Alongside the East float of Long Wharf, preparing for our next overnight program . Because we are sailing in Long Island Sound this week, which is a NO DISCHARGE area, we had to take our ‘business’ ashore. This means we took advantage of the Pumpout facility at Long Wharf to empty out Blackwater tanks (Holding tanks for sewage). Ernestina is equipped with 2 tanks, one for each head, with 185 gallon capacity each.

Between sails today, we had to shift the Schooner to the Pier, and connect to the hose and plumbing that ties into the City of New Haven sewers. This system is also used by Quinipiack, and Amistad. The long piping makes the operation slow, and our Engineer, Erika Boulware, was running the length of Long Wharf to oversee its operation. Finally our tanks were empty. We moved the schooner back to the East float.

At 1415, Chris Newlan and 19 students arrived for the third overnight sail.

After a safety briefing we departed Long Wharf, and set the FOUR LOWERS in the Harbor. A strong SE breeze heeled the boat as participants began the orientation.

Out in the Sound, the group was divided into Learning stations. (see previous trips of the week)

Once again we found ourselves heading towards the Thimbles for a nice quiet anchorage.

Evening program, and anchor watch followed.

The wind blew steadily from the East all night, 20-25 knots,, but the Stbd hook held firm in the soft mud of the Sound.

In the Morning all hands hauled back the anchor, covered in mud, and we set off towards New Haven Again.

We returned to Long Wharf at 0910.

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