From Milwaukee to Manitowoc: Preparing for the Journey Ahead

Burger Boat Company, Manitowoc, WI USA

Log Entry by Program Manager Tatiana Dalton

Monday, October 10, 2022

After bidding farewell to Denis Sullivan’s former home of Discovery World, our crew shifted her to the port of Milwaukee, where her masts were pulled and set aside in preparation for the southbound journey ahead. During her departure from Milwaukee on Saturday, October 8, she was accompanied by a flotilla of vessels, including a fireboat, there to honor her service to the Milwaukee community and her legacy as a Great Lakes sailing legend. The World Ocean School team is proud to steward a tradition of service and perseverance as we look forward to welcoming students onto the Sullivan in just a few short months.

From Milwaukee, Capt. Christopher Flansburg and crew made the short transit to Manitowoc. Without masts in and sails set, the Sullivan did roll a bit during the journey—an excellent opportunity for our crew to find everything that moves underway and, as Capt. Flansburg put it, “secure it all in various clever ways.” The team docked the Sullivan at the Manitowoc Maritime Museum, where she rested over the weekend. The crew onboard have been working nonstop to prepare the ship for her southbound transit, so they were stood down on Sunday afternoon and took that opportunity to explore the city of Manitowoc.

From Capt. Flansburg: “Then this morning a quick voyage up the river to Burger Boat Company shipyard where the excellent team hauled us. They are still setting us up but on first glance the hull looks to be in great shape. I'm told that Discovery World even brought in divers to scrub the hull a couple weeks ago which will make our job that much easier.”