We woke up to a beautiful morning in Gosport Harbor at the Isles of Shoals. It took a few minutes for our eyes to adjust to the bright morning light after our day of sailing through the fog, but it made everyone appreciate the sunshine even more. All were eager to explore the islands ,so as soon as chores were done, B and C watch students rowed ashore to Smuttynose, while A watch students carried on with anchor watch responsibilities.

We were met on shore by the Smuttynose Rangers, (volunteer caretakers of the island) who were very helpful and informative about touring the island. The most important piece of information they gave us was about the numerous herring and black back gulls that live on the island. It seems their young chicks have recently hatched and the Mama and Papa gulls are extremely protective. If you get too close to their young, not only will they screech uncontrollably at you, they will dive bomb you either with their gully puckey, (you can use your imagination), or their beaks. (physical and chemical weapons) Neither option a pleasant one. There were a few brave sailors who took on the challenge. Wielding long sticks as protection, (apparently the gulls attack the highest point), one group decided to hike the length of the island while a few others opted for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing.

At the 1000 change of the watch, B watch returned to the ship and A watch came ashore just in time to help the island caretakers resurrect an outhouse which was blown over during a recent storm. Surprisingly, not a smelly job and with all the willing hands it only took a few minutes. All hands were back on board for lunch and we raised anchor and headed over to Appledore Island which is home of the Shoals Marine Lab affiliated with University of New Hampshire and Cornell University.

We took advantage of this opportunity ashore to explore the intertidal at low water. We collected different species of marine invertebrates including numerous echinoderms, arthropods, and molluscs. We were given permission to wander through the island facilities so we walked through the gardens, marine labs, and main commons area. The dining room had a great view of the island with a few telescopes set up, and a minke whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling.

At 1600, with all hands aboard, we raised the anchor, but this time we set sail with our four lowers, jib topsail, and for the first time this season the main topsail. Portsmoth Harbor is our destination, specifically Pepperrell Cove in Kittery, Maine, so we could be closer to the Naval Shipyard for our early morning arrival time.

The beautiful afternoon sail allowed all hands to gather aft for 15 minutes of silence as we tossed flowers (from Paulina Cabral of Nantucket) into the sea, and remembered sailors lost at sea. This past year Captain Antonio David was lost off the Azores when his ship broke apart in heavy seas. Capt. David was a crewmember on Ernestina during the failed delivery to the US in 1976 . Finally, at anchor again. after a long eventful day, the evening ended with a round of 'Happy Birthday' for Nick, who turned 15 today. Everyone on board donated little things for the gift fund and we presented his gift along with a fresh batch of birthday cookies. Not a bad way to spend a birthday.

Captain: Willi Bank
Program Coordinator: Crista Mellican