Join the Crew

The primary focus of this organization is interpreting the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes.

We are interested in members who are willing to share their knowledge with the general public. The group typically attends 2 to 3 events during the summer with an annual School of the Sailor held in May. In addition, there are numerous social opportunities throughout the year including make and mend weekends; boat modification & repair; sea shanty evenings and practice rows in our two 24-foot yawls.

The ship's company portrays the North West Company Schooner Nancy during the summer of 1814 when her civilian crew was augmented by a Royal Navy draft. In addition, the group portrays the North West Company schooner Otter which operated on Lake Superior in the 1790s. 

Western Lakes Station's Ship's Company is based on a typical RN schooner having a compliment of 40. The Ship Company consists of:

Commission Officer

1 - Commander
Warrant Officers

1 - Master*

1 - Carpenter*

1 - Assistant Surgeon

Petty Officers
2 - Midshipman

1 - Clerk

1 - Carpenter's Mate*

1 - Boatswain's Mate

1 - Gunner's Mate/Master-at-Arms

1 - Sailmaker's Mate

1 - Cook/Steward*

Ratings

2 - Captains of the Mast 

26 (4*) - Ratings of various sorts.

*Denotes the original crew of the Schooner Nancy.

Membership is open to any and all who are interested in accurately portraying the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic age. Those interested in receiving general uniform requirements and information regarding open berths should contact WesternLakesStation@gmail.com

Our only REAL request is that you are always 'working'. 

"How" you ask? Whether that means working on your impression, working on improving your clothing, working on your knowledge of the period or working to bring ideas to the table for group events... we want to encourage our members to always be working on improving things for themselves and the group.

Contact: westernlakesstation@gmail.com