An Early morning start as we raised anchor at 0530 and took the Navy Yard Pilot Ted Knowles aboard. We motored up the Piscataqua River towards the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard escorted Navy Tug LT165. The currents in the river can run at up to 5-6 knots, so we made our approach at Low Slack Water. We tied up to a Barge at Pier 6 C, at 0600. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is 201 years old and until 1962 built submarines. It is the Oldest active Yard in the Country. "Sails to Atoms" is their motto. It is located on Seavey Island in the Piscataqua River, between Maine and New Hampshire.

We had a full day of activities planned. The students started off the day learning about the different lives of the Ernestina, looking at pictures and forming a time line of important events in her history. The Navy Yard Public Affairs Office organized two shipyard tours for us to see the Navy Yard, old prison, and visit the Submarine Museum. Our open ship for the Navy League was planned for 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with all participants helping to provide information about the Ernestina to interested visitors.

In between the fluster of activities everyone got a chance to steal away and enjoy a nice shower at the Yard Gym. A steady flow of visitors came by the ship throughout the day asking quesions and learning about the ship. It was the first time the Shipyard has allowed a non Navy sailing vessel to tie up there. Local Television and News Papers were also on hand to record the visit. The Portsmouth Harbor area is eager to have more Sailing Ships visit their port. The Commander of the Yard came aboard, along with members of the Navy League. A suprise visitor to the ship was Austin Colgate, a Bartlett Boy from the Morrissey's voyage North in 1940. Austin now lives in Cape Neddick, Maine.

At 1730, with all hands aboard, we prepared to depart at Low Slack Water. The pilot joined us again, as well a BMO 3C. Once off the Pier, we set the 4 Lowers in a fine SW breeze, and sailed down river and out the Harbor. Force 4 winds drove the vessel past the Isles of Shoals in no time, and we enjoyed a Sunset on our way towards Jeffreys Ledge.

Watches continued through the night as the Schooner stepped along at 9 knots. Our goal was to find whales on Stellwagen the next day. The flashing bioluminescence in the water added to the excitement of sailing through the night. Each watch had the opportunity to collect a water sample and take a closer look at the eerie glow and quick flashes of light the tiny dinoflagellate plankton was chemically producing. A discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of bioluminescence and the different animals that use it in the ocean helped to pass the night.

Captain: Willi Bank
Program Coordinator: Crista Mellican