Overview & Mission

Multi-Day Summer Program

Ages 9 – 13
Sessions Vary – call for more information

Watch your young adventurer become a self-sufficient, confident, and skilled sailor before your eyes! Over this 4 – 5 day program, participants will “learn the ropes” through hands-on discovery on the tall ship Spirit of Buffalo. Participants will engage in a classic “sail training” program that teaches responsibility, teamwork, confidence and skills in sailing and seamanship. Some of the skills and activities participants will engage in include the following:
  • Steering and Helmsmanship
  • Chart Navigation
  • Aids to Navigation and Piloting
  • Docking Procedures
  • Basics of Sailing
  • Sail Theory
  • Knots and Line Handling
  • Line Throwing Contest
  • Emergency Procedures and Drills
  • Climbing the Rig and Rig Safety
  • Anchoring
  • Kayaking
  • Small-Boat Sailing and Rowing
At the end of the week, your adventurer will be an Able Bodied Seaman, ready to take the helm of the ship and their lives with confidence! For more information on the history of sail-training programs, visit the American Sail Training website.

Cost

Call for prices

Time

9:00 am – 4:00 pm each day, Monday – Friday.
Call for this year’s session dates.

Location and Parking

The Spirit of Buffalo is docked at the Canal Side/Central Wharf, next to the Erie County Naval and Serviceman’s Park. For school bus requests, please use the following address:

1 Naval Park Cove
Buffalo, NY 14202

If you are running late or need additional directions the day of your program, please call Kate Hilliman, Program Director at (716) 796-8393. Buses and cars may park in a number of paid parking ramps and lots near Canal Side. Free parking is available in the large lot on Erie Street and the intersection of Marine Drive and Erie Street.

Weather

All programs are held rain or shine, except in the case of extreme weather. Cancellations due to normal weather are your choice. BUOE will provide high-quality raingear for students in the event of cold weather and/or rain. Please click HERE for our cancellation/refund policy.

Please remind your students to wear layered clothing, as the weather is often cooler on the water, especially during the spring months. Winter hats, gloves and jackets are a good idea in May and even June!

If extreme conditions do develop during the day and we chose to return to the dock, additional indoor programming will be arranged.

Lifejackets

All participants under the age of 18 must wear a Type III life vest.

Spirit of Buffalo No Child Left Inside Children Nature Network