STUDENT ENTRY

“When you go to Maine, your clothes will never dry!” “It will rain a lot and the sun will never shine!” That was all I was told from friends who had sailed up to these parts of town before.

            Luckily, that hasn’t been the case. Actually, we have been lucky this entire trip. Maine is beautiful, one of the most amazing places in the United States. There is no other place like it.

            We climbed to the top of the Mount Desert Island and got to see the chain of islands that are a part this absolutely beautiful state.

            The forests are wooded, filled with endless amounts of pine and little creaks and rivers. You can go on and on until you reach the ocean, without a soul in sight.

            Stopping at all of these islands in Maine, hiking exploring and being able to just sit and enjoy has been wonderful.

            I was so sad about skipping New York City, but all of the sunsets, sights, and clear, beautiful days of sailing have been absolutely worth it.

Patricia, New York, New York. 

Read more...

STUDENT ENTRY

Motion

She swoops and soars,

            Loops and roars,

Fluid as can be.

The Spring

in her steps,

The twinkle

            In her eyes.

We reminisce,

            Remember.

They go through the motions,

We live by the ocean.

Spice and flowers,

Rain in showers.

We wiggle our way,

Through the lavendar days,

            And smile,

                        Smile,

                                    Smile.

Chapin, Yarmouth, Maine

Read more...

STUDENT ENTRY

We have seen some exotic places that few people will ever see by schooner. Coming from the Caribbean back to the USA has been an interesting transition. From the small tropical islands to the cities and towns we have stopped in along the way, my favorite location has been Maine. Our first stop, or northern-most point of the trip, was just off of Jonesport, at Mistake Island. Even though at high tide we could see a small part of Jonesport, it was peaceful and secluded. All around us were small, spruce tree-covered, rocky islands. It was beautiful in a New England way. When we first arrived at Mistake Island it was foggy (typical Maine weather, even though Captain Smith won’t admit it) and we couldn’t see much of the surroundings at all. By the next morning the fog had lifted, and we saw the scenery. Rocky shores, islands everywhere, and seals sleeping on rocks. We got to explore Mistake Island, finding cool things in the intertidal zones like fish eggs and nudibranchs, and of course crabs and lobsters.

            The next day we spent a few hours alone, spread out on different islands. I was sent to Knight Island, which was the biggest island full of spruce trees. Some other people were on not much more than a rock. John was on a small rocky island not far from the boat, all by himself. While there were other people on Knight Island with me, I heard no one for the two hours I was there. Once our solo time was over, Captain Smith came by on Sherman (our skiff) to pick up the maroons. The next day we left Mistake Island, but I will remember it as my favorite stop on the trip, even after making the icy plunge into the water on the second morning.  I have enjoyed each place we have been, but none as much as Mistake Island.

Zack, Newberyport, MA

Read more...

"Oh, Pine Tree State!"

It’s hard to describe the feeling that first came over me when the evergreen islands of downeast Maine materialized like emeralds out of the fog. The tall pines and spruce trees seem to hold more wisdom than the oldest man, and the gray seas underneath the boat seem older than the earth itself. Here tall rolling hills that start high in the sky, swoop low to the edge of water, and in the distance loon calls echo off of the mountain peaks. “Oh, Pine Tree State!”

- Frank, Vinalhaven, Maine

Read more...

STUDENT ENTRY

The most incredible thing just happened. I was aloft on the mainmast enjoying a calm sunset, rocking gently back and forth with the swells. I noticed the wind pick up ever so slightly so I zipped up my jacket. The wind picked up a little more, and then more again. A small nip on the radar reflector snapped on the foremast where Jackson was sitting and flung into the air. We looked at each other in confusion for a second, then a HUGE gust of wind knocked into the sails. "Hold on tight!" Jackson yelled as the boat began to heel. The masts creaked and moaned as gust after gust of wind barreled into the sails, pushing us forward in quick bursts (I later found out we were going 10.5 knots, a trip record). I glanced aft to see our deep wake, then down where bodies scrambled out of the hatches, half-dressed, to help. A piece of clothing flew into the churning sea. Everyone grabbed ahold of the fisherman's halyards and yanked it down. The boat was at a dangerous angle, and I could see the waves getting ready to crawl under the scuppers. On deck they struggled with the fisherman until they got it on deck and the boat tipped back to a normal angle. Someone on deck yelled for Jackson and I to come down and quickly I squeezed through the cross trees and clambered down the ratlines. It was a sunset to remember.

Chapin, Yarmouth, ME

Read more...

"If I make it there   I'll make it anywhere  It's up to you  New York, New York"
 Frank Sinatra's voice sang out over the intercom and carried us all on deck. As I left the companionway my breath was taken: above us, Lady Liberty emerged from the fog, tall and noble, and students stood in wonder, all except Patricia and Elizabeth who danced the Foxtrot with big goofy grins painted on their faces. We remained on deck long after the city lights came out. They were a departure from the starry night sky, but they were beautiful.

From the moment we entered Sandy Hook Channel I was inspired by the students. They successfully tacked up and down the Lower Hudson with Brendan at the helm, an impressive feat considering the traffic, variable winds and pressure of getting each tack just right. This would have seemed impossible two months ago, but they they handled it with ease. Peter W had planned our course through tight channels and he and Claire used the chart and buoys to successfully complete the task. Once anchored, Lady Liberty watched over us throughout the stormy night. The next morning we woke to beckoning seas and marveled at the city as we passed through the East River. With students perched aloft photographing the skyscrapers, I couldn't help but revel in the fact that the first skyscrapers were not in cities, but on the sea. Old square-rigged ships carried sails so high they were referred to as sky-scrapers, and above that were the moon-rakers and then star-gazers. Inspiration all around. 

Our passage up the Long Island Sounds was a high point of the trip; the conditions were perfect and we traveled 5 knots using only the staysail. Students were in high spirits despite the cold. In Mystic we made connections to our maritime past, visiting the Charles W. Morgan, various exhibits of all things maritime including figureheads and music, and even had the chance to row whaling boats. Students worked on their ditty bags in a sail loft and experienced Mystic Seaport in the intimate way of a mariner.

Our visit in Mystic coincided well with academics. In Maritime Literature students discussed The Sea-Wolf while sitting in the fish hold of the L.A. Dutton, an old and fast whaling schooner. In Maritime History students are finishing their independent research projects, and those who are researching whaling and fishing sailboats found themselves immersed in their topics of study. In Marine Science students are finishing independent lab reports. With the end of the semester quickly approaching, students find themselves busy, both with schoolwork and with the pressing need to make the most of every second. 

A special thank you to Katie's parents and grandparents for their hospitality. We all enjoyed the barbaque immensely.


Abbey, Literature Teacher

Read more...