Charleston

Charleston

Kayden, the acting Ocean Classroom Director from Proctor Academy, met us in Charleston and spent four days with us. It was great to have Kayden join us for this time!

We also received our mail drop. Thank you to everyone who sent letters and mail.

The Scavenger Hunt in Charleston took students around this historic city. Students searched for things such as landmarks, sweet tea, ghost stories, and citadel cadets. It was the highlight of Charleston for many students.

Another highlight was our visit to the South Carolina Aquarium. In addition to studying the marine life off the local coast, we visited the Sea Turtle Rescue Hospital. It is the only kind of facility like this in the United States. We saw loggerhead and green turtles face to face. The hospital nurses injured turtles back to health and has released over eighty back into the wild so far. Most of the injuries are caused by boating accidents. One turtle in the hospital had its skull cut in half by a propeller. The skilled veterinarians at the hospital were able to repair it and the young turtle is well on its way to being re-released. We all fell in love with sea turtles!

We spent a rainy afternoon exploring Fort Sumter, where the first battle of the civil war occurred. It only rained, however, when we were indoors! Students learned about naval war strategies during the Civil War.

Students also worked on their midterm exams in Charleston. It’s hard to believe, but the Academic program is almost half way finished.

We will miss this friendly southern city. Thank you Charleston for all your hospitality.

The following is student Sam Brown's account of the Scavenger Hunt:

While the Westward was docked snuggly at Charleston Maritime Canter, students were given an opportunity to see the city of Charleston in a perfect way; a scavenger hunt. Paired in groups of three and given a lengthy checklist, Proctor students swarmed the city armed with digital cameras and sunscreen. Charleston has a unique permanent open air market that run several blocks long and had hundreds of local vendors, selling everything from civil war musket shells to hand made sweetgrass baskets. Charleston is a city with many superstitions, including an operating fire station occupied by two ghosts. One group of students got to see a bed in the fire station in which the ghost was sighted. Charleston’s junk food was also quite different that what you might find at Jakes in Andover. Boiled peanuts and sweet tea are local favorites. Charleston’s famous “rainbow row” is a cobblestone city block with three story tenements of every color of the rainbow. After two hours of exploration, students rushed back to Westward to tally points. Everyone has a great time and enjoyed eating out on the town later that week. The Proctor students had a great time in Charleston and are looking forward to the Caribbean.

Sam Brown on Bow Watch:

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Captain´s Blog, Cumberland Island

At anchor, Cumberland Island, GA
This entry finds us several hundred miles down the Eastern Seaboard from the Chuckatuck Creek. Our passage and subsequent port stop in Charleston passed in a blur.The Carolina Capes (Hatteras, Lookout, and Fear) lived up to their reputation as we made our way South. We departed the Chesapeake with a fresh headwind, but were able to shape up nicely at ordered course full and by- we’re getting better at it- for Hatteras. Barely clear of the capes, Ali took a tumble down a ladder and sprained her ankle. Once we were sure it wasn’t fractured, we wrapped her up and stood her down. The weather continued to be squirrelly, and we went through a number of sail changes along the way. By the time we were abeam Hatteras, we were barreling along close hauled in a strengthening breeze. This became a strong headwind about the time we hit the Gulf Stream, which was running close to shore. The resulting sea and current made progress difficult and many hands return to the rail to commune with Neptune. The forecast promised a Northerly breeze in the next 12 hours, so we “hove to”, basically stopped the ship under sail to ease the motion, and waited it out. We lost about 30 miles to the ENE as we rode the mighty Gulf Stream, but gained a great deal of energy from the ship’s company. The breeze filled in as promised, and the ship’s routine returned to normal. Students give a daily progress report, updating all hands on our navigational progress, the weather forecast, fuel & water consumption, and any ship’s issues. We knew we were in for some light airs as a High Pressure system moved in, and tried to get as much sailing in as we could. Eventually, a little over a day out from Charleston, the breeze gave out and we gave in and started the engine. It was a sound we heard until dockside. I, for one, am looking forward to the more steady trade winds- even if they are head winds. During the passage, students refined their navigation skills as well as their ability to move through the ship and its operations with confidence and ability. They took on more responsibility for running routines, chores, and sail evolutions. They showed me that they are more than ready for the next phase of they voyage, where they step into the role of the Deckhands. In Charleston, the students scrubbed down the ship and were rewarded with a burgeoning mail call. I’ll let them fill you in on this welcoming and busy port. It was, as always, overloaded. The highlights: Sophie returned, Kayden visited, students talked to home for the first time, lots of exams and quizzes, field trips, provisioning, and errands. We got Ali’s ankle cleared by a doctor. There were visits from family, friends, alum, and onlookers. There were compliments all around from our hosts. Before departing, we officially shifted gears. The students are all in the same watches, but are standing with different mates and crew than they started with. It is the student voices we hear calling sail. They take point in running the logistics of the ship. This is a giant step in responsibility and leadership. I am confident that they will meet and exceed this challenge as they have done all along, but it won’t be easy.We anchored late yesterday afternoon, after a thirty hour passage. Mr. Greg Bailey joined the ship’s company as “supercargo”- to provide the extra license needed for our offshore transit. This is the “Mr. Bailey” who served last fall as mate on Spirit of Massachusetts, and is a welcome addition to our company. (Thanks to Vic of VIP taxi and the crew of the Lucy R. Ferguson for help with his luggage.) The students headed ashore before dawn to watch the sun come up. Cumberland Island is a favorite of our crew, and most are ashore as well. Tomorrow we shift to Fernandina Beach, FL (just a few miles away) to wrap up the final details before sailing for the Caribbean. Wind and weather depending, we’ll be outbound by sunset. The updates will include mostly position and conditions until we reach the Dominican Republic in a couple of weeks. The photos sent will be of darker skinned, lighter haired, salt encrusted young men and women. The video might show a swagger, and I promise any phone calls or e-mails will be in a language close to- but not quite- English. Wish us fair winds and safe passage.

-CJS
16 October 2009

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A Note from Zada Clark

A Note From My Journal”
by Zada Clark
Well, I am back from the horrible realm of seasickness {knock on wood}. It’s amazing how much everything improves once your body and mind feel good. The sun is shinning and we’re cruising along enroute to the Chesapeake Bay. Last night I had watch from 2000-0000 {8pm to midnight for you land folks}. The ocean was kind of eerie under the night sky, a misty blanket of fog spread over the mirror like sea. Standing by the bow I watched the ship slicing through the water creating foamy crests, which were tiny compared to the six feet of white water and spray we were experiencing earlier. Living on the sea, the ocean is both my enemy and my best friend. I love her, but she’s quite bipolar. One hour she’ll be moving and roaring, dotted with white water and surging with the most powerful force ever seen. She can calm down, become still and relaxed. This is when we get along the best. One of my favorite moments is bow watch. After heaving myself out of my bunk, bleary eyed and exhausted, it’s a relief to stand in one place and finally breathe. The ocean was finally all tucked in. A ripple would gently roll across, like a peaceful exhale of oxygen. There was no land last night as my eyes skimmed the horizon searching for the possible dangers of oncoming boats. Just miles and miles of sea, no end. The scene was undisturbed by neon lights and tall structures. I felt loneliness wash over me. Not a loneliness that makes you want to cry and be comforted by a friend. This loneliness carved an empty hole in my head that I couldn’t seem to fill with the noise of cars or sirens or loud hammering music because there weren’t any. The only sound was the whoosh of the wind against the forestay sail. It was just me and my new friend, the vast ocean. It was a silence that left me able to think to myself. Even though I had to stay alert. I was able to delve into my head. Picking apart and taking files out I hadn’t seen in quite some time. I love this moment when I’m alone, spending time with myself. As I look at Story, who’s on bow watch right now. I can make out her blank face. Even with all the hustle and bustle on deck, she has her back to it, head to the horizon. Spending time inside her head.
Zada Clarke

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Captain's Blog Chuckatuck Creek

From the banks of the Chuckatuck Creek, Eclipse, VA

At 1930 on Friday the 2nd, WESTWARD altered course towards the Cape Henry Pilot station at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. We’d had a spectacular romp of a sail leaving Mystic, making fast passage, followed by several hours of motoring in flat calm. Finally under sail again, we were bound for the Nansemond River- my home waters- and a couple of days of exploring salt marshes and inland fisheries.

The mate notified me that we were being hailed by the Virginia Pilots on the VHF radio. I was asked what our ETA was to our anchorage: “I’m on a phone call here, Cap, just wondering when you’ll be in…”. I responded that we’d be anchoring near midnight in the Nansemond River. “No problem Cap, you’ve got a couple of ships sailing from Norfolk, no other traffic”. The mate asked how they had known to hail us by name. The answer came quickly. The folks back home were eagerly anticipating our arrival. They’d called a friend in the Pilot’s Association, and asked them to see if we were in range.

This makes my fifth stop, and fourth Proctor trip, at home. My hometown turns out to make this field trip easy, fun, educational, and… delicious. Upon reaching cell phone range a couple of hours later, logistics were worked out. We anchored at midnight, stowed the ship, and turned to anchor watch. At 0900, two local boats belonging to friends and family were alongside to shuttle hands ashore. By 1000, students were launching canoes used for years by my mother’s Girl Scout troop from my parent’s dock.

There were classes on salt marsh ecology and the Chesapeake’s resources and environmental challenges, some led by Karla Smith, my mom- a retired teacher of 40 years who’s not lost her passion for education. This followed by a muddy romp through the marsh in question and quality time with a fresh water hose. To cap off a beautiful day, other friends and neighbors rolled out the welcome mat with a dinner feast. My father steamed a bushel of crabs, friends brought fresh baked goodies to round out the fried chicken, barbeque, salads, and other fare. Students, crew, friends, family, and neighbors visited and asked questions. At sunset, we loaded the boats and headed for home- our home- WESTWARD.

On Sunday, students went ashore again, and talked to Mr. Robbie Johnson and his son Ben (twin brother of the Pilot who had us hailed), local watermen who crab and oyster on the James River. They toured a soft shell crabbing operation, and had looked over a couple of Chesapeake Bay Deadrise boats- shoal draft fishing vessels specific to the region. Then, back to the ship.

This is a trip I look forward to being able to offer- but one that always hangs on that fine thread of wind, weather, schedule, and curriculum. It wasn’t without its hitches. A couple of medical issues took us to the Urgent Care/ Emergency Room- and a mystery illness sent Sophie Viandier home (to rejoin in Charleston once cured and cleared)- and delayed our departure by a day. Again, though, local support made these events as painless as possible.

So I write this entry as a THANK YOU. Thank you to the teachers for humoring a whim of the captain, to the students for being polite, respectful, and enthusiastic with their hosts. Most of all, THANK YOU Karla and Jimmy Smith (Mom & Dad), for hosting yet another ship’s company at your home. Thank you for your generosity with boats, cars, docks, dogs, equipment, T-shirts, information, and food. THANK YOU to Bill & Betsy Daughtry, Jean Hodges, Cathy Roberts, Robbie, Ben, and Jacob Johnson for the food, crabs, boat runs, and friendship. Finally, thank you to the communities of Crittenden, Eclipse, and Hobson for another warm welcome and for all of your support.

We depart for Charleston via the Carolina Capes with 33 souls on board, an unsettled forecast and high spirits. We look forward to the passage, to Charleston, and to Sophie’s return. Look forward to- in the words of the National Weather Service- “more to follow”.
-CJS
6 October 2009

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An Aloft Experience - By Derric Tankersley

It was right after breakfast and I wasn't doing much on deck. I was actually singing my personal remake of a Soulja Boy song, its called "Just Chillen". Then Mr.Fleming, our first mate, came to me and said "Get a harness." Excited for what I thought was going to be a trip out to the bow sprit to untie the jib. I was very wrong. I was actually about to go aloft to untie the course sail; which is very high up and attached to yard. When I realised what I was about to do a rush of nerves instantly came over me, and before I knew it we were going over safety regulations. My heart started pounding in my chest. Then my body began to shake as I approached the shrouds. I climbed right up the shrouds one step at a time following Ms.Anderson, our third mate; behind me was Mina who continued to talk to me so that I remained calm. Once we got to the top it was time to wrap myself on top of the yard supported by a single wire and strapped into another. There I frantically untied the ties of the course. When I finished with the ties I remained up there while Ms.Anderson fixed some lines further down and I was able to take in the beautiful view. I could see everything. It was absolutly amazing. Finally, as fast as I had gotten up it was time to return down to the deck. Safely making it down I gladly took the first seat I saw available so I could relax myself. That was my first aloft expierience, and I loved every minute of it.

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Captain's Log Archive

Greetings from Mystic, CT, as we near the end of our first week as a ship’s company aboard the- fondly dubbed- “Mighty Windship WESTWARD”.  Thirty- four souls on board, plus West- our ship’s dog and Morale Officer.  All hands (and paws) are working hard to master the nuances of life aboard.

 

As always, for me, one of the biggest challenges is learning so many names.  My crew constantly show me up in this department, as they have a lot more one-on-one time with the students, especially this early on. 

 

The view from back aft on the Quarterdeck is one of carefully organized bustle and activity. Our new hands are rapidly learning a new language and culture- one that is old and time honored, and will shape the next several weeks of all of our lives.  Floors, ceilings, toilets, walls, the kitchen, outside, inside, stairs- all have different names or the words mean something different than what you’d expect.  There are about 50 lines to learn the names and functions of, and carefully structured “how to’s” for cleaning, dish-washing, climbing ladders, relieving the helm, and where its safe to walk and stand. Even the ship’s heads (toilets) are stick-shift versions instead of automatics. All of this information is important from the first day- and all comes second to the Emergency plans, equipment, and drills. 

 

And the sailing!  We got to set sail just off the dock in Boston- what we call “four lowers”- both for show and to put all hands in the proper mindset for a sailing voyage.  The next day was a coveted downwind sail under our squares to Gloucester- allowing great opportunities for students to get aloft and really experience traditional sailing.  After a great day ashore in Gloucester, the wind picked up with a passing cold front, and Friday found us bowling along to Provincetown under reefed main, staysl’s, and jib at 8 knots in 5-7 foot seas.  We had a little introduction to Mal-de-Mer, but a spectacular day.

 

I’m sure students were relieved that Saturday broke calm, forcing us to motor-sail across Cape Cod Bay to the Canal.  As we waited for the tide to go fair, the glassy seas gave us the opportunity to spy on a large sunfish, practice Man Overboard Drills, and then to have a swim call.  And Sunday rounded out our sailing and weather with a rainy, foggy, cold, and blustery motor sail to windward from Buzzard’s Bay to Mystic.  We arrived soggy and cold to the welcoming and familiar faces of the Seaport, and Jackson’s grandparents huddled under an umbrella watching our arrival. 

 

These hands probably don’t realize it, but they’re the most real exhibit in this museum.  While the students immediately turned to stowing the ship- furling down, squaring yards, setting flags, coiling down lines, rigging gangways and chafe gear, dock lines and fenders, West checked out nearby sticks and passers by.  They hit the dock with a little roll in their step as they turn to these still new tasks like weathered salts.  The next leg of the voyage will be about 400 nautical miles.  So far we’ve made about 150 miles.  I feel we’re all on our way to being prepared for sea.

 

-CJS

27 Sept ‘09

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