Schooner American Spirit

NMHF’s schooner American Spirit provides charters, serves as a floating classroom for students through its maritime education program and provides individual member cruises.This season, NMHF introduces its special Boating & Baseball Charter as well!.

The American Spirit is a gaffed, sixty-five foot schooner that the National Maritime Heritage Foundation restored as a community resource for the DC area.  This classic vessel sails the Washington DC waters of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers.It is certified by the US Coast Guard to carry between 40 and 45 passengers.!

Charters

Bring your crew back to the Age of Sail! Our schooner may be chartered any time of day throughout the week and weekends.  Wine and cheese parties are a favorite!  Kids (and adults) can “heave-ho” the lines to raise sails and steer the vessel.  Departure is from Gangplank Marina, at 600 Water Street, SW, Washington DC. (3 blocks from Waterfront Station).

Contact Alana Rediker for more information at arediker@nmhf.org or 202-547-1250.

Schooner Education Program

Unique to the National Capital region, American Spirit offers three-hour educational tours exploring the maritime life of Washingtonians in the 1800’s. This program allows students to gain a greater appreciation for the history of maritime Washington while moving through a variety of learning stations that reinforce classroom subjects including mathematics, physics, geography, language arts and music.

American Spirit functions as a learning museum, presenting the critical role that sailing vessels played in the development of America through hands-on experiences.

American Spirit provides a dynamic learning environment and educational platform for students throughout the national capital area.

To learn more, contact Rob Bader at rbader@nmhf.org or 202-547-1250.

Member Cruises

The American Spirit is hosting Friday evening sails every other week from 6:00pm-8:30pm for NMHF members and prospective members. Sign up today for a unique and relaxing view of Washington DC from the deck of a classic-rigged sailing ship!

How to sign up:

Reservations are necessary. Just call 202-547-1250 or email arediker@nmhf.org and we will hold a spot for you. Sails are open to all.

Cost:

• NMHF Members: First cruise is free for the member and family. Later cruises are $15 for each member and each family member.
• Non-Members: $50, credited as a one-year basic NMHF membership. Subsequent cruises are $15 for the member and each individual family member. Click here to sign up for an NMHF membership.

Upcoming Schedule:

Boating and Baseball Double Header!

Our "Boating and Baseball Double Header for Two" cruises are booked for the season, but you can still charter the American Spirit for your own Boating and Baseball cruise.

Set your sights on a one of a kind sailing, sporting adventure. You and a group of up to 35 will begin with a sail aboard the schooner, American Spirit, docked at the Gangplank Marina in the DC Southwest Waterfront. Bring some beer or wine to enjoy while sailing past our nation's monuments and memorials down to Old Town Alexandria. Return back to the dock right in time for the game, just a short walk up to the new Nationals stadium where we will provide you tickets for a great night of baseball with the Nat's

• Enjoy an exhilarating afternoon of sailing teamed up with the excitement of a Nationals game in their new stadium
• Begin by arriving at the Gangplank Marina docks and step aboard the American Spirit
• After returning back to the Gangplank Marina, walk the half mile to the new stadium
• Grab your mitt and take your seats - exclusive block of seats ranging from box seats to outfield bleacher seats puts you in the heart of the action
• Head back to your car or the metro and go home with your memories of an adventurous, sports-filled day
• Please see below for available dates and e-mail Alana Rediker at arediker@nmhf.org to reserve your charter.