At 0800 this morning we were joined
by 20 participants from the Rah Rah
Crusaders. Alongside
Tonnessen Park all hands were introduced to the
ship and each other. Chaperones were Jessica and
Leo who had experienced the 3-day cruise last
month.
As the heat increased alongside
the State Pier, anticipation grew. Lets go
sailing!
After the schooner powered away
from the dock, all hands set the four lower
sails, and the breeze filled in from the west and
north. Once outside the harbor, the temperature
dropped quickly to a comfortable 70 F. The wind
backed to the southwest as we passed Phinney
Rock, and we sailed on towards Quicks Hole. The
students on board continued their orientation
until 1200, when Lunch was brought on deck for
all.
The watches took over the deck
for the afternoon. A watch, led by Chief Mate
Erica Sachs, sailed the old schooner through
Quicks Hole, and into Vineyard Sound.
Lessons continued for
those not on watch including simple machines,
history of the Ernestina/Morrissey, and
navigation. B watch took over the deck at 1600,
and readied the ship for the evening anchorage.
Tarpaulin Cove was our goal, much like the last
RI Crusade Cruise.
The current in the sound
is swift, and we tacked and gybed to make our way
towards the cove. The Schooner Alabama raced us
to the hook, but Ernestina triumphed. Liz Maloney
had the con and directed the crew well. At 1715
the starboard anchor hit the bottom of the cove
and we struck sail. Swim call was greeted with
great enthusiasm. At 1830 we had a fine meal on
deck while the young folks on Alabama took their
turn in the cool water.
First
impressions
So
Far so Good
The only
thing that was difficult was putting up the
sails. My favorite thing about today was
steering. The food is good and the juice is too.
I got a few good pics, one of the lighthouse and
one of the sunset.
Ben
When I
first seen the ship from a distance, it looked
like crap. When I boarded the ERNESTINA I seen
its real beauty. The work isnt really
work, it is a learning experience. It is teaching
me teamwork, and is showing what kinds of things
the crew have to do every day. The ERNESTINA is a
beautiful machine. This is really a once in a
lifetime experience. I would recommend anyone who
wants to try sailing, sail on the ERNESTINA. The
ship is almost as graet as the crew.
Rock (Isaac)
So far so
good. I got to raise the sails and drive the
ship. I got to put the sail down, go swimming,
and then eat. So far so good.
Michael
My first
impression was okay. I hope I dont get
sick. I like it now but it when we leave
its gonna be weird.
Jamie
My first
impression was, "wow, this boat is small
where were gonna sleep!!! At first I wanted
to go home didnt want to to do anything but
then I figured just give it some time and
dont complain.
Lillian
My
experience on the boat was good. I got to do
stuff like steering the wheel of the boat,
watching the bow, and pulling up the sail. I got
sick twice (ha ha) but I overcame it. I love the
trip not only because I learned about new things
but I learned about new people.
Ballah-Moni
At first
it was a bore, Later we had a little sore. We are
all family for 3 days, and later on well
find our ways. This is my little rhyme, I really
dont know the time. This workout reminds me
of the gym, I wonder when were gonna swim.
-Juan
Captain: Willi Bank
Program Coordinator: Steve Kirk
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