1877 Tall Ship ELISSA Sail Training

Sail training on ELISSA gives the participants the once-in-a-lifetime chance to sail onboard a historic sailing ship from 1877 and literally, sail history! Each July, the Galveston Historic Seaport and the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA offer a new volunteer orientation for the Sail Training Class. Sail training takes place over 20 Saturdays, between July and March. Each class builds upon the previous one, so attendance is crucial. Trainees are required to attend 18 of the 20 classes, along with a few other requirements. Once a Trainee meets the requirements and completes the course, they will graduate and become part of the crew of ELISSA for her annual day sail series in April.

Those who participate in the ELISSA Sail Training program have the opportunity to learn ancient skills and techniques for maintaining a square-rigged sailing ship. Volunteers may learn to climb ELISSA’s rigging to set and furl sails and maintain the intricate wood, wire, and rope machinery. These tasks require skill and bravery, as the ship’s main mast towers 99 feet above deck.

Unable to commit to 20 classes, or would you like to get started now? We offer maintenance workdays for those interested. These workdays will earn hours towards a free sail on ELISSA each spring and typically take place during the week or on occasional Saturdays. If you are interested in maintenance days, please email Ryan.Bradfield@galvestonhistory.org.

If you are looking for a one-day opportunity, you will be able to purchase tickets for a sail through this website when they become available.

For any questions, please email Valerie.Smith@galvestonhistory.org.

ABOUT THE 1877 ELISSA

ELISSA was originally a 19th-century British cargo ship and specialized in calling at smaller ports of the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico and twice loaded cotton at Galveston. This local connection and the authenticity of her iron hull led Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) to purchase the vessel, then a cut-down motorship, and undertake her restoration. Today, ELISSA is one of only three pre-20th century sailing vessels in the world that have been restored to full sailing capacity. Designated by the National Park Service as a National Historic Landmark, ELISSA was named the “Official Tall Ship of Texas” in a resolution signed by Governor Rick Perry in June 2005.