Greenport
Schools.... Trip #1 What a way
to start the week! A warm welcome and reception
kicked off three consecutive overnight sails with
the Greenport seventh grade class. We were
greeted in the afternoon by the local dignitaries
and school board members that have invested much
effort and interest in implementing these
programs for the first time here. Plenty of good
food and sodas were provided by Claudio's
Restaurant. Josh Horton, former student of the
Greenport school system and long time friend of
the Ernestina, had the idea to bring a sea going
experiential education component to the schools.
He introduced the idea to the board and set the
plan in motion. Support and contributions from
the community and local businesses helped to fund
these programs.
At 5pm our group arrived, eager
and energetic. After bunk and watch assignments,
we quickly got underway to enjoy the evening
under sail. Our fifteen new crew members were
soon acclimated to the Ernestina through an
orientation and scavenger hunt before we settled
into Cherry Harbor for the night under a canopy
of stars.
Next morning we arose early to
set sail and raise anchor before breakfast. The
students learned the responsibilities of
operating the vessel while standing watch with
their leaders. Off duty participants learned of
maritime history, climbed the rig and tried their
hand at the knot tying and rope bracelet making.
By three in the afternoon we were back at dock
saying our farewells while waiting in the wings
were our second seventh grade group.
Captain: Sophie Morse
Program Coordinator: Inette Rex
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