About Us

Founded in 1987, Traverse Traverse Tall Ship Company has been offering traditional sailing cruises for longer than any other organization in the Grand Traverse. The company operates the 114’ Schooner Manitou—the largest traditional traditional vessel in the Michigan—and the Sailing Yacht Scout. Both vessels are based in Traverse City, Michigan, and from late May through early September, they both offer multiple sailing experiences each day. In September, Manitou also embarks on a series of multi-day overnight “windjammer” cruises ranging from one to five nights in length, and traveling through the northwest Michigan coast. Scout continues day sailing until early October.

Manitou can accommodate up to 59 passengers on day sails, and offers afternoon ice cream sails, evening sails, weekend brunch cruises, and Cultural Connection sails that give unique presentations of local native culture, wildlife, and traditional music. On her windjammer trips, she can berth up to 24 passengers and plies the local waters under sail by day, and anchors in serene coves each night.

Scout offers private experiences for up to six passengers to explore the waters of West Grand Traverse Bay, or simply bask in the sun while cruising along on summer breezes.

Under new ownership since 2022, the current, mostly female, team is dedicated to every sail offering passengers both an amazing outdoor experience, and a deeper connection to the landscape and culture of the Grand Traverse.