| Our day started with a calm and foggy
morning. Today’s group of seventh graders
from Auburn Middle School arrived smiling and
eager to sail. After they were boarded they
received a safety orientation and a sail-handling
lesson. We soon were underway and raised our
mainsail, foresail, jib and jumbo. Clearing the hurricane barrier we
entered Buzzard’s bay. The fog began to lift
and the sun broke through. The light wind made
several plankton tows possible and students were
able to see a variety of living plankton.
Students learned about
navigation, helmsmanship, mechanical advantage,
simple machines, knot tying and the history of
the Ernestina. Students gained experience with
sail handling, line handling and proper line
coiling.
After an underway lunch we took
time to enjoy the gentle sounds and peaceful
solitude that comes on a vessel underway by sail.
As our sailing time came to a close we furled
sails and reflected on the experience before
concluding our sail.
Captain: Amanda Madeira
Program Coordinator: MaryHelen Gunn
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