Crew wanted: Pa. flagship needs sailing volunteers

ERIE, Pa. – The U.S. Brig Niagara, official flagship of Pennsylvania, will provide a 50-hour course in sail training March 22 to May 24.

The objective is to teach a group of new and returning volunteers the skill of square-rig seamanship in a manner that will produce an efficient, well-trained ship’s crew for the 2003 sailing season.

The crew of an 1812 warship must be in physical condition, be capable of climbing aloft in the ship’s rigging, lifting and hauling heavy loads, and must have a significant interest in learning and practicing the ways of good seamanship.

The sail-training program will consist of seven half-day classes, including lectures with visual aids, demonstrations, assembling pieces of the ship and group activities.

Classes will be the following dates from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: March 22, April 5, 12 and 26, and May 3, 17 and 24.

For more information call 814-452-2744, extension 201.