S/V Denis Sullivan prepares for a new season of sailing

MILWAUKEE -- The S/V Denis Sullivan is a 19th century-era tall ship that calls Milwaukee home, and it's about to begin a new season of sailing.

As Wisconsin's flagship and a flagship for the United Nations Environment Program, the USCG certified Sailing School Vessel Denis Sullivan, is an educational sailing vessel. The S/V Denis Sullivan is the world’s only re-creation of a 19th century three-masted Great Lakes schooner.

The S/V Denis Sullivan was completed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2000 by professional shipwrights and nearly 1,000 volunteers. Annually the S/V Denis Sullivan travels over 18,000 nautical miles a year from her summer home at Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin, along the east coast to her winter home in Southern Florida.

Damp weather on Saturday, May 26th kept the Denis Sullivan from making its grand entrance at Milwaukee's Discovery World Museum. However, from the dock, anyone of any age could take a simple deck tour of the ship -- or even sail out onto Lake Michigan as part of the crew.

"We always take volunteers on board and we like to put volunteers to work," Jimmy McManus said.

As the first mate, McManus overseas all of the laborious work that it takes to keep the ship afloat and moving. Not only does he know all of the rigging and techniques along with it, but he also has to know how to operate modern-day navigation equipment.

"This is a learning ship from science education up to maritime arts and skills," McManus said.

From kindergarten up through college, the members of the crew try to educate the Great Lakes region about the importance of the waters.

Deck tours are available most of the day on Sunday, May 27th at Discovery World. They will also set sail for two hours at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

CLICK HERE for more on the Denis Sullivan via Discovery World's website.