Lake Superior Tall Ships Launches Maritime Career Program
Launching in 2026, the Introduction to Maritime Careers Program offers trainees an immersive experience aboard the tall ship Zeeto, introducing them to marine trades and career pathways on the water.
This is a 5-day adventure where trainees learn knots, sail handling, vessel operation, navigation, personal safety, seamanship and log sea time toward a Merchant Marine Credential. It’s more than a sailing trip—it’s a gateway to the marine trades and a direct head start into a living-wage career on the water.
We have a block of rooms available off site at the Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites in Chula Vista. They are, as they say in Rhode Island, side by each.
Book your room today and get the discounted attendee price. Room block releases on January 6th, after that we cannot guarantee the reduced price or availability.
This spring and fall, we were able to place 20 Tall Ships America members on board USCGC EAGLE as part of their cadet program. Our members sailed from New London, CT, to the Pacific Coast and back again through the Panama Canal. As part of the experience, we ask for personal statements and photos that we will be sharing here. This month, we hear from Dan U. who sailed the second leg from the Pacific Coast to New London:
The two most marked experiences while aboard Eagle had to be transiting the Panama Canal and sailing through the tropical depression off Cape Hatteras, NC. I think the Canal is probably on most sailor’s bucket lists. To check it off on a ship like The Barque Eagle was something I never expected. I had the privilege of being at the helm with several other TSA crew as we sailed into the Miraflores Locks, the first locks of the Canal leaving the Pacific Ocean.
After the canal, we headed north through the Caribbean Sea and up the East Coast.This is a normally-avoided region during hurricane season, but weather predictions were looking very favorable – until we reached the last leg up the East coast. As we headed north from Florida, a low-pressure system stalled over Cape Hatteras and continued to grow. For the better part of the day on 15 September, our forward progress halted, and our speed was approximately 1 kt to starboard as we fought to hold station. Winds during the strongest part of the storm were steady in the 60s with a maximum gust of 83 kts and sea states reaching over 20 feet as we passed through the north side of the storm. I don’t think I would ever choose to sail in such weather, but I am glad for the experience, nonetheless.
Thank you to the Captain and the Crew aboard America's Tall Ship USCGC EAGLE for welcoming our member sailors on board. We are proud of our long partnership with the US Coast Guard and offer the opportunity to sail on board EAGLE to our members when available.
Holiday Events at the Maritime Museum of San Diego
Did you know you can self-nominate for our Annual Awards? It's true! You can say nice things about yourself and tell us all the awesome things you have done this year!
But, make sure you get those nominations in before December 31st!
SEA CLOUD’S elite fleet of 3 tall ships combines classic sailing with a 5-star experience and 1-to-1 crew ratio. With sails hoisted entirely by hand and no modern shortcuts, every journey honors tradition, harnessing the wind.
Join us in the rhythm of traditional seamanship aboard an authentic tall ship, designed with luxury details.
Receive up to 25% off All-Inclusive Fares January - December 2026 at Sea Cloud Cruises.
The organization is run by Capt. Christopher D. Nolan, a former USCG cutterman and current USCG reservist. Among other courses, The Practical Navigator provides the following to sailors: Coast Guard Licensing, AB Sail, 100 ton Master and/or 200 ton Mate, Auxiliary Sailing Endorsement and Oceans/Celestial Navigation. The Practical Navigator has a library of license preparation courses. Courses are available online.
Tall Ships America members receive up to 80% discount on professional courses and personalized services.
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