After a nice night anchored off the North tip of Long Island Sound, we awoke at our normal 0630 for a 0700 breakfast.  The bay offered great protection from the Northeast breeze and we decided to spend the morning at anchor and give the seas some time to lay down.  With chores complete, we challenged the Harvey Gamage to dory races and lowered out boats over the side.  Despite our supreme form and good looks at the oars, we had to admit defeat to the Gamage crew.  In celebration of our efforts, the pool was opened and we had a swim call.  Students jumped off the bow sprit, and even preformed some water ballet!  In addition, the students spent some time in the morning learning about the different lives of the Ernestina from Traudi’s great wealth of knowledge.

Before lunch, we set our sails and hauled back the anchor.  The students took ownership over the sail raising, with Sean calling the foresail and Lia calling the jumbo.  We headed out into Block Island Sound with calmer seas and lighter winds.

Throughout the afternoon, students wrote in their journal, and worked on completing their checklist.  These checklists asked them to tie a series of knots, and learn their lines in order to go aloft.  Students worked hard throughout the afternoon.  At 1615, students were pulled together for a lesson on weather with Alison, and they each made their own weather forecasts for their next time on watch.

Dinner was eaten underway, and we moved into a short evening program following the meal.  With sailing to do still, evening program involved a story game and a discussion about superstitions at sea.  We read “The Thing in the Hold” and talked about other things sailors find bad luck at sea.  Except for B watch, we turned in at 2030 for bed.  By 2230, we let go the anchor under sail power alone, and struck sails under a full moon.  It was a beautiful night to sail and we were happy to see our home port of New Bedford shining in welcome in the distance.

Program Coordinator: Gretchen Stuppy
Captain: Sophie Morse