Lead HER Ship

See more:

• View the photo gallery from the 2023 cruises.

• View the photo gallery from the 2023 kickoff luncheon.

• View the 2023 program flyer.

• View the photo gallery from the 2022 cruise.

• View the photo gallery from the 2022 kickoff luncheon.

• Read the September 2022 Beacon article.

“Highlights of my journey were learning how to socialize more and learning new skills. My favorite part was raising the anchor and pulling up the sails; also, going on little adventures such as walking on the beach or looking at the stars.”
—Evelyn S., Lead HER Ship participant

“You see the girls when they’re leaving for the trip and they’re all pretty quiet. They don’t say much—they’re shy. When they come back, they’re totally different women. It’s amazing. They’re talkative, more confident, more independent. They’ve stood night watch. They’ve learned how to sail a boat. They know how to check an engine. And they’re all trading cell numbers so they can stay in touch.”
—Cyd Archer, CYC Foundation Vice President

For 15 years, the Foundation has provided leadership training via a five-day cruise aboard a tall ship for nine young women ages 14-18 in partnership with the Inland Seas Education Association. The cruises provide hands-on experiential learning and leadership training aboard the 77-foot gaff-rigged tall ship Inland Seas. In 2023 we doubled the number of cruises to two, with a total of 18 young women selected to cruise starting either in Suttons Bay, Michigan and sailing to Chicago, or sailing from Chicago to Suttons Bay.