BAY CITY, MI -- A select group of teenagers can spend part of their summer vacation sailing the Great Lakes on a tall ship for free.
BaySail, the Bay City nonprofit that owns the Appledore IV tall ship, is offering a training program to twelve teens from Bay, Midland, Saginaw or Isabella Counties at no cost. Windward Bound voyages are scheduled for July 8-11 from Bay City to Sandusky, Ohio and from July 29-Aug. 1 from Bay City to Rogers City.
The costs to participate in the voyages are being sponsored by two BaySail benefactors, Gretta Monville, of Bay City, and Sue Sozanski, of Midland.
Windward Bound is a co-educational, live-aboard voyage experience for teenagers 14-18. Six trainees sail on each voyage aboard the 85-foot schooner Appledore IV. The training program focuses on seamanship and freshwater science, teaching the art of traditional sailing, and studying the ecology of the Great Lakes.
Trainees stand a regular watch and learn every aspect of running the ship from navigation to meal preparation. The Appledore IV anchors each night at one of the many secluded coves on the Great Lakes.
Find applications online at www.baysailbaycity.org. Applications must be submitted by April 15. Trainees will be notified of acceptance by April 20.