For over 35 years, Schooner has brought Long Island Sound alive in the minds of children and adults throughout Connecticut. Get involved with one of the many programs at Schooner including SEA Camps, CT Coastal Classrooms (K-12 Education Programs), Harbor Adventures (Public Sails, Charters & Community Boating), or Sound Communities (Volunteer & Public Opportunities).
Mission :
Schooner promotes Environmental Literacy & Character Development through Education and Public Access to Long Island Sound.
History:
In 1975, four men (and the greater New Haven community) began Schooner Inc. It's first goal - restore a 57-foot ship, Trade Wind, to sail Long Island Sound bringing attention to Long Island Sound and its plight. At a time when the Clean Water Act (1972) was starting to make a difference in the waters across the nation, Schooner was modeled after folk singer, Pete Seeger's Clearwater. Original Board President, Ralph Halsey, explained to "use the Sound region as its living laboratory. [We] are developing school, civic, and member programs for use onboard Trade Wind to directly involve thousands of people in the sailing and research experience each year from April to November."
Since that time, Schooner has grown - reaching over 8,000 people each year with Public Sails, Summer Camps, Charters, and other events. Through partnerships with the University of New Haven as well as other environmental and educational organizations throughout the region, Schooner provides the highest quality educational experiences using the same Hands On, Feet Wet focus that the organization used at its
beginning.
Begining in 1990, Schooner has used the schooner Quinnipiack as a platform for educational programs for all ages. Built in 1984, the Quinnipiack was originally called the Janet May and was in the windjammer business. After coming to New Haven and being renamed to honor the Native Americans who inhabited the area, the Quinnipiack has offered unique experiences for school children AND the public for over 25 years. As the flagship of New Haven, the Quinnipiack (or Quinni to those of us who know & love her) is an icon on the waterfront and in the hearts of the tens of thousands of people who have sailed on her.
For more information about the programs currently run at Schooner, please check out our website and learn a little more about what we do. Schooner is an amazing resource and, too often, a hidden gem. So learn a little, spread the word, and come down to visit us at our offices at City Point or on the dock at Long Wharf.
