The Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven is seeking volunteers for this summer, including those who could serve as sailors aboard its flagship, the Friends Good Will. Ship Captain and Michigan Maritime Museum Commander of the Fleet Bob Harnish tells WSJM News volunteers must participate in the museum’s Basic Seamanship Training program.
“It’s comprised of two weekends, one weekend in April and one weekend in May, and once they complete that training, they are ready to volunteer for the tall ship,” Harnish said.
Volunteers learn what they need to be the crew aboard the Friends Good Will. Harnish says they’ll be spending some of the summer on Lake Michigan.
“Friends Good Will sails daily up to seven days a week midsummer up to four times a day, taking our regional, local, and out of state visitors on 90 minute sails out on to Lake Michigan.”
Harnish says the training consists of both classroom and on-water components and is specific to the tall ship. Seamanship skills, sail handling, setting sails, and a solid introduction to sailing the tall ship are all part of the training. He notes the museum is looking for other kinds of volunteers as well as it prepares to unveil its new renovations. To register for seamanship training, email Captain Harnish.
To register contact captain@mimaritime.org
