Celebrating 42 years on the Great Lakes!

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42 years of Service on the Great Lakes

What We Do.

  • SAIL Champion

    Champion has over 120 youth cross her decks a year, as well as social workers in our “Halyards for Healers” program and specialized all day adventures with the Traverse Bay Outrigger Canoe Club. A versatile vessel designed to be the “Ultimate Cruising Machine” in 1968. Champion has helped thousands feel comfortable and confident out on the water.

  • Schooner Madeline

    Madeline has visited over 100 ports in the Great Lakes as the Goodwill Ambassador of the state of Michigan and the City of Traverse City. Locally, she takes out members of the community on the bay to connect with our regions water and history. Serving over 200 families a year and local non-profit groups such as Child and Family Services and our local Scouts.

  • Skill Building Activities

    Getting on the water is a luxury that most of our local population cannot afford. We operate with an all volunteer crew and welcome anyone to join us. Additionally, we host classes that allow people to develop their skills for their own on the water adventures. The Great Lakes are powerful teachers, and allowing people of all ages to develop a sense of self-reliance strengthens our community.

  • In Shop Activities

    Wood ships are hard work, and we do all of our maintenance. There are not many boatyards left int he world that can re-deck a schooner or make a new mast. We do all of that and more to keep our vessels safe and sailing. During the week we host a group of youth to learn basic skills, or a group from Grand Traverse Industries to learn something new, and showcase their new skills by building a ship model.

Become a Monthly Donor!

Monthly donations help us offset the rising costs of rent and dockage. Since Covid, it is has been a struggle to increase our income while expanding our educational opportunities. Help us by becoming a monthly donor. The first 40 monthly donors of $20.00 or more will receive a special gift handcrafted in Traverse City by Clay Maas Creative.* These will be stamped with your name on the bottom (or the side if you prefer)

Simply Click the Donate button below and select “monthly”.

We are aiming for 40 monthly donors for our 40th anniversary!

*Please note that these are all one-of-kind pieces and variations occur.

The Maritime Heritage Alliance is a 501c3 dedicated to Preserving and Teaching Great Lakes Maritime History

We Restore, Re-create, and use the vessels in our fleet to promote a knowledge of local history as well as helping individuals from all walks of life develop skills to promote a sense of self-reliance.

The Maritime Heritage Alliance started with a vision within a small group of friends. Proving that pursuing a dream can create a powerful thing. Now, you can learn traditional maritime skills onboard our ships or in our shops. We are open to all.

Step Aboard our Schooner!

Dusty Klifman “Blue Eyes Below” made this video of Madeline this summer while investigating what a windlass looks like above the surface. We love it, and it gives you a great glimpse of what it’s like on board!

Join Dusty Klifman as he talks about our flagship, our Schooner Madeline!

"Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.”