I had the opportunity to train on the Friends Good Will in anticipation of becoming part of her crew. The Friends Good Will sails out of South Haven, Michigan at the Michigan Maritime Museum. Each year, there is a training program sponsored by the museum to add qualified crew to the ranks of volunteers. It was a unique opportunity that I took advantage.

The Friends Good Will is a replica of the ship (of the same name) that plied the waters of the Great Lakes before and during the War of 1812. She was a fur trade ship and was captured during a stop over at Fort Mackinac right after the British took the fort, but were still flying American colors. She was then captured by the Americans at the Battle of Lake Erie. Friends Good Will is a top sail sloop.

She was built at Scarano Boatbuilding, Inc. in Albany, New York an set sail on August 29, 2004. Scarano Boatbuilding was chosen as the builder because they are considered a leader in building historic replicas using modern wood laminate construction. While no one knows exactly how the original Friends Good Will looked, research uncovered enough data that the finished replica might fool even some of the original crew.

While built of modern materials, the rigging functions in an entirely traditional manner with no modern power assists. The vessel is equipped with a modern navigation system and engine.

Sparred Length: 101′

Length on Deck: 56′ 5″

Beam: 16′ 10″

Draft: 8′ 9″

Mast: 80′

Sail Area: 3,180 sqft

If you are interested in sailing on the Friends Good Will, she sails daily from the dock at the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven. Go here for tickets – https://tickets.michiganmaritimemuseum.org/