We left New London with 12 Crew, and 7 Members aboard Sunday early evening, July 15th. After Midnight, westbound in Long I Sound, we found ourselves near Falkner I, and a light Northwest breeze filled in. We shut down the Main engine and enjoyed a quiet sail under Fore and Jumbo. The sky was clear, and all watchstanders got a glimpse of shooting Stars, and a fantastic moonrise. At 0422 we fired up the 'six lowers' [the main engine], and carried on towards New Haven.

We arrived at Long Wharf at 0740, and said goodbye to the Members , and prepared for the Summer Sound programs starting aboard ship in the afternoon. Past program coordinator for Ernestina, Chris Newlan, works for Schooner Sound Learning and has put together a series of collaborative educational experiences this summer. Many thanks to him for his efforts!

At 1430, 19 students and chaperones joined us for the first of four overnight programs from New Haven. After introductions and safety briefing, we got underway from Long Wharf, and set the Four Lowers. We motorsailed out the Harbor, and the students broke into groups for Ship Orientation, and Learning Stations. The stations included Bow watch and Helm, Boat Check, Navigation, and Line Handling. Outside the Harbor a light SSW breeze filled in, and we shut down the engine, and sailed East towards The Thimbles. The Thimbles are small rocky islands , and are a unique feature of this area of Long Island Sound.

We anchored just West of Outer I. and struck sail. Dinner followed, and after the evening chores were completed, All Hands gathered for a History Game and a reading from Bob Bartlett's Sails Over Ice.

Captain: Willi Bank
Program Coordinator: Crista Mellican, Polly Zajac, Chris Newlan (SSL)