What's happening at Whistling Man Schooner Company?

What's New??

April 28th, 2008

We're only a couple of weeks from launching for the 2008 season and less than a month from beginning our summer operation.  There's lots of work to be done to get the Friend Ship shipshape and we're more anxious every day.  One thing you'll notice this year is she will sport a brand new main sail and staysail.  Both new sails were expertly crafted by Bill Fastiggi and his crew at Vermont Sailing Partners in Winooski, VT. The new sails should serve us well in all kinds of wind and weather and will look quite nice too.  Another event we're really looking forward to this summer is the 2008 Lake Champlain Maritime Festival which is August 15-17th. It's a celebration of all things maritime and makes for a great time along the Burlington waterfront.  On any day there are plenty of reasons to come to the waterfront.  Give us a call and we can point out other activities and attractions that you might want to include in your plans,

August 9th, 2006

Capt. Glen at the Helm of the Lois McClure

 On Wednesday, August 9th it was my privilege to be "guest captain" aboard the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum's replica canal schooner Lois McClure.  Under the watchful eyes of Captain Erick Tichonuk and First Mate Scudder Kelvie, we enjoyed a light air trip with all sails raised and all hands on deck.  It was a real thrill for me to stand at the helm of the boat I'd watched evolve for the past 5 years.  You can learn more about the Lois McClure at: http://www.lcmm.org/our_fleet/lois_mcclure.htm , and by visiting her at her Perkins Pier berth on the Burlington waterfront.

August 14th, 2006

Friend Ship Featured on The Weather Channel

The Weather Channel was in Burlington yesterday and today for a segment on "great places to spend a late summer vacation."  Reporter Julie Martin and her camera man Chad sailed yesterday morning with us on the Friend Ship where they interviewed Capt. Glen and took lots of shots for use in a segment broadcast nationally at around 8:30 this morning.  My only regret....they had some great footage of mate Meg doing her job out on the end of the bow sprit that unfortunately didn't make it onto the air.  I was asked if this was "typical" weather for this time of the year in Vermont to which I replied of course, "there is no "typical" weather in Vermont." 

August 11th, 2006

Another (successful) marriage proposal on the Friend Ship

On the evening of Friday, August 11th Michael Dupee brought his girl friend Carmen Negron down to the boat for what she assumed was going to be just a nice sunset sail on the Friend Ship.  Little did she know what Michael and his dad, Capt. John Dupee had in store for the evening.  With Capt. John at the helm they headed out into Burlington Bay on a perfect evening enjoying the company of the other passengers, all of whom were in on the plan.  Approaching Lone Rock Point a small airplane came into view towing a banner.  "We don't see many planes towing banners around here, Carmen was heard to remark."  As the plane banked into a turn directly overhead she was able to read the "Will you marry me?" message from Mike.  Several of the passengers immediately produced musical instruments and began a serenade that lasted until they returned to the dock just after sunset.  We wish Carmen and Michael all the best.

August 19th, 2006

Friend Ship Guests Enjoy Unique View of Air Show

Saturday, August 19th marked the 60th anniversary of the Vermont Air National Guard and a huge celebration air show, "Wings Over Vermont" marked the occasion.  Featuring the Air Force Thunderbirds as well as other aerobatic performers the show took place over Burlington Bay.  Friday, under sunny skies the Thunderbirds and other performers held a practice session much of which took place directly over the Friend Ship's afternoon sail.  For the real performance on Saturday Friend Ship guests opted to forgo the noise of the shore side PA system which provided a running commentary along with patriotic music and plugs for air show sponsors.  Instead we viewed the whole show with the boat quietly sailing among the spectator boats in the outer harbor.  Undaunted by a few rain showers we watched from a unique vantage point that allowed a view far north and south on the lake where we could see the incoming jets long before they could be seen or heard by the thousands who lined the Burlington shore.  A great spectacle, a lot of fun, and I for one am glad it's over and our waterfront is returning to its laid back normal pace.

Friend Ship Hosts Visiting Musicians

A couple of the most memorable sails of this past season were with visiting  performers and support staff from bluegrass group "The Kruger Brothers"  ( www.krugerbrothers.com )and from the "Joe Bonamassa" band ( www.jbonamassa.com ).  We are big fans of both groups and heartily recommend that you check them out when they are visiting in your area. 

Members of the Joe Bonamassa band on a day off from touring and opening for B.B.King's 80th birthday tour.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Whistling Man Schooner Co.

#1 Why are you called a "Schooner Co." when you sail a sloop?  

#2 Do you serve food or drink on board?

   If eating and drinking is what you're looking for our good neighbors on the Spirit of Ethan Allen III can accommodate all   your culinary desires.  We're a relatively small  classic sailboat with pretty basic facilities so we have bottled water and maybe a few pretzels.  However, you're very welcome, and even encouraged to bring your own food and/or beverages.

#3 Can we bring small children with us on our "Friend Ship" sail?

  We welcome children as long as long as they can be fitted with a personal flotation device, otherwise known as a life jacket.  We have PFD's  (life jackets) on board for children with chest sizes as small as 15 inches.  Vermont law requires that personal flotation devices be worn by all passengers under the age of 12.

#4 What should I bring with me?

  Bring sunscreen, your camera, whatever food you might want and particularly in the evening you'll want to bring a sweater or jacket since temperatures generally drop significantly at sunset.

#5 How fast does this thing go?

  With a waterline of 26 feet we calculate her hull speed to be 6.833 statute miles per hour which converts to just over 6 knots.  However, sailing on a reach in a good blow with just the right sail combination, we've seen 8 knots on the speedo.  In your car you'd think you were standing still at this speed, but in a sailboat with only the creaks and groans of the rigging for noise it feels like a rocket sled!

#6 What about dogs?

  Yeah, what about dogs?  We like dogs, especially Pixel our Maltese boat dog who views the Friend Ship as "her own".   You are welcome to bring your well mannered pet along for the ride as long as you let us know when you make  your reservation.   If you are particularly averse to sharing the boat with man's best friend, please let us know that too when you make your reservation.    Our experience over the years has been that most dogs are at least as well mannered as their owners.     As for Pixel, she's OK with people and dogs on board...as long as they don't interrupt her nap.

#7 What if there's no wind???

  We are sailors and we look for every possible opportunity to be under sail.  We love the sound of the diesel engine shutting down and the wind in the sails.  We raise the Friend Ship's sails every time we leave the dock.  Most of the time the engine is off and we are totally under sail for the duration of the trip.  Occasionally the wind just doesn't cooperate and the Lake remains flat calm (bummer!).  We will still have sails up so we can be ready in case the wind does pipe up.  However, on those rare occasions when there just isn't any wind our trusty diesel auxiliary engine moves the Friend Ship along nicely so we can still visit all the usual points of interest and assure a pleasant trip.

#8 What is the minimum number of people you need to do a sail???

 Like I said above, we're sailors and we look for every opportunity to go sailing, so there's really no minimum number of people required.  One person is usually all the excuse we need to sail.

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