The Flagship Niagara took its first sail of the season on Sunday morning, ending its long winter’s rest.
After years as the chief first mate, it’s William Sabatini’s first sail as captain.
After years as the chief first mate, it’s William Sabatini’s first sail as captain.
The crew of 18 professionals, four apprentices and trainees took a five hour “shakedown” sail to make sure the ship’s is ready for the full sailing season.
The new captain said they ran the engine, set the sails, and all went exactly as planned.
“All the sails were set right up and nod inside out and everything went just the way we wanted. The weather was perfect, going 5-10 knots while we were out there,” Sabatini said. “The crew did really well. They worked hard to get the ship ready for this day and they really deserve all the credit for getting the ship ready for the shakedown,” he said.
After a week of training and inspection, the ship starts day sails June 1, and the sailing season, on June 17.