The Schooner Denis Sullivan is a modern replica of a 19th-century Great Lakes cargo schooner and is recognized as the world's only re-creation of this particular type of vessel.
“This is going to be another fantastic season,” said Eden Leonard, president and executive director of World Ocean School, ahead of the arrival of schooner Denis Sullivan at the Christiansted Harbor on Sunday.
The remarks marked the return of the vessel to St. Croix and the continuation of its educational mission in the territory. “We have so much to look forward to and we are so grateful to have such a supportive community here in St. Croix,” Ms. Leonard declared.
World Ocean School has an 18-year long history with the Big Island, which started with its Schooner Roseway, a National Historic Landmark, which visited the island annually for 16 years. However, with Roseway currently undergoing a significant preservation project in Mystic, CT, the Denis Sullivan filled the gap in 2022, hosting over 230 students for multi-day educational programs and over 1500 passengers for sunset and harbor sails.
This year, the crew of the Denis Sullivan hopes to achieve similar results, engaging hundreds of students from St. Croix's public schools. The programs offered aboard focus on practical skills, such as maintaining a wooden tall ship and sail raising, combined with team-building exercises and applied academics. The crew members, known as Deckhand Educators, conduct lessons during the voyage, and according to Ms. Leonard, is eager to begin this season's work. "The community gave her such a warm welcome last year and we can’t wait to introduce her to even more of our supporters and friends,” she remarked.
The Schooner will host welcome sails for the public on Thursday, November 30, and Friday, December 1, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Christiansted Harbor. Additionally, sunset sails will be available through March, with ticket sales through the World Ocean School's website supporting the educational programs on the island. Past and present students and their families are invited to sail free of charge, officials have declared.
