Tall Ships Erie

TSE's Nautical Term of the Week, Nautical Myths: "Two-Six, Heave!"
You might’ve heard it shouted on deck or even during a group lift ashore: “Two, six… HEAVE!” It’s a classic sailor’s chant used to coordinate group effort, especially when hauling on heavy lines. But where does it come from?

Common rumor has it that the call dates back to the days of sailing warships, where gun crews were numbered and crewmen No. 2 and No. 6 supposedly hauled together to run the cannon back out after firing. It’s a great image—but historians have noted a few discrepancies with that explanation that make it unlikely.

In British naval artillery manuals (like those from the 18th and 19th centuries), the positions of No. 2 and No. 6 on a gun crew weren’t typically the exclusive ones hauling. In fact, No. 6 was often the powder monkey (typically a young crew member responsible for collecting the powder cartridge for loading the gun) and the actual hauling was more of an all-hands affair for the gun crew. Indeed the numbers 2 & 6 would likely have been on the same side of the gun given how the positions alternated sides in most navy manuals from the period.

Currently, the earliest known printed use of "Two-Six, Heave" actually shows up much later in the 20th century. One early citation appears in accounts from British prisoners of war in Sumatra during World War II, who used the phrase while working on railway construction, as recorded in memoirs such as Prisoners of War: Voices from Captivity (Imperial War Museum, 1994). It was recorded during World War II by British POWs and only started being called a “naval” expression decades after that. An article in the Naval Historical Review (1968) was one of the first to suggest the gun-crew origin—but even that piece acknowledged it was more tradition than fact.

Still, historical basis aside, "Two-Six-Heave" has become an often used cadence among sailors and tall ship crews. The rhythm helps get everyone pulling together in sync which matters when you’re hauling a wet, heavy line under load!

Aboard the Lettie G. Howard, guests are generally invited to join the crew in using a slightly different call: “Ah… HEAVE!” but the idea is the same. If you sail with us this season, you just might find yourself joining in on a line or seeing it in practice!

This week we’re getting splicey with our Nautical Term of the Week: Marlinspike!

Used aboard sailing ships for centuries, a marlinspike is a tapered metal tool designed for ropework—especially for opening strands of laid line during splicing or untying stubborn knots. The name "marlinspike" derives from marline, a light tarred twine used to bind and serve rope. Sailors used the spike while working with marline, and over time, the tool became synonymous with ropework itself. In fact, many of the skills involved in traditional rigging are collectively known as marlinspike seamanship.

But don’t confuse it with a fid! While both are splicing tools, a fid is typically made of wood or sometimes bone with a blunter and broader taper (though the 'swedish fid' is typically metal with a conical hollow for passing strands through). Fids are better suited for splicing and working open fiber line, especially when prying open strands for intricate splices.

These days, marlinspikes remain an essential part of any tall ship sailor’s toolkit. Aboard the Lettie G. Howard, crew members carry what’s affectionately called their “rig”: a personalized collection of tools tailored to the job and vessel. That rig almost always includes a marlinspike and a trusty sheepsfoot-style rigging knife (but more on that in a future post). Depending on the ship’s setup, whether rigged with fiber or steel cable, sailors might also include needle-nose pliers, shackle keys, heaving mallets, or other specialty gear.

Much like sailors from the golden age of sail, today’s crew still find countless uses for their marlinspikes—from splicing rope and tensioning marline with a marlinspike hitch, to popping open paint cans, or even (though we really don’t recommend it) stirring their coffee. It’s a true sailor’s multitool.

This week’s post features photos of the rigs carried by Lettie G. Howard’s crew—each one as unique as the sailor who built it. Want more? Marlinspike Magazine often runs a “Show Us Your Spike” series showcasing beautiful, hard-worn toolkits from sailors all over the world.

We at the Flagship Niagara League are deeply saddened by the tragic incident aboard the ARM Cuauhtémoc in New York City.

The tall ships world is a tight-knit, global family. Across oceans and borders, we are united by our love of the sea, our dedication to sail training, and the shared challenges and triumphs of life under sail. The tall ships community is a small one and often crew aboard one vessel know someone aboard any another. When tragedy strikes—even far from home—it hits close to the heart.

Our thoughts are with the crew of Cuauhtémoc, their families, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking event. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at sea and offer our deepest condolences and support as they navigate these trying events. May time bring healing and peace.

Our award-winning sail training program is once again underway! In partnership with Mercyhurst University, the “Waves of the Past, Leaders for the Future” program has officially launched—offering students a two-week voyage that will challenge, inspire, and transform.

As Lettie sets her course through the Great Lakes as part of this year’s Tall Ships® Challenge, she carries not just sails, but stories—of tradition, teamwork, and the timeless call of the water.

“A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.” — John A. Shedd

This program honors the legacy of maritime education while empowering a new generation of leaders to rise with the wind in their sails. Mercyhurst students are learning seamanship, resilience, and the value of community—skills that last long after the ship returns to the dock.

We’re proud to include this journey among our voyaging programs for 2025. Huge thanks to JET/FOX/YourErie for helping us share the news. Curious about your own adventure at sea? Discover more at LettieG.org

Mercyhurst students preparing for two-week voyage on Lettie G. Howard Students from Mercyhurst University are embarking on a two-week voyage around Lake Erie aboard the Lettie G. Howard starting Friday. The journey aims to immerse students in the region’s marit…

Great things happen when community comes together on the water! We are proud to support our friends at the Bayfront Maritime Center as they launch their community boating program and expand access to the waterfront for all. Drop in and see what the excitement is all about!

We are opening our doors for everyone in the community to come down and see what Erie Community Boating is all about! Erie Community Boating offers:

⛵Sailing lessons for youth and adults
⚓Access to take our boats sailing with your friends and family
💙A welcoming community of boaters from all backgrounds and levels of experience!

Join us May 27th, 29th, or 31st to learn more about our 2025 season!🌊

Tall Ships® Erie is happy to reintroduce our recurring social media informational segments that dive into the language, lore, and history of Great Lakes sailing!
You’ll see us regularly popping up in your feed with bite-sized bits of nautical knowledge—including our Nautical Term of the week, On This Day in Maritime History, Superstitions and Scuttlebutt, and more.
Let’s kick things off with a classic from the sailing world!

TSE’s Nautical Term of the Week: “Running Rigging” which refers to all the lines (ropes that are in use aboard a ship) that move and adjust the sails. These lines are constantly handled to hoist, lower, or trim sails for better performance depending on the wind.

On a two-masted schooner like Lettie G. Howard, the running rigging includes lines like halyards (used to raise sails) and sheets (used to adjust their angle to the wind).

Running rigging can often be easily differentiated from its counterpart, "standing rigging," because it is left untarred to remain flexible and easier to handle. In contrast, standing rigging (fixed lines that support the ship's masts and core infrastructure) is often heavily tarred black for weatherproofing and durability. This distinction is still easily visible aboard traditional vessels today.

When you join one of our day sails, you are welcomed to help haul on Lettie's running rigging yourself alongside our crew. It’s hands-on history you can’t find in a textbook.
Come be part of the experience at LettieG.org

Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day weekend activity on the bay? Visit us at LettieG.org and treat mom (or yourself!) to an unforgettable sail aboard the historic 1893 fishing schooner Lettie G. Howard—it’s our Opening Weekend and the weather couldn’t be better!

The sun is shining, the breeze is fresh, and Lettie is ready to take you on a journey across the water. We’ve got day sails at 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM, plus our signature 2-hour sunset sail to close out the evening—today and tomorrow!

Come be part of the magic on the bay.

Thanks to Erie News Now for helping us spread the word as we kick off the summer season!

Lettie G. Howard's 2025 Sailing Season Underway The ship will be sailing on Presque Isle Bay from May through October.

Who wants to go sailing? Get your tickets at LettieG.org!

Thanks so much to JET/FOX/YourErie for helping us spread the good news!

All aboard! Erie’s 2025 tall ship season begins, Lettie G. to sail this weekend The Lette G. Howard crew is back in action for the 2025 season, and its captain is encouraging the public to join them.   The tall ship leaves the dock for a 6:30 p.m. sunset sail on Frid…

As Volunteer Appreciation Month comes to a close and the sails are set to catch their first spring breezes, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible people who make everything we do possible.

From rigging lines aboard the LETTIE G. HOWARD, to lending a hand in the shop through the Erie winter, from supporting outreach efforts and events, to helping facilitate classes alongside our amazing programmatic partners at the Bayfront Maritime Center—you are the heart of this work.

Thank you to every person who shows up with a smile, shares your skills, your time, and your energy to help make maritime education and waterfront access a living, thriving part of our community. You’re not just part of the crew—you’re a major part of what makes it all worth doing.

And if you feel inspired to get involved, we’d love to have you aboard! There are a multitude of ways to help, from shipboard roles to shop work, admin support to education and events. Everyone is welcome. Reach out to [email protected] or [email protected] and let us know you’re interested!

Here’s to another season of impact, learning, and adventure. Let’s set sail! ⛵

What a day!!
After a long winter of hard work and chilly mornings, Lettie is officially back on the water — and sailing strong!

Saturday we kicked off the season with an exhilarating shakedown sail to test Lettie’s rigging and get her ready for an unforgettable year. The winds were stiff, the air was brisk — but that didn’t stop our incredible volunteers from jumping in and showing just how much heart this community has! Lettie performed beautifully, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Afterward, we celebrated at a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon by our amazing partners at the Bayfront Maritime Center, and giving a round of applause to this year’s honorees!
Your dedication makes the amazing programming and opportunities on the Bayfront possible - congratulations and THANK YOU!

The excitement is just beginning!
We are getting ready for our first public sunset sail on May 2nd, the launch of our full sailing season, and our thrilling participation in the Tall Ships America Great Lakes Challenge. If you’re interested in joining us, tickets are on sale now at LettieG.org!

Let’s make 2025 the biggest, boldest sailing season yet! See you on the water!

Thanks to GoErie.com | Erie Times-News for sharing the good news! We are finalizing details and will be publishing information as it become available!

Interested in sponsoring a vessel for the Tall Ships Erie 2025 Festival? Details are available at TallShipsErie.org

Mark your calendars: Tall Ships Erie dates set for 2025 festival

With all the snow outside, it's a great day to be in the shop and give our pinrails some TLC.