About BaySail

BaySail is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to fostering environmental stewardship of the Saginaw Bay Watershed and the Great Lakes ecosystem. We provide unique educational experiences for learners of all ages, both aboard our majestic schooner, the Appledore IV, and through land-based programs. We offer a variety of public sailing experiences, including scenic daysails and sunset cruises, alongside our educational programs.

Our mission is to cultivate a deep appreciation for the Great Lakes by creating awareness, preserving maritime traditions, and inspiring environmental stewardship. We believe that experiencing the Great Lakes firsthand, whether through a leisurely public sail or an immersive science program, ignites a passion for this invaluable resource.

Our Programs

BaySail offers a variety of programs designed to engage and educate:

• Public Sails: We offer a variety of public sails, including our educational "Great Lakes 101" daysail and classic sunset sails, providing memorable experiences while introducing passengers to the ship's history and the importance of environmental stewardship. Crucially, our public sails play a vital role in supporting our mission. These sails not only generate essential revenue to fund our educational programs, but also serve as a platform to educate the public about the Great Lakes' unique ecosystem and the importance of its preservation. Every passenger, whether enjoying a serene sunset or learning about local ecology on a daysail, becomes an ambassador for our mission, spreading awareness and fostering a deeper connection to the Great Lakes.

• Science Under Sail: This hands-on, inquiry-based STEM program immerses 3rd-12th graders in the ecology of the Saginaw Bay. Students participate in interactive modules, collect and analyze samples, and learn about the interconnectedness of the ecosystem.

• Windward Bound: This week-long sail training program for 14-18 year olds provides a unique opportunity to learn traditional sailing skills, develop leadership and teamwork abilities, and experience the beauty and challenges of life at sea.

The Appledore IV

The Appledore IV is a beautiful 85-foot schooner with a rich history. Originally commissioned by Herb and Doris Smith for world voyages, she is the fourth in a series of schooners built for adventure. The Smiths' experiences aboard the Appledore schooners are chronicled in their books "Dreams of Natural Places" and "Sailing Three Oceans."

Built with a sturdy steel hull and equipped for cold-weather sailing, the Appledore IV was intended to journey to Antarctica. However, a crew member's injury altered those plans. The schooner's name, Appledore, is a tribute to Doris Smith's childhood home on Appledore Island, off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine.

In 1998, BaySail acquired the Appledore IV, bringing her to Bay City, Michigan. Since then, she has served as a floating classroom, sail training vessel, and ambassador for the Great Lakes. She has hosted countless students, trainees, and public sail passengers, sharing the wonders of the Great Lakes and inspiring a love for sailing and environmental stewardship.

Our Future

BaySail is committed to expanding our educational programming and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Appledore IV. We envision a future where our programs reach even more students, fostering a new generation of environmental stewards and maritime professionals.