Daniel Webster Clements - Wooden Sailing Vessel Coastal Cruises

Our Nautical Adventure Program is designed to challenge, build self-confidence and develop leadership skills in youth. Voyaging aboard a traditional sailing vessel is a unique and effective environment for learning, working, and playing together.

Upon arrival at the schooner, participants are divided into 4 teams or “crews”. Each is designated by a colored bandanna. Using the traditional naval watch system “crews” begin rotating the duties and thrills of sailing an historic wooden vessel as they undertake their exciting voyage along Florida’s Emerald Coast.

As members of the crew, together they learn skills in sailing, steerage, seamanship and navigation. Crew members prepare the meals, clean and stow the cabins, decks and galley…all part of the traditional nautical experience.

The hands-on nature of the program intensifies when they learn the basics of sailing in two identical traditional wooden sailing dories that we carry along with us. Not only are the “crews” challenged in sailing and navigating the schooner, but when at anchor crew members participate in instruction, and fun, competitive activities in the dories. Training in both the schooner and the smaller vessels is an exciting and effective combination. It’s a learning process guaranteed to further personal and team responsibility.

Depart our docks Sunday Afternoon and return to Destin around noon Thursday. We sail eastward the full length of Choctawhatchee Bay, pass through the intercoastal canal to West Bay, and sail into St. Andrews Bay to Shell Island. Shell Island is an uninhabited barrier island accessible only by boat. While at anchor off the island crew members enjoy some of the best snorkeling the Emerald Coast has to offer. We’ll see blue crab, hermit crab, sea urchins, starfish, rays and a variety of fish that inhabit the submerged grasses. We’ll explore the beaches, find shells, swim in the Gulf surf, enjoy sailing the dories and swimming from the schooner. The food is great too!

Sails mid-May and mid-August 2008
We accommodate up to 16 participants and a maximum of 4 adult leaders.
The total cost is $8800. Click here to check availability

Weekends

This cruise is designed for groups that live within a casual drive to Destin. It departs our docks Friday, mid to late afternoon and returns to Destin around noon Sunday. We begin by heading out into the Gulf of Mexico to catch the sun setting beneath the waves before cruising to our protected overnight anchorage. We will sail eastward and navigate breathtaking and varied Choctawhatchee Bay, enjoying numerous anchorages. Crew members will enjoy some great snorkeling in the Pass, explore enchanting bayous, enjoy rowing games, sailing and swimming at each anchorage…all the nautical fun and learning we can pack into an outdoor weekend you will always remember!

Sails mid-May and mid-August 2008
We accommodate up to 16 participants and a maximum of 4 adult leaders.
The total coast is $5500. Click here to check availability

Learn the fundamentals of sailing, learn to read nautical charts and navigate the schooner through channels and open water. Learn how to row. Learn how to snorkel safely. Learn how to tie seaman’s knots, splice lines, and handle block and tackle. Learn how to steer at the wheel of an historic wooden sailing schooner and how to handle the tiller of a traditional sailing dory. Learn about the weather and how to safely prepare for a boating outing. Learn about our nautical history…YOUR Nautical Heritage!

Proudly a member of the American Sail Training Association since 1999, a non-profit organization devoted to the development, support and promotion of sail training and education under sail and is the oldest of the 19 national affiliates of the International Sail Training Association. Different from learning to sail, sail training enables learning from sailing.