Ernestina met 19 new sailors this morning
at the State Pier in New Bedford. At 0830
students from the Providence area came aboard
under the guidance of the RI Children's Crusade.
After dockside introductions, safety talk and
orientation, we got underway. All hands set the 4
lowers in the harbor and tacked twice to show off
the schooner to local photographers. Next we were
outbound the in the channel. The breeze is SSW making for a quick
passage across Buzzards Bay towards Quicks' Hole
in the Elizabeth Islands. At 1400, we are East
bound in Vineyard Sound, chasing the Topsail
Schooner Shenandoah. Our plan is to anchor in
Tarpaulin Cove, Naushon Island for the evening.
We hope to muster a shore party to visit one of
the 2 public beaches on Naushon tomorrow.
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After a sail of 29 nm we let
go the starboard anchor in Tarpaulin Cove, 1/4
mile from the beach; Schooner Shenandoah is just
north of Ernestina, and are already enjoying
swimming and fishing.
After our crew furl headsails
and foresail, we open the 'pool' for a swim call.
Only a few students are brave enough today, the
air temp is a good deal cooler out here than it
was in New Bedford. The water is a nice 63 F, but
a real shock to the first few who jump in. After
swimming, the mate brings out fishing tackle, and
the derby begins. Some students set goals at the
beginning of the trip, and fish is on the list.
We get some good photos on the quarterdeck. Leo
caught a smooth dogfish, and shows off the very
young animal in a photo before returning it to
the water. Pazzaz caught a nice sized Scup, shown
here in a bucket. A small
blue fish nearly made it over the rail, and
plenty of undersized scup were hooked and
released. A Lions
Mane jelly fish was also scooped up in a bucket
for show and tell with Crista.
A long boat from Shenandoah
came alongside for a visit, and after a great
meal of burritos, salad, and big cookies on deck,
some of Ernestina's crew took a small boat
journey to visit Shenandoah. This is the 39th
season for Captain Robert Douglas and his
Coastwise Packet out of Vineyard Haven. It was a
treat to visit another black hulled sailing ship.
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Lights out and anchor watch. The mainsail remains
set for the night. All is well onboard
Captain: Willi Bank
Program Coordinator: Crista Mellican
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