BaySail

02/07/2026

Many people ask where Appledore IV goes in the winter.
Do we haul her out? Sail south?

Nope.

Built with a steel hull and an icebreaker bow, Appledore IV stays right here on the Saginaw River — surrounded in ice and resting until the sailing season returns. ❄️⛵🌊

02/05/2026

What’s the best wind for Appledore IV? ⛵

It depends! Things like sea state, crew experience, and hardiness our passengers are all play a role.

Appledore IV sails happily in light winds, but to really get her moving, about 15 knots (17–18 mph) does the trick.
18–22 knots is her sweet spot — that’s when she really starts to cook along.

Stronger winds mean a more experienced crew and passengers who don’t mind a good angle of heel. Around 25 knots, Appledore truly comes alive… she’s got a definite need for speed! 😄

No matter the wind speed, every sail with us is a good time. Check out our videos sailing in a myriad of conditions. 🌊💙

02/03/2026

We are so grateful to everyone who joined us for our fundraiser and to those who donated in support of BaySail. Your generosity helps keep our programs sailing strong—bringing hands-on Great Lakes science, environmental education, and unforgettable experiences to students across our region.

Because of you, we can continue to inspire curiosity, confidence, and stewardship on the water. We truly couldn’t do this without our incredible community.

Thank you for showing up, giving back, and believing in our mission. We can’t wait to see you on the water this season! 💙

01/23/2026

How long do you think it takes a new deckhand to learn all the lines on a tall ship? ⛵

It usually takes about two weeks for new crew to start confidently finding their way around the deck. But truly learning the job — understanding why the captain calls certain commands and how small adjustments affect the ship — takes much longer.

At first, it’s all about memorizing names, knots, and where everything lives. Over time, it becomes intuition, teamwork, and a deep connection to wind, water, and ship.

If you’re interested in STEM education, sailing, or tall ships, we’ll be hiring crew soon.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks to learn how you can be part of the Appledore crew. 🌊💙

01/21/2026

Education. Adventure. Stewardship. 🌊

Our upcoming fundraiser helps keep BaySail’s programs sailing strong — from Science Under Sail to Windward Bound. Let's keep Appledore IV sailing the Saginaw River!

Join us early next week in supporting Great Lakes learning that lasts a lifetime. 💙⛵

📅 Jan 26th, 6PM @ The River Rock in Bay City

01/20/2026

Appledore IV is a schooner — a type of sailing vessel widely used across the Great Lakes during the 1800s.

Back then, schooners were the workhorses of the region, transporting lumber, grain, ice, and even Christmas trees! Think of them as the planes, trains, and semi-trucks of their era.

Can you imagine our home port of Bay City, with dozens of schooners lining the wharves? Some were built with different bows useful for acting as barges, and many were much larger — some stretching to 300 feet long, built right along the Saginaw River.

Today, Appledore IV carries a piece of that Great Lakes history with her. Stepping aboard is like stepping into a past long gone — and a reminder of how these waters shaped our region.

Join us this upcoming season for a sail and learn more about the ships, stories, and waterways that define the Great Lakes. 🌊⛵💙

01/17/2026

Windy days are exciting - there’s no doubt about it. Watching Appledore fly across the water with full sails is a thrill.

But calm days can be just as special. They invite us to slow down.

To feel the light breeze on your face.
To breathe in the fresh air off the lake.
To notice how small you may feel in the quiet rhythm of a peaceful sail.

No matter the weather, your sail on board the Appledore IV will be one you remember.

01/16/2026

Weekend mood: wind in the sails, sun on the water, and Appledore IV doing what she does best ⭐️⛵️There’s nothing quite like smooth sailing on the Great Lakes.

01/15/2026

🚫🎶 Fun Fact from the Appledore IV:
Billy Joel is officially banned on board.

Here’s why:
Earlier this season, the Appledore IV was rounding the top of Michigan’s “mitt” near Rogers City—straight into a stiff northwest wind. For sailors, that means one thing: a long, bumpy night.

As the waves built (4–5 feet and very determined), the crew did what sailors do best—buckled in and tried to keep spirits up. Enter deckhand Caroline, who decided the Glass Houses album *on repeat* was the perfect soundtrack for the watch.

But the wind picked up.
The waves got steeper.
The boat kept slamming.

By morning, the weather finally eased—but Captain Matt reached a clear conclusion: Billy Joel was bad luck.

And just like that… the ban was born. ⚓️

01/14/2026

Why learning sticks on a tall ship:

🌊 Science becomes hands-on
⚓ Teamwork happens naturally
📍 Lessons feel real and meaningful
💡 Confidence grows with every challenge

When students learn under sail, discovery happens in real time—and it lasts long after they return to shore. Visit our website & reach out to us to learn more about our student programs!

Discover Baysail's Appledore Tall Ships offering public sails, charters, and educational programs in Bay City. Engage with Great Lakes history and ecology through unique voyages.

01/12/2026

Did you know?
Even in the off-season, there’s work happening behind the scenes to keep the Appledore IV ready for another year of learning under sail.
Winter might be quiet on the water, but it’s a busy season behind the scenes at BaySail. From planning programs to caring for the Appledore IV, we’re gearing up for another season of hands-on learning on the Great Lakes. ⚓️