Bill of Rights Information

The Bill of Rights is a gaff-rigged tops'l schooner operated by the American Tall Ship Institute of Oxnard, CA.  It was built in Bristol, ME in 1971 by Harvey Gamage.

The vessel itself is registered with the US Coast Guard and certified as a passenger vessel.  The Coast Guard maintains rigorous standards for safety features both built into the vessel (radios, lifelines etc) and required to be on the vessel (like lifejackets and lifeboats).  The Coast Guard certification also specifies the number and experience required of the crew of the vessel.  There are two licenses Captains on board the Bill of Rights during our voyage as well as several experienced crew members.

Contacting the Bill of Rights:

Please know that you will NOT have contact with your student while they are aboard the Bill.

If you have an emergency at home and must contact your student, please use these options, in this order:

1. Call or email Nate Gilman, Education Officer on Board the Bill, (805) 901-0585, education@americantallship.org
2. Captain Stephen Taylor (805) 320-7447 stephan@americantallship.org   
3. Channel Islands Harbor Patrol  (805) 382-3000.  They answer this number 24 hours a day and can contact us by radio.
4. Only in an  EXTREME emergency, contact US Coast Guard and tell them you are trying to reach the sailing vessel Bill of Rights currently under sail in the Channel Islands.  They will radio us and we can communicate through them.