I just finished with the Lady's two week training program: Two Weeks Before the Mast, and it was the experience of a lifetime!
If you ever had the idea you'd like to be a sailor, this is your opportunity for first hand experience.
For two weeks you'll live and work aboard learning sail theory, maritime history, and participating in the educational programs they offer to the public.
I also learned all aspects of daily life of a 17th Century replica ship: I hauled sails, swabbed the decks, polished the brass, and, best of all, climbed the rigging! What an amazing experience!
Now that I've completed my two weeks, I am welcome back as a volunteer any time space is available!
I highly recommend the experience! Google Two Weeks Before the Mast for more info.
As a side note, I was aboard when disgruntled gentleman below left his one star review, and I would like to offer a more complete perspective.
These tall ships were never meant to be tied to a dock; they were meant to drop anchor in a harbor and transport cargo, crew and passengers by rowing them to and from shore in a small boat - neither practical nor necessary in today's world.
As such, docking them can be a dangerous experience which requires complete concentration and focus.
Our officers are highly trained, well experienced, and thoroughly familiar with the ins ans outs of this very specialized boat.
To presume they needed "friendly advice from a fellow sailor" on the dock (just because he owns a Chris-Craft) is in itself presumptuous and the height of hubris - regardless of gender.
Even after the man was thanked and told it wasn't necessary several times, he still persisted in offering his unwelcome advice and suggestions while the docking was taking place.
It took the first mate becoming terse and insistent with him before he took the hint, and even then he continued to badger the deck hands who were lashing dock lines with his advice on how best to do it.
The one-star review he left speaks more to his own insecurities at being told his advice was not necessary and finally not welcome than it does to the officers aboard the Lady who are at all times professional and dedicated when the safety and well-being of their ship is at stake. read more