Spirit of Buffalo adventure sets sail

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Captain Rick Hilliman and crew are setting sail for a " Spirit of Buffalo" adventure on Lake Erie.

The 73 foot vessel, a replica of an 1800s Great Lake schooner, carries a special cargo of family and friends, who know this is a dream come true for the captain who was just waiting for Buffalo to launch it's Canal Side project, so he could launch his dream.

Owner and operator Captain Hilliman said, "As soon as we saw what's going on, we thought that this is the time we're gonna live our dream and sail here in the Buffalo Harbor on our own vessel as a family."

Rick's son Rich was a tall ships captain on the East Coast, and has bonded with the coastal schooner the family purchased in South Carolina.

A windy day makes the sailing experience all the more dramatic.

Captain Hilliman said, "I love it. Shutting the engines down and being able to harness the wind, is a pretty special thing. I'd like to teach the passengers and whoever's aboard, a little bit about sailing, and then also those that know about sailing, I'd like to teach them more about this rig."

Rich Hilliman said, "What a thrill!"

The 34 ton schooner handles like a dream. News 4's Rich newberg got to steer when things calmed down a bit.

The Spirit of Buffalo promises to make spirits soar in our city, as the schooner opens itself up to school children and anyone else who wants a unique experience on Lake Erie.

Katie Mini is also a captain. She will direct the hands on program that introduces inner city kids and so many others to the magic of sailing and the wonders of the Lake.

Captain Kate Mini said, "The kids will set sail. They'll navigate. All the kids will steer, so that will always be part of every program."

And of course, learning the history of Buffalo's golden era of the Erie Canal will make the experience even more intense.

With a little imagination you can picture yourself on board a schooner like this back in the 1800s, sailing west from Buffalo to a new life across Lake Erie and beyond.

Captain Rick is hoping his grandchildren someday will not have to move west to be prosperous, that opportunities in Buffalo will open up with the city's rebirth on the waterfront.