Alongside Claudio's Pier in Greenport
Long Island. We survived the Nor'Easterly Gale of
Saturday, and woke up to cool clear skies here,
with a light North West breeze. At 0900 we were
joined by 19 Seventh Grade students, and 3
chaperones including Dr. Dennis Claire from
Greenport Public Schools. After introductions and
a safety briefing we got underway. Once off the
dock we set the Four Lowers, and made our way out
to Gardiner's Bay. Photographer Thad Koza
followed in a small runabout, and took stills of
Ernestina in the bright sunshine. The students
were split into three watches, and had
orientations belowdecks, then took turns on deck.
Off watches were occupied with classes on
Navigation, Plankton and Sharks. We sailed
through Plum Gut into Long Island Sound, where we
enjoyed a downwind run and Lunch on deck. A tug
and barge passed Ernestina just inside the Race.
After lunch we tacked back towards Plum Island,
and bucked the 3.5 knot current in the Gut. The
NW breeze kicked up the water to a white froth,
and the students at the helm had to work fast to
keep the ship on course as the current spun the
bow. For the afternoon we
sailed across Gardiner's Bay, and met the Sloop
Providence outside Sag Harbor. Students off watch
were busy climbing aloft, and on the Bowsprit, as
well as knot tying, and making their own Monkey's
Fist. All hands helped sail onto the Hook at
1800, just off Bens Point at Orient Beach. We
enjoyed another great meal from the Galley:
chicken parmesan and noodles, plus cake for
dessert. As the sun set, and the light Northerly
breeze continued, the students performed skits on
deck, creatively interpreting the history of the
Ernestina/Morrissey. A reading from Capt. Bob
Bartlett's Arctic Rodeo followed, then
anchor watch. Sleep was good on this cool night.
Captain: Willi Bank
Program: Coordinator: Crista Mellican
|
|