This morning at 0900 student’s from St. Margaret’s
McTernan School boarded the Ernestina
in Norwalk, CT. St.
Margaret’s McTernan is an independent, nondenominational day
school in Connecticut that serves students (K-12) from over 40
communities. The
school has small class sizes that encourage a supportive
community and a challenging learning environment.
This program is done in cooperation with Ocean
Classroom’s vessel, the
Harvey Gamage. The
two boats will sail together and conduct similar curriculums
from their own decks.
Due to limited dockage in Norwalk, we decided to
transport the Harvey
Gamage students out to the Gamage
anchored outside the harbor.
Once underway, the Ernestina students went through hold
orientations, while the Gamage
students took some time to record some first impressions in
their journals. At
1100 we rafted alongside the Harvey
Gamage and dropped off their students.
Once we got underway again, we went over our station
bill. Students
talked through possible emergencies onboard and tried on life
jackets and even a survival suit.
After a yummy lunch students broke up into watches and
we raised the four lower sails.
With the wind on our bow we tacked towards the entrance
of Long Island Sound.
Throughout the afternoon, students learned how to
navigate, tie knots, and the basics of sailing and boat parts.
They also took time to write in journals and enjoy a
visit out on the bow sprit.
The students were eager to pick up everything the crew
taught them and with some miles to cover they continued motor
sailing until after dinner.
Before dropping the anchor we played a few games for
evening program. Students
turned in around 1000, ready to stand anchor watch throughout
the night.
Program Coordinator:
Gretchen Stuppy
Captain: Sophie Morse
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