ESCANABA SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Aboard the 77′ Inland Seas: Three Hours of Hands-On Great Lakes Science and Sailing
A 3-hour educational sail from Escanaba on a 77′ schooner that combines seamanship with field science—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Aboard the 77′ Inland Seas: Three Hours of Hands-On Great Lakes Science and Sailing.
Climb aboard the 77′ schooner Inland Seas for a three-hour, hands-on discovery sail out of Escanaba. The program turns passengers into Great Lakes scientists—raising anchor and hoisting sails while rotating through learning stations that include trawling for fish, collecting plankton, sampling the lake bottom and performing water-quality tests.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
77′ Schooner Experience
The trip takes place aboard the 77′ schooner Inland Seas, where participants join the crew to raise anchor, hoist sails and take the helm, learning traditional seamanship while the vessel is under sail.
Hands-On Great Lakes Science
Small groups move through a series of learning stations to trawl for fish, collect plankton, sample the lake bottom and run water-quality tests—practical field science suited to curious minds and students.
Family- and Student-Friendly Adventure
The program is designed for all ages and is especially well suited to families and student groups eager for an immersive, educational outing on the Great Lakes.
What the day feels like
What the Sail Feels Like
Expect a compact, active outing: after check-in at the dock you’ll board the Inland Seas and become part of the crew. While the schooner is under sail, participants split into small groups to rotate through hands-on stations—sampling the water, deploying a trawl, examining plankton and testing water quality—then reconvene to help with seamanship tasks such as hoisting sails and steering.
THE VESSEL
77′ Schooner Experience
The trip takes place aboard the 77′ schooner Inland Seas, where participants join the crew to raise anchor, hoist sails and take the helm, learning traditional seamanship while the vessel is under sail.
THE LAB
Hands-On Great Lakes Science
Small groups move through a series of learning stations to trawl for fish, collect plankton, sample the lake bottom and run water-quality tests—practical field science suited to curious minds and students.
THE AUDIENCE
Family- and Student-Friendly Adventure
The program is designed for all ages and is especially well suited to families and student groups eager for an immersive, educational outing on the Great Lakes.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this sail is right for—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The experience runs approximately 3 hours; arrive 20–30 minutes before your scheduled departure time at the dock in front of SV Inland Seas.
Dress for cooler conditions on the water and avoid flip‑flop type shoes; layer up for changing wind and spray.
You may bring a bottle of water. Do not bring glass containers or outside food on board.
Meet at Escanaba Marina (17 Water Plant Rd) at the dock in front of SV Inland Seas; if lost or delayed call the ship phone provided in booking.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the sail?
The program lasts approximately 3 hours.
Where do I meet the boat?
Departure is from Escanaba Marina; meet at the dock in front of SV Inland Seas (Escanaba Marina, 17 Water Plant Rd, Escanaba, MI).
When should I arrive?
Please arrive 20–30 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in and board.
Can I bring food or drink?
You may bring a bottle of water. Do not bring glass containers or any outside food on board.
What should I wear?
Dress according to the weather and for cooler temperatures on the water; avoid flip-flop type shoes.
Who operates this program?
The sail is operated by the Inland Seas Education Association aboard the 77′ schooner Inland Seas.