Tall Ships Challenge - American Sail Training Association

Great Lakes United Tall Ships Challenge® Series 2010

The American Sail Training Association has partnered with GREAT LAKES UNITED
to bring a fleet of international tall ships to the Great Lakes, the world’s largest body of fresh water, as part of the Great Lakes United TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® 2010 race series. Join us as the tall ships race through all five Great Lakes making port appearances in cities throughout the US and Canada. Two important initiatives sail along with the tall ships: water conservation education and youth sail training!

When the international fleet of tall ships arrive in the Great Lakes next year, they will be sailing the world's largest source of fresh surface water.  As the vessels race from port to port, Great Lakes United will bring a message of conservation and protection.

The parnership between the American Sail Training Association and Great Lakes United is fitting.  While ASTA trains young sailors in the tradition of a rich sailing history, Great Lakes United presses the importance of protecting the waters that these ships, sailors and 40 million people depend on.

The Great Lakes are a fragile ecosystem.  Despite their immensity, they are especially vulnerable to degredation.  Tall ships represent one of the most sustainableforms of transportation, making this one of the most environmentally friendly races on the planet.

Across six ports, the Great Lakes United TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® 2010 will carry a message of freshwater conservation in celebration of waters worth protecting.

For over 27 years, Great Lakes United has been a unifying voice for ensuring a healthy
and vibrant future for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River ecosystem. A diverse coalition of organizations and individuals, Great Lakes United is comprised of citizens, environmentalists,
conservationists, labour unions, First Nations, tribes, hunters, anglers, academics, and
progressive businesses working together to clean up toxic pollution, stop invasive species,
and protect the waters of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River from damage and irresponsible use. Thousands of voices are calling for a healthier Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes United continues to be the coalition through which these voices are heard.

The American Sail Training Association is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization focused on
youth education, leadership development and the preservation of the maritime heritage
of North America. The mission of the American Sail Training Association is to encourage
character building through sail training, promote sail training to the North American
public, and support education under sail.

OFFICIAL HOST PORTS

	Toronto, Ontario: June 30 - July 4
	Cleveland, Ohio: July 7 -11
	Bay City, Michigan: July 15 -18 ***2001/2006 ASTA Port of the Year
	Duluth, Minnesota: July 29 - August 1
	Green Bay, Wisconsin: August 12 - 15
	Chicago, Illinois: August 24 - 29 ***2003 ASTA Port of the Year