Everyone woke up early at 6:00am to the sounds of gulls and gentle waves on the Elizabeth islands nearby.  The air was chilly, but the rain had stopped, allowing up to haul back anchor, set the foresail, eat breakfast and pack up our banks and do chores.  We enjoyed the sail back to New Bedford and closed with an all-hands meeting before docking, saying good bye and departing the ship.

"Experience of a lifetime!" "Life on board the Ernestina is magnificent for a one-day trip.  The crew have served us wonderfully by teaching us new and exciting things about the ocean and shipping.  It is a world of information and a great experience for any child or adult.  Please consider another visit or make time for your first visit one summer. You will be amazed. The food is delicious, the cabins are spacious and your rest (sleep) will be a new experience in the midnight adventure of docking. The Ernestina has given me the opportunity to see oceanography in a new light. Thank you to the TTT Mentor Program and all of the crew on board the magnificent Schooner Ernestina." ~Andrea Colleymore (parent and watch leader)

"On June 7th, myself and a lot of other people set sail on the Schooner Ernestina. My experience on this boat was fun. It was my first experience on a boat.  I learned a lot about plankton and that jellyfish is a part of plankton.  I also got to get sea sick for the first time.  It was hard getting used to the small bunks, but it was fun sleeping - nice and quiet. Before going to bed, we played Olympics, that was based on what we learned. I helped put the sails up, which was very hard because it weighed over 600 pounds. The food on the boat was made by the chef (Erin). She is a good cook. We ate burritos, soup, eggs and bacon and couple more things. This morning, my mother, myself and two little girls got sea sick. The boat is really large, but we helped clean it before we got back to land.  Hopefully, when we get back to land, I'll feel better." ~Gabrielle Saint-Fleur (student)

"We learned how to steer the Ernestina, how to make monkeys fist (knot) and we learned some history of the schooner. I like putting up the sail and I liked the way we ate. I did not like the beds and I hit my head many times. There is a library if you can't sleep. I liked the Olympics at night. They were fun, but you have to pay attention." ~Lindsey Forecast (student)

Program Coordinators: Kristen Sharpless
Captain: Willi Bank

TTT Mentor Program Group Photo back at the New Bedford State Pier.

The Ernestina needs all hands to care of the ship.

It is important to keep an eye ont he wind and sails while steering.

We squeezed past the Tug "MR BUCKY" and a barge with a derrick servicing the Hurricane Gate.

The Sun came out for a lovely afternoon on Buzzards Bay, much nicer than yesterday. We tacked off Clark's Point and will return to the State Pier @ 1600.

All is well.

Program Coordinator: Kristen Sharpless
Captain: Willi Bank

AnneMarie Espindola sent the photos from the member sail shown below.  She'll be aboard for a program with the teachers of SABES (System of Adult of Basic Education Support) and faculty of Bristol Community College on June 13th.

Here is the track midway into the afternoon Member Sail.