This beautiful Sunday Morning in New London we boarded 72 persons for a Breakfast Cruise. After a safety Briefing, we got underway from the US Coast Guard Pier, and set our Mainsail, and other Lower sails. We shut off the Main Engine immediately and enjoyed a quiet sail down the Thames River in the light North wind. The other 3 Vessels participating in Sail Fest New London were also on the River taking people on Breakfast sails, and we sailed in company towards the Sound.

The Freedom Schooner Amistad, and Sloop Providence, and Schooner Quinipiak engaged in ceremonial gunfire. Schooner Ernestina does not carry anything that resembles a cannon, so First Mate Fred Sterner lead a salute that included a handful of Flour tossed over the Rail (powder smoke) as  everyone onboard yelled "BOOM".

This was well respected by the other vessels , which steered clear, knowing we could 'reload' quickly, and as long as the Cook allowed us, the magazine was well stocked.

The breeze filled in Southwest, and we returned to the Pier at 1115.

The Crew prepared the Vessel for 'Open Ship', and throughout the afternoon Sailfest visitors come aboard, and explored the Vessel's history. Our Polar Bear 'Bob' enjoyed meeting lots of people, including this family pictured with Willi.

At 1800 we closed the ship to the public, and prepared for our Overnight Transit to New Haven. 7 members joined us. Immmediately after a safety briefing, we left the dock at 1815, and set the Fore and Jumbo. Member John F. Kray sent a photo of the sunset while enroute to the right.

The wind remained SW, and until a favorable breeze filled in after midnight, we motorsailed West in LI Sound. You can see the turn off the Falkner Islands to take advantage of some sailing time around midnight and the overall transit from New London to New Haven, CT.

Captain: Willi Bank
Program Coordinator: Crista Mellican