The S/V Denis Sullivan is a 137-ft three-masted recreation of a 19^th century Great Lakes cargo schooner. Celebrating its 10^th year of operation in 2010, the Denis Sullivan sails the Great Lakes as well as into the Atlantic and Caribbean.

Great Lakes United is proud to have the Denis Sullivan as its flagship in the Great Lakes United TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE 2010®. This majestic vessel is a unique link between the past, present and future of the lakes and the teaching programs run by the knowledgeable crew represent one of the keys to the future of these lakes. Education is essential to the protection of the precious Great Lakes waters, and the Denis Sullivan is taking a lead role in this regard.

The ship offers an intensive, adventure-based, academic program designed to provide high school students, as well as college age and older, an opportunity to live and work aboard the Denis Sullivan. Students participate actively in all ship’s operations while investigating the different features of the marine environment.

It is also an experiential study of history and culture viewed through the maritime lens. The voyage is a real-world application for the knowledge students have attained, but have yet to apply. Major topics include: introduction to fresh and salt water ecology, nautical science, maritime studies, seamanship and natural resources. Additional topics covered included: team building, personal reflection, journaling and life skills’ enhancement.

Sailing on a tall ship provides a rare opportunity for students to live and work as real explorers in the spirit of the 19th century voyagers they otherwise can only read about. They can take aspects from over a century ago and apply them to the 21^st century.

Many residents of Great Lakes communities lack the resources to make informed decisions about environmental issues that directly affect their quality of life. The integrity of the Great Lakes and freshwater resources around the globe are threatened by loss and degradation of habitat, urban growth, the invasion of exotic species, and the cycling of toxic chemicals and pollutants. Sailing on the Great Lakes links these communities together and fosters the sense of pride that is crucial to overcoming these ecological challenges. The Denis Sullivan’s journey across the lakes during the Great Lakes United TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® will remind all of us why these lakes are absolutely worth protecting.