The following courses are currently scheduled - courses are listed alphabetically by title. Join the North House E-Newsletter to receive regular course updates.

North House will co-host an
OUPV Coast Guard Captains Training Course
December, 2008
- for complete details visit -
the Superior Marine Training web site

Polar Express, Schooner Adventure,
Sunset and Full Moon Sailing
Plus an array of course offerings
(please see details below)

Daily Sailing Aboard The Schooner Hjørdis
         (Lake Superior Schooner Adventure!)
Ben Doornbos/Matthew Brown/Nathanael Kinzli
Length in Days: 2 hours
Session Options: Daily mid-June to mid-October
Hours: Daily: 9am, 11:30 am, 2:30 pm and 5pm
Tuition: $45 adults, $35 for kids under 12
Materials Fee: Included
Level: All levels
Set sail for an adventure that provides an introduction to the craft of sail, plus the ecology, geology, and history of Lake Superior.  The two-hour sail includes a tour of the Grand Marais Harbor and a journey onto the Big Lake for a spectacular view of the Sawtooth Mountains and the North Shore.  Sails most days of the week from mid-May to mid-October.  Call ahead for sailing dates, as the Hjørdis is used for other coursework. Call for reservations-six passenger maximum.  Sign up available starting April 1.

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Craft of Sail 
Matthew Brown/Ben Doornbos
Session Options:
. . . 6/19/2008  
. . . 6/20/2008  - FULL, call for waiting list
Spend a day on Lake Superior aboard the Hjørdis, a traditional gaff-rigged 50’ schooner, learning to sail.  This course offers the sailing student the opportunity to learn the basics of sail theory with plenty of practical experience aboard Hjørdis.  Seamanship, points of sail, rope-work, sailing terminology and technique are covered in a relaxed learning environment.


Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 9am-4:30 pm
. . . Tuition: $125      
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner

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Marine Navigation Studies 
Ted Gephart/Matthew Brown
Session Options:
. . . 1/24/2009
Get yourself oriented to the 'rules of the road' and learn the basic navigational skills needed for safe boating on coastal waters from certified US Coast Guard instructor Ted Gephart.  This classroom-based course covers safe boating topics that apply to any boater including both power and sail.  You'll learn to use charting methods including traditional methods such as dead reckoning and modern methods using GPS and radar.  This course is great for new boat owners of all types as well as experienced boaters wishing to refresh their navigational skills.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 9am-4:30pm
. . . Tuition: $75      
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12+
. . . Intergenerational Tuition: $120/adult-child pair
. . . Level: Beginner

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Messing About In Boats
Art Kidd
Session Options:
. . . Sundays in July and August
Enjoy a Sunday afternoon messing about in boats in the Grand Marais Harbor.   Using North House's fleet of handcrafted small wooden boats, you are introduced to basic sailing and boat handling techniques so you can comfortably enjoy a relaxed sail or row in the harbor.  All equipment is provided although you may choose to bring their own personal floatation device.  You may choose from four small wooden boats built at North House including a nutshell pram, shellback dinghy, Susan skiff or Norwegian pram.  You will row or sail based upon weather conditions and under the instructor's consent.  Limted to six participants.  Advanced registration recommended.


Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2 hrs
. . . Hours: Sundays, July-August 1pm-3pm
. . . Tuition: $25       
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: 10+
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: All Levels

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Practical Seamanship 
Ben Doornbos
Session Options:
. . . 6/13/2008 - 6/15/2008
Raise a sail, drop an anchor, plot a course, make an eye splice and take command of our 50’ gaff-rigged schooner, Hjørdis.  Minds and hands will be kept busy as we set sail on Lake Superior applying classroom theory and practical experience.  This class will help develop the skills it takes to be confident and competent on the largest of inland seas.  Aspects from age-old wisdom to modern techniques will all be covered including navigation, rope work, points of sail, rigging, GPS, boat handling, weather forecasting, heavy weather sailing, rules of the road and sail theory.  Participants may utilize local lodging or inquire about accommodations aboard Hjørdis.  Maximum class size is six participants.


Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $395      
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner

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Ropework - Essentials of Knot Tying 
Ted Gephart/Matthew Brown
Session Options:
. . . 5/25/2008
. . . 6/20/2008
Can you tie down that canoe? Lash up those sails? Throw a half hitch around the docking lines? Spend the day learning the craft of knot work and open the door to an indispensable skill that will last a lifetime. This course begins by introducing landlubbers and sailors to rope work used aboard traditional and modern vessels and progresses into making decorative and useful rope work including floor mats, pot holders, coaster and lanyards. You will learn to tie whippings, bends, hitches, lashings and splices...and know what to do next time someone asks you to show them your bowline.


Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 9am-4pm
. . . Tuition: $75      
. . . Materials Fee: $15
. . . Intergenerational Age: 8+
. . . Intergenerational Tuition: $120/adult-child pair
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Sail Training Trip -  Islands Adventure
Ben Doornbos
Session Options:
. . . 6/23/2008 - 6/27/2008
. . . 9/8/2008 - 9/12/2008
Set sail on the largest freshwater lake in the world for a one-of-a-kind adventure that only a traditional 50’ gaff-rigged schooner can provide. This unique immersion program for all ages, levels of ability and walks of life introduces participants to the total sailing experience: navigation, helming, "watch rotation," knot tying and rigging, cooking and cleaning. You will learn to plot a course on Lake Superior given current and forecasted weather conditions. By the end of this adventure you will have a  new appreciation for the lake, formed a unique bond with your shipmates and gained some incredible sailing experience. Sailing and safe transportation will be the responsibility of the crew. Limited to six students – discounts for groups of 5 or 6. Tuition includes food and lodging throughout the course. Separate tuition payment & cancellation policies apply to this course.

A great opportunity for those who want  to experience the largest fresh water lake in the world up close while sailing onboard our traditionally rigged vessel to this national lake shore. Twenty-two islands make up the archipelago that is home to eight lighthouses and rich in fishing and mining histories. Students will learn the inner workings of a traditionally rigged vessel and life at sea past and present. A “watch rotation” will be set to enable us to sail in and around the islands day and night. Sailing, navigation, cooking, washing will all be a part of our daily routine.


Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 4 nights/4 days
. . . Hours: Start Day 1 at 5pm
. . . Tuition: $795      
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Sail Training Trip - Apostle Islands Young Adult Sail
Ben Doornbos
Session Options:
. . . 8/4/2008 - 8/8/2008
Set sail on the largest freshwater lake in the world for a one-of-a-kind adventure that only a traditional 50’ gaff-rigged schooner can provide. This unique immersion program for all ages, levels of ability and walks of life introduces participants to the total sailing experience: navigation, helming, "watch rotation," knot tying and rigging, cooking and cleaning. You will learn to plot a course on Lake Superior given current and forecasted weather conditions. By the end of this adventure you will have a  new appreciation for the lake, formed a unique bond with your shipmates and gained some incredible sailing experience. Sailing and safe transportation will be the responsibility of the crew. Limited to six students – discounts for groups of 5 or 6. Tuition includes food and lodging throughout the course. Separate tuition payment & cancellation policies apply to this course.

A great opportunity for young adults to experience the largest fresh water lake in the world up close while sailing onboard our traditionally rigged vessel to this national lake shore. Twenty-two islands make up the archipelago that is home to eight lighthouses and rich in fishing and mining histories. Students will learn the inner workings of a traditionally rigged vessel and life at sea past and present. A “watch rotation” will be set to enable us to sail in and around the islands day and night. Sailing, navigation, cooking, washing will all be a part of our daily routine.


Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 4 nights/4days
. . . Hours: Start Day 1 at 5pm
. . . Tuition: $695      
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Sail Training Trip - Isle Royale Sailing Adventure
Ben Doornbos
Session Options:
. . . 7/14/2008 - 7/19/2008- FULL, call for waiting list
Set sail on the largest freshwater lake in the world for a one-of-a-kind adventure that only a traditional 50’ gaff-rigged schooner can provide. This unique immersion program for all ages, levels of ability and walks of life introduces participants to the total sailing experience: navigation, helming, "watch rotation," knot tying and rigging, cooking and cleaning. Participants will learn to plot a course on Lake Superior given current and forecasted weather conditions. Sailing and safe transportation will be the responsibility of the crew. Topics discussed while at sea include: sailing nomenclature, biology, limnology and geology of Lake Superior, marinespike seamanship, the significance of water, fish and exotic species, and the history of shipping on the Great Lakes. By the end of this adventure you will have a  new appreciation for the lake, formed a unique bond with your shipmates and gained some incredible sailing experience. Limited to six students – discounts for groups of 5 or 6. Tuition includes food and lodging throughout the course. Separate tuition payment & cancellation policies apply to this course.

This sail training trip focuses on the rugged and isolated waters in and around Isle Royale National Park.  A home for moose and wolves, the island provides an ideal setting to bring you into a world without cell phones and other modern "conveniences."  The secluded bays and inlets around Isle Royale are ideal for exploring from the deck of our schooner.  Bring your sense of adventure and get ready to discover one of Lake Superior's most precious gems.


Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 5 nights/5 days
. . . Hours: Start Day 1 at 5pm
. . . Tuition: $895      
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: All levels

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Sunset Over The Sawtooth Sail 
Ben Doornbos
Session Options:
. . . Most evenings July, August September
Hop aboard the Hjørdis as it sets sail at dusk to capture the spectacular sunsets on the North Shore of Lake Superior.  As the sun creeps behind the Sawtooth Mountain range in the west, you will enjoy the 'red' skies often produced by the sun's reflection.  As dusk approaches, a feast of rising stars is a dazzling phenomenon not to be missed.  Desserts are served  on each trip. Starting times vary depending on the time of sunset-call ahead. Sail takes place if clear or partly cloudy (cancelled at the discretion of the captain if total cloud cover or rain).  Capacity 4-6 participants. Available most evenings mid-June thru mid-September.  Sign up available starting April 1.


Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1.5 - 2 hours
. . . Hours: Varies (depending on times of sunset)
. . . Tuition: $55      
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Superior Full Moon Sail
Ben Doornbos
Session Options:
. . . Dates vary, inquiries welcome
Set sail aboard the Hjørdis at dusk and witness the full moon rising over Lake Superior.  Group discussions may include the natural phenomenon called 'moonshadow,'  lunar cycles and tides on Lake Superior. Enjoy the rising stars along with gourmet desserts and hot beverages served on deck-what else could you ask for?!  Starting times vary depending on time of moonrise-call ahead. Sail takes place if clear or partly cloudy (cancelled if total cloud cover or rain at the discretion of the captain).  Full moon sail will also be available the evening before and after the actual full moon. Capacity 4-6 participants.    Sign up available starting April 1.


Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1.5-2 hours
. . . Hours: Varies (depending on time of moonrise)
. . . Tuition: $55      
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Appropriate for all levels