Is prior sailing experience required?

No, the program is designed for beginners and students with all experience levels.

What age groups can participate?

Schoolship programs primarily serve students from late elementary through high school.

Are meals provided during the trip?

Meals are typically not provided; participants should bring their own snacks and water.

Can parents or guardians join the adventure?

This program is primarily educational for students, but some sessions may allow adult chaperones; check with Inland Seas Education Association for details.

What should participants bring?

Wear layers, non-slip shoes, bring sun protection, a water bottle, and a notebook for taking notes.

Is the program available year-round?

The sailing programs run seasonally from spring through fall, with winter reserved for indoor activities.

Sailing Schoolship Adventure in Suttons Bay, Michigan | Tallship | Sailing

Embark on an unforgettable learning journey with Inland Seas Education Association’s Schoolship Registration in Suttons Bay, Michigan. This private outdoor adventure offers students and participants a unique chance to step aboard a tall ship schooner and become scientists for the day. As you sail the pristine waters of the Great Lakes, you’ll engage in hands-on ecological activities that explore aquatic life, water quality, and environmental stewardship. The experienced crew and educators guide you through real scientific sampling methods, making it an immersive and educational experience. Beyond the classroom on the water, the trip fosters a deep connection to the Great Lakes ecosystem, inspiring a lifelong commitment to protecting this vital resource. Perfect for school groups or private learners, this experience combines adventure, education, and conservation awareness in a fun and interactive setting. Whether you’re observing native fish species, testing water chemistry, or navigating the schooner’s rigging, every moment aboard Inland Seas’ Schoolship offers a chance to appreciate the natural beauty and complexity of the Great Lakes. Throughout the day, participants develop critical thinking skills and teamwork, all while enjoying fresh air and stunning scenery. If you're in Suttons Bay or planning a trip around Michigan's beautiful northern coastline, this program is a must-try for anyone passionate about nature and hands-on science.

About Inland Seas Education Association

Inland Seas Education Association provides immersive Great Lakes education through hands-on sailing trips, STEM programs, and group lodging. Operating historic tall ships including the 105' schooner Alliance and the 77' schooner Inland Seas, the organization delivers public sails, schoolship science expeditions, night sky cruises, and watershed exploration programs that connect participants with lake ecology.

Programs offered include Schoolship registration aboard both Alliance and Inland Seas, four-hour student research cruises where learners collect and analyze aquatic samples, and fisheries netting sails that support Michigan DNR research. The ROV Engineer and Explore program guides students to design, build, and operate remotely operated vehicles, blending engineering practice with marine stewardship. Public experiences include Night Sail events in Traverse City and Suttons Bay and Schooner Showcase sails that place guests among majestic tall ships on Grand Traverse Bay. For residential groups, dormitory lodging at the Capt. Thomas M. Kelly Biological Station accommodates up to 12 guests in a quiet Suttons Bay setting.

The organization emphasizes curriculum-aligned lessons, certified instructors, and partnerships with regional researchers to ensure educational rigor and safety. By combining authentic sailing with hands-on science, Inland Seas Education Association fosters environmental stewardship, inspires future scientists and mariners, and offers repeatable programs tailored to school groups, families, and adult learners.

Participants can expect professional crew, clearly defined learning objectives, and opportunities to contribute real data to regional research efforts.