Have you ever seen a really “tall ship”? River Days and Quicken Loans bring the Friends Good Will to the Detroit RiverWalk June 19-21, 2009! Docked at Rivard Plaza near the Kids Zone, the whole family can enjoy a FREE educational tour aboard this truly historic maritime vessel. Don’t miss this experience!

Friends Good Will was commissioned by Oliver Williams, a Michigan Territory trader, to be built in 1810. It would traverse the route of Lake Erie going from Detroit, MI to Buffalo, NY, and return. The ship was built at the River Rouge on the banks of the Detroit River.

In 1811, the ship was launched with the name Friends Good Will. The ship retained as its captain, Master William Lee, and made several voyages carrying with it the supplies that a new frontier would demand. Friends Good Will would play a role in the War of 1812 and would serve under two flags at different times, the British and the newly formed republic of the United States. It would serve not as a cargo ship, but as a war vessel being refitted with three cannons; one at the bow, one at the stern, and one at mid-beam of the ship that would operate on a center-swivel, being able to fire at various angles. To learn more of Friends Good Will's history, please Click Here

Ship Information:

• Sparred length (from end of bowsprit to end of boom): 101’
• Length on Deck: 56' 5 "
• Beam (width at widest section): 16' 10"
• Draft (depth at deepest point): 8' 9"
• Gross Registered Tonnage: 54 tons
• Displacement (weight): 150,000 lbs approx./51 long tonnes
• Rig: Square Topsail Sloop
(the only one of its type operating on the Great Lakes; very rare, even nationwide)
• Rig Height: 80'
• Armament: One (1) six pound long gun on a pivot (historically accurate and the only one of its kind)
• Full Crew Complement: 14
• Passengers for Day Sails: 28
• Certification: USCG Inspected Vessel, Subchapter T (for passengers)
• Sail Area: 3,180 sq. ft.
• Crew Information: Our crew is dressed as they were in 1812 and well versed in the history of the vessel and its Detroit connection. We also have a colorful dockside exhibit staffed by our crew.