School Tours

Each season, Pride II welcomes students on board for a one-hour, hands-on tour of the ship in several Chesapeake Bay ports.  Pride II’s School Tour program has been a smashing success because of the enthusiasm and infectious goodwill of the crew. 

On the Tour, students will learn from the crew and the teachers. Students are encouraged to get involved during the tours and to ask questions. Classes explore the ship in small groups with members of the crew, both on deck and below. They will learn quickly how Pride II continues Maryland's distinguished maritime heritage, and discover first hand about life about a tall ship.

After a brief introduction, mainly to set the ship in historical context, the tour gets underway.  There are four stations on the tour:

Sail Raising Station:  At the sail raising station in the bow, students raise (and lower) a staysail, one of Pride II's eleven sails. Amid a lot of "Heave-ing" and "Ho-ing", they learn that they have to work together as a team to get the tough job done.

Amidships Station:  At the amidships station, they learn about the work of a sailor. They handle many of the tools the crew uses on a daily basis, such as a sewing "palm," a caulker's hammer, and a block-and-tackle.

Navigation Station:  At the navigation station in the stern, they learn to find north with the ship's compass, discover the difference between a chart and a map, and learn some nautical terms, like port and starboard. They may even take the helm to see what it's like to steer the ship.
           
Below Deck Station:  The fourth station is below deck where students see the ship's sophisticated electronic navigation equipment, visit the galley and dining area in the main salon, and see where sailors sleep.

At the conclusion of their tour, students are given a "Share" of the booty of Pride II, like sailors aboard privateers of old. It's a wooden coin with the ship's logo and web address inscribed.

For more information about the School Tours or to schedule a tour for your school, please contact Jane Wilcoxson at 410.539.1151.

To reserve a tour date, print out the School Tour Reservation Form with your 1st and 2nd choice of date and time. Then FAX it to the Pride, Inc. office at 410-539-1190. Your tour will be confirmed when you receive a confirmation letter from the Pride, Inc. office.