Written by Kasey Cote representing A Watch: Morgan, Jen, Matt, Brian, Deborah, Sarah Praker, Donna

As we boarded the ship, the Ernestina, many people’s first reaction was how large the boat seemed. Soon after we were all aboard and given our bunks we met around the Captain’s cabin and introduced ourselves to each other. There were many new faces and some that were familiar. After we met each other we got put into groups called watches. These watches were assigned different jobs that needed to be completed. As we received the information we soon realized we needed to learn many new terms to run the ship.

Finally we set off to reach our first destination, Point Judith, Rhode Island. During this voyage many of those on the "new" crew fell ill to sea sickness due to high swells although the weather was really nice. Eventually things began to get better after they were all served with sweet snacks.

The moment everyone has been waiting for…..we anchored in Pt. Judith. One of the first things the kids wanted to do was go swimming in the ocean. All of those who wanted to swim went and put on their bathing siuts and jumped off the side of the boat and off the bowsprit. Everyone who jumped in came out with the same conclusion, that the water was cold.

All of the swimmers got on board again and put some nice warm clothes on. We all sat around and enjoyed the great meals that we were served. The whole crew helped clean up after dinner and met around the Captain’s cabin and played a game called "These are your shipmates" while we snacked on delicious low protein bon-bons. The game lasted long enough for the A watch’s first night watch. This is to make sure that the anchor is not moving and to make sure that the ship is in good condition. After each watch member was done they were released and could go to bed. Though some of the members in the Fishhold could not sleep on the first night due to snoring from fellow shipmate, Donna Holmes. This was a perfect thing to share with the rest of the members who were fortunate to sleep in the forecastle. The sleep deprived members that were bunked near Donna enjoyed telling the tale of how Donna cut wood that night.

The sailors looked forward to another nice day of sailing and sharing stories with one another.

Captain: Amanda Madeira
Program Coordinator: Crista Mellican