After a couple hours spent preparing the ship for the next group and catching some personal time, the crew welcomed the next group onboard the Ernestina.  This group of participant consisted of 9 eager students plus Dan, Walt, and Beth.  Arriving at 1400, we were able to leave the dock slightly earlier then the last two days, and we got underway to do some great sailing.  Wednesday was a beautiful clear day and after the sails were raised, we broke up into groups again to learn navigation, simple machines, boat parts, and knots.  Students impressed us by tying bowlines and eight knots with their eyes closed.

With a good breeze we decided to sail until after dinner and managed to come to anchor completely under sail power.  Every participant stood by and helped us into our anchorage.  Once lines were coiled and the sails furled, we came together for an evening program where we discussed the history of the Ernestina.  Students looked at pictures and asked many questions about the different lives of the ship.

Throughout the night students assumed anchor watch and not only had a great sunset and sunrise, but with an almost new moon there was great bioluminescence.  For many students the hour spent up at night was the best part of the trip.  But however good the night might be, morning was also spectacular, and after breakfast, the student all helped in getting the Ernestina underway.

By the time we returned to Long Wharf in New Haven the students had all steered the boat and spent time out on the bow sprit.  Before we unloaded, students shared their favorite experiences of the 19 hours onboard, and we said thank you’s all around, including a big one to ‘the kitchen lady.’

Program Coordinator: Gretchen Stuppy
Captain: Sophie Morse