The Tall Ship Red Witch:

Red Witch is a 77-foot Gaff rig topsail schooner whose designer was John G. Alden, long considered one of the world’s greatest naval architects and classic yacht designers. She is fully inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard and licensed to carry up to 49 passengers, and was built in 1986 specifically for charter passenger travel. Her dramatic bright crimson hull is constructed from mahogany over cypress frames, with a Douglas fir deck.

The Schooner RED WITCH was named after the epic sea story "Wake of the RED WITCH" by Garland Roark. The spacious salon is decorated with original posters and pictures from the 1949 movie "Wake of the Red Witch" starring John Wayne and Gail Russell. Watch the movie here!

Red Witch has enjoyed a long pedigree of charter sailing, beginning in Hawaii and San Diego, moving to the Great Lakes about ten years ago. She has also been a registered Exhibition Tall Ship, and was awarded flagship status at the State of Ohio’s Bicentennial celebration in 2003. Red Witch will be a participant in the Chicago Tall Ship festival in Aug 2010. She also was included in the 2006 and 2003 events. Red Witch is a current member of A.S.T.A., The American Sail Training Association, and has been used as an educational platform for traditional rig sailing and maritime history.

The Schooner RED WITCH was built expressly for chartering. The two cabin tops are at chair height and provide passengers with comfortable seating. Wide decks and safety rails allow for easy movement. The weight of the vessel along with the steadying effect of the wind in the sails make seasickness a rarity. Our trained crew will welcome you aboard and help make your cruise a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Photo gallery of the construction of Red Witch, click here.

Specifications Built 1986 Designer John G. Alden Rig Gaff Rigged Topsail Schooner Builder Nathaniel Zirlott Location Built Bayou La Batre, Alabama Sail Area 2,100 sq. ft. Sparred Length 77 ft. Length on deck 54 ft. Length at water line 46 ft. Beam 17' 6" Draft 6.5 ft. Rig Height 73 ft. Hull Wood Weight 41 tons Engine 155 hp Speed up to 12 kt.