Winds
were building nicely from the NW as the
Ernestina, carrying 42 participants and
chaperones from the Kathryn Burns Prep School,
cast her lines from New Bedford Harbor. The
students energy and excitement would be matched
by an ambitious sail plan and schedule full of
activities for their eight hour program. We
were able to set the four lower sails
with all the added strength on board, then
proceed to clear the hurricane barrier under sail
alone. Our track shows us making a series
of short tacks along the coast so we could
stay close to a favorable anchorage spot for
the afternoon activities. The morning rotation
of learning stations was broken by an excellent
lunch under way but as the wind did not abate by
early afternoon, we had to strike the main
and take our plan for dory rowing and rig
climbing to the shelter of New Bedford's inner
harbor. Groups alternated between team
rowing efforts in our fishing dories to
individually climbing aloft or creating rope
bracelets from traditional sailor knots.
We ended an experience filled day with
another meal where all hands could relax
and take in the calm of the evening
settling in.
Thank you to the cooperative efforts of the
Kathryn Burns School and Youth Opportunities
Upheld, Inc. It is rewarding when
students, finding themselves with in a new
environment, work together to accomplish great
tasks or individually surmount personal
obstacles. We benefit and enrich our
experiences as well just from having these
students share our decks.
Captain: Sophie Morse
Program Coordinator: Inette Rex
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