Started the day alongside the Courthouse Dock at Fan Pier, Boston Harbor. The crew prepared the Ship for the major program of the week. Students from the New England Aquarium "Harbor Discovery" Program are sailing with us from Boston to New Bedford.

At 1000, 17 students, ages 13-14, and 4 chaperones joined the ship. We began with dockside introductions, and then a safety briefing. The group broke into Watches, A,B,C, and met their respective watch mates. At 1100 we got underway. All hands set the Lower sails, including the large Mainsail, and we motorsailed out Boston Harbor into a light Easterly breeze. The skies were clear, and the Sun blazed over the Calm waters of Massachusetts Bay. The Students are given a thorough orientation above and below decks for the next 2 hours.

The Marine Forecast for the early part of the week includes a Gale warning for the Southern New England Coast as a Low Pressure system off Virginia moves East. We decided to delay setting off towards New Bedford, where we are due on Friday, until this Low clears out. Therefore we are heading East. The wind is due to 'back' to the Northeast, and Large Swells from the 'Gale" will arrive here on Tues and Weds.

1400 We are passing Gloucester, and going East of Cape Ann. The wind is still light and from the East. The Students who are off watch are studying Navigation, and Water Density. The 'mixing' of Saltwater, and Freshwater is demonstrated using food coloring. 'B' watch is on deck and students are steering, navigating, and overseeing the safety of the ship with 'boat checks' on the hour. We steer North, past the Essex River and Plum Island, and head towards Isles of Shoals off Portmouth, NH on the Maine/New Hampshire border.

At 1830, all hands enjoy dinner on deck, as we approach the Shoals. After dinner, we find ourselves in Gosport Harbor, and the Starboard Anchor is let go South of Smuttynose Island, and all hands help strike sail. The sun sets over the Mainland (six miles to the North and West) , it is a beautiful, calm harbor. The 2 thousand or so (Herring and Black back) Gulls are the only noisy residents. Evening program includes all students at work in their program Log Books. At 2200 it is 'quiet ship', and Anchor watch follows.

Captain: Willi Bank
Program Coordinator: Crista Mellican