About Red Witch Chicago's Wooden Tall Ship

What looks like a crimson-hulled pirate ship glides into view. The wind picks up, surging into the schooner's 77-foot gaff-rigged sails and speeding the vessel along at 8 knots. Those on shore can just make out the boat's name, Red Witch, and what appear to be passengers raising a drink to the views from ship.

Designed by renowned naval architect John G. Alden and named after the book Wake of the Red Witch—the same story that inspired the film starring John Wayne and Gail Russell—the Coast Guard–licensed ship accommodates up to 49 passengers within its mahogany-over-oak frame. Having sailed waters off Maui and San Diego, the boat is now under the stewardship of Captain Andrew Sadock and his crew who will be glad to autograph cannonballs for each passenger.