To be on deck for one of the world’s most unique sailing experiences you won’t have to look too far this summer. The tall ship Sørlandet, normally sailing to far away ports around the world’s oceans, is offering sailors and non-sailors alike the opportunity to experience life aboard one of the world’s most majestic tall ships as it sails the Great Lakes. The Sørlandet is a 210 foot 1927 Class “A” square-rigged tall ship chartered by Class Afloat – a Canadian high school taught on the high seas.

Sørlandet’s guest crew will experience all aspects of authentic tall ship sailing. Whether they have never sailed before or are seasoned sailors looking for a once in a lifetime sailing experience – the Sørlandet’s professional mariner crew will teach them the ropes – all 200 of them! Guest sailors can go aloft in the rig to set and stow sails, stand watch, take the helm, or help the galley crew prepare a meal. It’s all part of daily life aboard a tall ship.  Participation in all aspects of sail training is based on their interests and ability.

“I am delighted to bring the Sørlandet into the Great Lakes this summer. Even the most experienced sailor will feel the thrill of tall ship sailing aboard the Sørlandet, one of the world’s most majestic tall ships.  Visiting the Tall Ships Challenge Great Lakes 2013 port festivals as a tall ship crew member will make the experience just that more memorable,” says David Jones, President of Class Afloat, the organization offering the Sørlandet’s summer sailing program.

“Whether it’s the historic and scenic waterways of the Thousand Islands and St. Lawrence River, spectacular Lake Superior, a starry night on Lake Huron, a tall ship race or a fleet Parade of Sail into some of North America’s great cities – sailing the Great Lakes on one of the world’s most majestic tall ships is a unique summer experience.”

The Sørlandet is offering one or two week programs for the general public and two youth leadership programs.  The program includes daily sail training, and all meals aboard the ship.

For more information about the Tall Ships Summer Program go to www.sailtall.com
About the Sørlandet and Class Afloat
The Sørlandet is a 210 foot 1927 Class “A” square-rigged tall ship. Fully restored in the summer of 2012, it sails with a professional mariner crew of ten.  Nine months of the year it is home and a classroom for Class Afloat – a private school offering fully accredited senior high school and university programs while sailing to 20 ports on four continents.   Class Afloat is based in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada. Spaces are available for the 2013-14 school year.  More information is at www.classafloat.com.

About the Great Lakes Tall Ships Challenge 2013
Last seen in 2010, the tall ships are returning to the Great Lakes in the summer of 2013 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the major military events of the War of 1812 that took place in the Great Lakes and to promote awareness of the Lakes’ ecosystems and fresh water conservation. More information is at www.sailtraining.org/tallships/2013greatlakes/index.php.