So 'A'
Watch is up at 0400, hauling back the anchor with
steady cracking away on the windlass. Were
underway by 0430, and by 0630 when all hands are
up for breakfast, the foresail and jumbo are set
and were rolling along toward Stellwagen
bank in 4-7 foot seas, over 10 nautical miles
already behind us. A few students are already
feeling green. Breakfast, though delicious, is a
temptation beyond the reach of many. All hands
gamely turn to chores after breakfast, and at our
all-hands muster, we resolve to keep all eyes
peeled for signs of whales. Its not long
after 0800 that our Trip Leader, valiant and
brave on behalf of all of us, utters gestures of
conciliation to a rowdy Neptune: Discretion is
the better part of valor, and were really
unlikely to spot whales in such rolling seas.
Though its a gorgeous day, stomachs have to
fight for equilibrium, and perhaps a future whale
watch would prove more fruitful.
So we tack for Boston, and around 1030 our bow
lookout calls Alan forward: "I saw a
whale!" We all watch over the starboard rail
as two finback whales cruise past us (at
250 depthnot grazing on the banks
today!), fairly close by, headed east/southeast.
They spouted and showed us their backs and we
were tickled!
MaryHelen offers a class in sailboat
evolution/global navigation/sail theory to those
on deck, midmorning. After lunch were
weaving our way through Bostons Harbor
Islands, through Nantasket Roads and into Quincy
Bay. We circumnavigated Peddocks Island.
Its calm seas for Field Day, for which
were all grateful. Heading through the
Harbor, we collect a sample of plankton for the
classs aquarium. Once at dock, students
muster to sing a rousing chorus of "Lovely
Ernestina" for their film, and our all-hands
muster and Certificate ceremony are full of fun
and a feeling of satisfaction with our
expedition.
There is a reluctance to leave; a few
interviews on camera of crewmembers, parting
guitar lessons (crewmember Jay is picking up tips
from Andy see photo at right), hugs, and
exchanges of email addresses. Several students
have completed volunteer applications or
requested information for volunteering. Whatever
may come, we sure have fond memories and hope to
sail for more with this gang!
Captain: Sophie Morse
Program Coordinator: MaryHelen Gunn
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