and recharge.

 

• Astronomy Cruise (September 11-14, 2009) – Let the stars guide your adventures on Grand Traverse Bay with amateur astronomer and Hillsdale College professor Mark Nussbaum, who returns as our guide as we study the brilliant northern Michigan heavens.
  
  

• Wine Tasting Cruise (September 18-21, 2009) – 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.
  
  

·         Artisan Chocolate & Storytelling Cruise (September 25-28, 2009) – Plain on a truly unforgettable weekend of mouth-watering creations and amazing myths, legends and stories with local chocolatier Mimi Wheeler, owner of “The Grocer’s Daughter” and her husband, Norm of “The Beach Bards”.  

 

·         Great Lakes Folk Music Cruise (October 2-5, 2009) – Join us as we welcome back renowned folk singer Lee Murdock for his annual four day sail, featuring Great Lakes music, history, and lore. 

 

Captain Dave McGinnis, owner of the Traverse Tall Ship Company LLC, said the extended sailing excursions provide a unique experience for those looking for a different type of Northern Michigan adventure. Packages are $675 per person and include all meals, overnight accommodations and unlimited rest and relaxation.

 

“Life aboard the Manitou is fun and informal,” said Captain Dave. “The object here is to slow down and take things as they come. Many folks have told us that this is the best stress reliever they have ever found.”

 

Manitou is a replica of an 1800s “coasting” cargo schooner and is one of the largest sailing ships on the Great Lakes. 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 capacity, there is plenty of space for sitting and moving around the decks while under sail. Overnight accommodations for the Windjammer excursions are limited to 24 in 12 double bunk-style cabins.

 

“All of the cabins and entries have plenty of headroom and windows which can be opened for ventilation,” said Captain Dave. “Passengers look after their own cabins and keep them ‘shipshape.’”

 

The wind is your guide during these multi-day excursions, as you travel to the islands, bays and coastal villages of Northern Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. The four day extended cruise allows guests the time to really get in to the rhythm of life aboard the ship.

 

“The wind and weather conditions help determine our course,” Captain Dave said. “After a good day of sailing we drop anchor at one of a variety of possible destinations including Beaver Island, the Manitou Islands, Petoskey or in and around Grand Traverse Bay.”

 

While aboard the Manitou, guests are free to leave the sailing to the experienced crew or lend a hand and learn the arts of the sailor. After the ship tucks into a snug anchorage for the evening, guests can take out the sea kayaks for a little exploration. Beach combing is special fun for those who would like to further enjoy the beauty of many of Northwest Michigan destinations. A wealth of islands, bays and coastal villages are within your reach aboard the Manitou.

 

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.

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