Our introductions circle around the ship’s wheel revealed strong interests in climbing the rig, learning to sail, swimming in the ocean, and more. Before we made the call to get underway, we just had time for 20-minute watch orientations. Mate Fred Sterner gave a running commentary as we left our slip, offering insight into the moving dynamics of the ship, the wind’s effects, water currents, other boats’ positions, and all the factors running through the captain’s mind (in this case Gregg Swanzey) as we pull the boat safely off the dock and into the channel.

Goals for the trip focus our energy on the team-building, learning experience of sailing a tall ship at sea together. As we raised the main, it immediately became apparent how interdependent this team really is—it was necessary to make fast the main peak halyard part way up so that half the students could go help haul up the main throat halyard. Then half the throat halyard gang helped raise the peak, and the sail got set.

Once all four lowers were set and the lines coiled down, we paused for a moment to reflect and enjoy the quiet, and for students to jot first impressions in their logbooks. Then as we raised the jib topsail, it was all hands to the holds, for full orientations—today held a rare opportunity to include a quiet orientation to the engine room in addition to each of the other holds. We fired up only when it became clear that the following tide wouldn’t help enough to let us sail through Quicks Hole against the light breeze on our nose. Deck orientations followed, and by the time these were winding down, we were sailing along the southeastern shore of Naushon Island, Martha’s Vineyard to our starboard in light haze. It’s a quintessential early-fall day, glassy waters in Vineyard Sound, bright sunshine, light breezes.

As we approached Tarpaulin Cove, teams of crew and students set out a shot of anchor chain and struck our jib top (the furling of which brought a few crew out onto the bowsprit with Frank), jib and jumbo. We struck the fore and launched the rescue boat just after the hook caught, and finally—the much-anticipated—SWIM CALL! Despite moans about the temperature of the water, several students and even chaperone Megan—as well as a few stalwart crew—jumped in and reveled in it. A few of those who opted NOT to jump, dive, backflip, bellyflop, or slide into the water climbed up the mainmast with Jim.

Monika’s spinach Lasagne and cheese biscuits warmed us all up. Now we’re getting ready for evening program, featuring What Makes a Schooner a Schooner? And the tales and triumphs of Howard Blackburn, famed Gloucester fisherman. Anchor watches will afford students the chance to stand watch in the wee dark hours, and a few will be up to see the sunrise.

Program Coordinator: MaryHelen Gunn
Captain: Gregg Swanzey

The day's run from New Bedford to Tarpaulin Cove on Naushon Island in the Elizabeths.

Our anchorage for the night where swim call happened in the late afternoon.

Mate Fred Sterner gives an orientation.

Spirit of Massachusetts is underway with us with Capt. Beth Doxsee aboard.

Sails go up as we depart the harbor.

Furling sails at tht anchorage.

Swim call in Tarpaulin Cove.

Swim call is happening over at the Spirit as well.