Manitou​/Scout Relief Captain Traverse Tall Ship Sail North

Start: 18 May 2026 End: 6 September 2026

Final date to receive applications: 1 March 2026

Traverse Tall Ship Company is seeking a Captain to serve aboard both Schooner Manitou and Sailing Yacht Scout. Manitou is an inspected, steel-hulled, gaff-topsail schooner 77 feet LOA, and Scout is a Cabo Rico 38 that operates as an uninspected vessel. Both vessels are based in the thriving tourist town of Traverse City, Michigan. They conduct multiple sails each day on the waters of Grand Traverse Bay.

Schooner Manitou operates seven days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day, offering between three and four public sails per day, with brunch cruises on the weekends, and occasional themed sails. All sails run from the vessel’s home berth at Discovery Pier, with extensive shore support.

Scout operates seven days a week from Memorial Day through early October, sailing multiple times per day from her well-appointed marina berth. The goal of all excursions is for all passengers to have an experience onboard that can serve as the capstone of their vacation or summer.

The Captain is responsible for safe and efficient operations, ensuring excellent passenger interactions, and vessel upkeep. Aboard Manitou, the Captain will further the crew’s development as mariners with training and instruction as often as possible. All crew are expected to be highly attentive to vessel presentation, maintain the highest level of professionalism and customer service, and abide by all training and safety protocols, as outlined in the crew handbook and company policies.

• Auxiliary Sail-endorsed 100 GRT Great Lakes or Near Coastal Master’s License required
• STCW NOT required
• Previous command time preferred but not essential
• Prior experience aboard traditional sailing vessels highly preferred
• CPR/First Aid certification required (can be arranged after hiring)
• Valid driver’s license highly preferred

$5,800 to $8,250 monthly

• Monthly salary, plus significant gratuities ~$100 per day (included in pay range as displayed)
• Room and board on Manitou
• Two days off per week
• Travel stipend up to $315
• License insurance stipend

• License
  
  Required:
  
  Master
• Tonnage: 100 tons
• Where Sails:
  Great Lakes

Contact Person:
Captain Jamie Trost –

Application Requirements:
Resume, References, Cover Letter