Ship's Company
Friends Good Will requires annual rigging, de-rigging, regular maintenance, and an active and trained crew. Those necessary tasks and vital services will be provided by member volunteers enrolled in the Ship’s Company.
Join the Ship's Company
Application to be included within the Ship’s Company can be made by electronic or regular mail. Enthusiasm, dedication, and available time are more important than sailing experience. Provisions have been made for the novice and for the member whose distance from South Haven will limit the time available. Do not let inexperience or distance deter you from becoming involved!
To become a member of the Friends Good Will Ship’s Company, download the Volunteer Application and Disclosure Form.
Basic Seamanship Training
Training for Ship's Company members begins with our Basic Seamanship program. This program consists of three courses:
Basic Seamanship I : This is a basic introduction where prospective Ship's Company members will learn the history of the Michigan Maritime Museum, the history of the original and the new Friends Good Will, and the organization and the policies of the Ship's Company.
Basic Seamanship II : Students will be introduced to the ship, learning names of various parts of the vessel and her rigging, safety procedures, safety drills, and some basic marlinspike skills of knots, belaying, and handling mooring lines. This class will be held in part aboard the Friends Good Will at the dock.
Basic Seamanship III : Students will get underway aboard the Friends Good Will and go sailing. Students will practice sail handling skills, safety drills, and maneuvering the vessel. Multiple setting and striking of the sails and multiple drills will give everyone a chance to participate.
There is no cost for these classes, but a Museum membership is required. Memberships may be purchased online at our website (click on the link at left), over the phone, by mail, or in person. The minimum age for volunteer crew is 14.
Basic Seamanship classes are offered at various times during the year. If you are interested in enrolling and would like to be notified when Basic Seamanship classes have been scheduled, contact the Education & Volunteer Coordinator at the Museum by phone or email (volunteer@michiganmaritimemuseum.org).
