Sailing yachtUnited States flagIMO 1100209

Denis Sullivan

Seen off Lynnhaven Roads on October 25, 2026.

36.97240°N, 76.09320°W Destination Charleston, Sc Usa

Follow live →

Length42 m

Beam8.0 m

Draught2.8 m

FlagUnited States

This is Denis Sullivan

SV Denis Sullivan is a three-masted wooden gaff rigged schooner originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

History

The construction of the Denis Sullivan was first proposed in 1989 by a group of Milwaukee residents and volunteers from other states. Called Milwaukee Lake Schooner Ltd., their plan was to build a tall ship which would serve as a platform for educating people about the Great Lakes. The ship was primarily designed by naval architect Tim Graul of Sturgeon Bay, and the keel was built by Peterson Builders. The Menominee Nation donated six large white pine trees to become her masts. Through the efforts of both professional shipwrights and volunteers, the ship was partially completed and launched in June 2000.

Sale to World Ocean School

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, the Denis Sullivan's two remaining permanent crew members, captain Tiffany Krihwan and chief mate Jonny Slanga, were furloughed indefinitely. Discovery World kept the Denis Sullivan docked and unused throughout the 2020, 2021, and 2023 seasons, as they did not have a licensed captain to sail with. Others expressed disappointment that prominent Milwaukee institutions did not do more to keep the ship in the city. The ship departed Milwaukee under motor for Boston, accompanied by a flotilla of local boats, on October 8, 2022. After going through restoration and repairs in St. Petersburg, Florida, she arrived at the World Ocean School location in Saint Croix in mid-December.

Design

The Denis Sullivan is not a replica of a specific vessel. Rather, her design is inspired by that of the Great Lakes cargo schooners of the 19th century. Like many of those schooners, she carries a raffee, a square-rigged fore topsail which is triangular in shape. In designing the Denis Sullivan, architects Timothy Graul Marine Services looked to several nineteenth century Great Lakes schooners for inspiration, including the Rouse Simmons, Clipper City, and Alvin Clark. Above the waterline, the Sullivan closely resembles these earlier vessels. Her shape is that of an efficient cargo carrier, and her rigging and deck arrangement are likewise authentic. She differs from her predecessors, however, below the waterline.

Recently at sea

She is among the largest 45% of yachts tracked by Yacht Tracker. Over the past 30 days she spent 3 days at sea, covering about 130 km. Yacht Tracker has been following her position since October 18, 2026.

Sources: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0), Wikidata.