Captain Wesley Heerssen has been awarded the American Sail Traning Association’s Sail Trainer of the Year Award. This is a big deal. Of all the tall ship sailors in the country ASTA has chosen Wes to be the best of 2010. This is a huge honor for him and we should all be proud to have such a Captain on our ship.
This is well deserved award. Wes has been tireless in his dedication and work for this ship and ultimately the trainees that sail on board her. He is a patient teacher that does not get frustrated or upset with the people around him and creates an environment that is incredibly conducive to learning. He uses positive reinforcement to get the most out of people and in so doing he gets everything that they can give him. Captain Heerssen also leads by example to create a work ethic on board that is unstoppable. He possesses a wealth a knowledge concerning sailing on board a tall ship and is passionate about sharing that knowledge with all that sail with him.
U.S. Brig NIAGARA - The Ship's Log 
Congratulations to Capt.Heerssen & all the crew of the USS Brig Niagara!!
Congratulations, Captain !!! Nice to see you recognized. Well deserved !
He is even training when he is NOT training! He has a good working knowledge of video production and has created several training films that are used to teach difficult skills.
Congratulations Wes!