And...they are off!  The 2014 Crew of the Harvey Gamage successfully boarded all hands this Saturday, beginning their journey and quickly accumulating the many miles that are to pass under the keel.
The first day of school was full of orientation as the ship's company prepared to set sail for Buck Island, USVI.  Students quickly fell into the watch system; standing bow watch, hourly boat checks, a trick at the helm, working with the Mate to plot their course.  Not your typical first day of school.
As the sun set, the students dropped the anchor for the first time a short distance from their destination.  The following day was spent exploring Buck Island Reef National Monument.  Snorkeling the elkhorn coral barrier reef, hiking to the top of the island and enjoying some games off the beach before Lizzie's barbecue super.
Currently the Gamage crew is underway toward Statia where they will have the opportunity to hike  into the belly of an extinct volcano, snorkel in search of the elusive blue beads and plunge into their academic classes.
From all accounts aboard, this is the start of an astounding four months.  I look forward to hearing all the stories, seeing all the photos and meeting all these fine, young, sailors.
Fair Winds,
Alyson Graham
Education and Program Director

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Meet the Spring Crew of the Harvey Gamage!

Captain Christopher Flansburg -

Raised in the majestic American west, Captain Flansburg started working on boats after running out of money while travelling through Israel in 1988.  From there he continued sailing while also developing his skill as a leader working with youth at risk in south central Utah where he taught wilderness survival and human coping skills. He has traveled and sailed in Europe, the Middle East, and Central America, and finally settled on a career in traditional sail in the late 90's.  When not at sea, he is home working in a circa 1860's farmhouse blacksmithing and tending his chickens. He has been a captain for OCF for more than a decade and we all are lucky to benefit from his experience, sense of humor, and benevolent spirit.

Lizzie Loomis- Cook

Lizzie is so much more than just the cook.  Not only does she provide the crew and students with three hearty meals per day, midrats, and glorious, custom, made-to-order birthday cakes, her galley harbors a sense of community that we come to rely on during the hard times at sea.  When she is not working hard to nourish our bodies, she nourishes our spirits with her radiant smile and angelic singing voice.

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