A Closer Look: The Spirit of Buffalo
From the Photo series: A Closer Look: Explore Western New York’s architectural treasures series
The Spirit of Buffalo, an icon on the water with its distinctive square red sails, has become a fixture of Buffalo's waterfront heritage since her arrival in 2009. Buffalo's flagship gives tourists from near and far an authentic Lake Erie experience.
Waterfront icons
The Spirit of Buffalo sails out to Lake Erie, Thursday, May 20, 2021.
Setting sail
The Spirit of Buffalo sets sail after leaving her dock at Canalside before heading out to Lake Erie for a tour, Thursday, May 20, 2021.
Captain at the helm
Captain Casey Laaro steers the Spirit of Buffalo out to Lake Erie, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Crew ready
Crewmember Jamie Bommer readies a line as the Spirit of Buffalo heads back to its dock at Canalside, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Learning the ropes
Twelve-year-old William McClellan of Hagerstown, Md., gets pulled into the action helping to raise a sail after leaving Canalside for a tour aboard the Spirit of Buffalo, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
A moment of calm
Jeff and Tara McClellan of Hagerstown, Md., have a moment to themselves on the bow of the Spirit of Buffalo, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
A view to celebrate
Mary Eustace and Trent Knoche relax in the sunshine with a skyline view during a tour aboard the Spirit of Buffalo, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Sunset on the water
The Spirit of Buffalo heads back to its dock at Canalside as the sun sets behind the Buffalo River, Thursday, May 20, 2021.
Above & Beyond 716: Spirit of Buffalo
Ropes in motion
Crewmates Nicole Lyons, left, and Jamie Bommer bring in the lines while pushing off for a tour aboard the Spirit of Buffalo, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Safety first
A life preserver aboard the Spirit of Buffalo, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
River view
The McClellan family of Hagerstown, Md., has the stern to themselves during a tour aboard the Spirit of Buffalo, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Standing tall
The Spirit of Buffalo sails in from Lake Erie, Thursday, May 20, 2021.
Best skyline views
Passengers take in the view from the bow as the Spirit of Buffalo heads back toward the inner harbor, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Packing up for home
Crewmembers Jamie Bommer, left, and Nicole Lyons, tie up the sail as the Spirit of Buffalo heads back to dock, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Taking it in
Kenton Reichen and Kenzie Michalski take in the views from aboard the Spirit of Buffalo, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Captain in training
Timothy McClellan, 11, of Hagerstown, Md., tries his hand at the helm as his brother William, 12, and their mother, Tara look on during a tour aboard the Spirit of Buffalo, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Training a new hand
Ten-year-old Jackson McClellan of Hagerstown, Md., gets pulled into the action helping to raise a sail after leaving Canalside for a tour aboard the Spirit of Buffalo, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Distinctive sails
Looking up at the Spirit of Buffalo's signature red sails, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Tied off
Ropes tied off aboard the Spirit of Buffalo, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Waterfront view
A view of the Buffalo Lighthouse from aboard the Spirit of Buffalo, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Passing by
Kayakers watch as the Spirit of Buffalo sails in from Lake Erie, Thursday, May 20, 2021.
Making friends
Guests mingle as the Spirit of Buffalo heads back into the Buffalo River, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Sunset paddle
A trio of kayakers paddle in the Buffalo River near Canalside at sunset, Thursday, May 20, 2021.
Heading out
The Spirit of Buffalo sails out to Lake Erie, Thursday, May 20, 2021.
Bommer on the bow
Crewmember Jamie Bommer furls the sail at the bow of the Spirit of Buffalo as it prepares to head in at the end of a tour in Lake Erie, Thursday, May 20, 2021.
Erie expanse
The Spirit of Buffalo sails out in Lake Erie, Thursday, May 20, 2021.
Knotted
A crewmember ties off a line while docking the Spirit of Buffalo, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Helping hand
Crewmember Jamie Bommer guides a sail into orderly folds as it is lowered at the end of a tour of the Spirit of Buffalo, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Always at work
Crewmember Jamie Bommer ties up a sail as the Spirit of Buffalo heads back to dock, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Passersby
Passing boaters wave to the Spirit of Buffalo, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Entering the harbor
A view of the marker at the outer breakwall during a tour aboard the Spirit of Buffalo, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Picture perfect
A view of the city skyline from aboard the Spirit of Buffalo, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Tools of the trade
The helm of the Spirit of Buffalo, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Captain Casey
Captain Casey Laaro starts the engine before boarding passengers ahead of a tour aboard the Spirit of Buffalo, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Spirit of Buffalo
The Spirit of Buffalo, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
This series has taken Buffalo News photographers inside, outside, above and, on occasion, underneath local landmarks and to places most people…