Insiders call Erie's historic tall ship "Niagara 4," referring to the U.S. Brig Niagara that was launched in 1988. Niagara serves as Pennsylvania's flagship, and has delighted visitors from home and around the world for 30 years. This ship, the pride of Erie area residents, the state, and the Flagship Niagara League, has thrived far longer than the original Niagara (1813- 1820) and far surpassed the functional life of the first replica, which was raised and rebuilt in 1913 for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie. But Erie's magnificent brig will soon be rebuilt with millions of dollars in improvements, producing the next "Niagara." Who better to tell the story of "Niagara 4" than William Sabatini, Executive Director and Fleet Captain of the Flagship Niagara League. Captain Sabatini knows the Niagara as well as anyone, having served as its long-time first mate, captain and now organizational leader. – Capt. William Sabatini
