UMASS BOSTON "Exploring the Coastal
Environment" An
Early morning start as we raised anchor at 0530
and took the Navy Yard Pilot Ted Knowles aboard.
We motored up the Piscataqua River towards the
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard escorted Navy Tug
LT165. The currents in the river can run at up to
5-6 knots, so we made our approach at Low Slack
Water. We tied up to a Barge at Pier 6 C, at
0600. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is 201 years
old and until 1962 built submarines. It is the
Oldest active Yard in the Country. "Sails to
Atoms" is their motto. It is located on
Seavey Island in the Piscataqua River, between
Maine and New Hampshire.
We had a full day of activities
planned. The students started off the day
learning about the different lives of the
Ernestina, looking at pictures and forming a time
line of important events in her history. The Navy
Yard Public Affairs Office organized two shipyard
tours for us to see the Navy Yard, old prison,
and visit the Submarine Museum. Our open ship for
the Navy League was planned for 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
with all participants helping to provide
information about the Ernestina to interested
visitors.
In between the fluster of
activities everyone got a chance to steal away
and enjoy a nice shower at the Yard Gym. A steady
flow of visitors came by the ship throughout the
day asking quesions and learning about the ship.
It was the first time the Shipyard has allowed a
non Navy sailing vessel to tie up there. Local
Television and News Papers were also on hand to
record the visit. The Portsmouth Harbor area is
eager to have more Sailing Ships visit their
port. The Commander of the Yard came aboard,
along with members of the Navy League. A suprise
visitor to the ship was Austin Colgate, a
Bartlett Boy from the Morrissey's voyage North in
1940. Austin now lives in Cape Neddick, Maine.
At 1730, with all hands aboard,
we prepared to depart at Low Slack Water. The
pilot joined us again, as well a BMO 3C. Once off
the Pier, we set the 4 Lowers in a fine SW
breeze, and sailed down river and out the Harbor.
Force 4 winds drove the vessel past the Isles of
Shoals in no time, and we enjoyed a Sunset on our
way towards Jeffreys Ledge.
Watches continued through the
night as the Schooner stepped along at 9 knots.
Our goal was to find whales on Stellwagen the
next day. The flashing bioluminescence in the
water added to the excitement of sailing through
the night. Each watch had the opportunity to
collect a water sample and take a closer look at
the eerie glow and quick flashes of light the
tiny dinoflagellate plankton was chemically
producing. A discussion of the advantages and
disadvantages of bioluminescence and the
different animals that use it in the ocean helped
to pass the night.
Captain: Willi Bank
Program Coordinator: Crista Mellican
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