Lake Superior contains 2,900 cubic miles of water. That’s enough H2O to cover all of North and South America to a depth of 12 inches. One very pleasant way to plumb its vastness is aboard the 50-foot Hjørdis, a traditionally-rigged steel schooner named for the Norse goddess of war.⠀
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The sailboat is operated by the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, one of our favorite towns along the North Shore. Two-hour sailings set out three times a day in the high season (weather permitting), and guests don’t have to lift a finger because ginger-bearded guys like Justice, pictured below, do all the work. The crew can take up to to six guests per sailing, but they need at least three to head out. Online bookings are now open via North House’s website. While initial availability is limited, additional dates will be added throughout the season.⠀
If you’re interested in learning the ropes for real, North House offers a one-day “Craft of Sail” class on seamanship and boat-handling techniques. The June 2019 slot is already sold out but space is still available for the July 14 and August 18 courses. Reservations are also available for instructor Mark Gordon’s three-part October series on celestial navigation.⠀
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Also on offer: 5-, 6-, and ten-day sailing trips to the Apostle Islands and Isle Royale. Join the waitlist ASAP if you want in — or sign up for one of North House’s million other fascinating courses. Blacksmithing, kombucha brewing, yurt building… they do it all up there.
North House Folk School
500 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN; 888-387-9762.
