On
Wednesday morning twenty participants from the
Sound School of New Haven, CT joined the
Ernestina and crew for our first multi day
program of the season. Our new crew came
well prepared and enthused. Having been
studying maritime history, literature and
seamanship at school, the students now had the
opportunity to integrate their knowledge with
first hand experience and hone their
skills. A short sail brought us to Peddocks
Island in the Boston Harbor Islands where we set
anchor early. From here all hands had the
opportunity to launch and row our 19th century
style cod fishing dories and gain an appreciation
for the hard work of the Banks
fishermen. Participants who climbed the
ratlins aloft or made their way out on the bow
sprit got a glimpse of the Ernestina from a new
perspective as well as the surrounding islands
and lighthouses of Boston Harbor. Before
turning in for the night, our captain Will
Bank shared an overview of our progress for the
day and our expected course for the next two as
we make our way to the Historical
Whaling city of New Bedford. After taking
turns standing anchor watch throughout the night,
morning seemed to come early as all hands were
needed to raise the mainsail shortly after
dawn. Cold drizzle set the standard for the
day, but not the tone. Though the sea going
experience can be somewhat distracted by motion
sickness, participants still stood watch
and joined in on the Cape Verde,
Working on Water and Whale learning
stations. When the Cape Cod Canal
was cleared and we entered the calm
waters of Buzzards Bay, spirits and strength rose
as we anticipated clear skies for fridays
final stretch.Settling in at anchor in Aucoot
Cove off Mattapoisett, we all enjoyed another
fantastic meal by steward Laurie Wietzen then
relaxed with games, song and stories.
Next morning the Ernestina arrived at
Tonnessen Park, New Bedford State Pier in a
shining state thanks to the help of all our guest
crew members to clean her from one voyage and
prepare her for the next. We had a final
chance to share impressions, insights and
experiences before we gathered for a last group
picture and our participants left our decks for
the shores of New Bedford. One final opportunity
was waiting them, a visit to the New Bedford
Whaling Museum where an overview of this
important industry would round off their studies
of comparative cultures and impacts of maritime
influences.
Thanks to one and all. We hope to have
our Sound School crew aboard in the future!
Captain: Willi Bank
Program Coordinator: Inette Rex
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