The ship is the Rose, a very authentic replica of a British fighting ship (I forget which class). For years the Rose offered paying passengers the opportunity to crew her as she sailed the Eastern seaboard. Passengers would climb the rigging and do all the other chores necessary to sail the ship. I had planned to do this myself but the Rose's owners sold her so she could be used to make the film so my procastination cost me the opportunity.
For those who are interested in the ship.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_%28ship%29