Today the third boatload of fifth graders
from the Indian Head School boarded the
Ernestina. Gale warnings and some wet weather
influenced the Captain and crew to decide to keep
the ERNESTINA on the dock during the final day of
the India Head School's field trips. Education
stations were moved below decks to try and keep
people warm and dry. Stations including ERNESTINA
history, navigation, knot tying, watershed
ecology, and a little fun in the engine room left
students and crew with a great day of leaning and
fun. Some interesting
facts about the ship that will be remembered by
students ...
-The ERNESTINA was built in Essex, MA.
-Women were originally not allowed to work on the
fishing schooner ... but now the crew is mostly
female!
-The ERNESTINA was named after the second owner's
daughter. The original name, EFFIE M. MORRISEY,
was named after the original owner's daughter as
well.
-The ship is 108 years old!
-There once was a polar bear onboard.
-Fishermen in the past used dories off the
ERNESTINA to fish for cod.
-ERNESTINA draws 12 ft, which means that the boat
goes 12 feet below the water.
-There are deck prisms that spread light from the
deck to the holds below deck.
-There are two engines that run on diesel fuel.
One is an engine that creates electricity, and
the other moves the boat when the weather does
not cooperate and the sails cannot be set.
-Onboard ships it seems that everything has a
different name.
Map - Chart
Kitchen - Galley
Bed - Bunk
Toilet - Head, not the Captain's quarters!
It was a great day for students
and crew and what better way to finish the day
than with a sea shanty:
Heave away, Haul away.
We're bound away for Australia!
Sumitted by Steve Kirk
Milton Academy Overnight Sail
At 1530, 20 participants from
Milton HS joined the ship for a 24 hour trip to
Boston. The weather in New Bedford was cold and
Wet, and the winds were NNE at 28 Knots. The
forecast called for increasing northerly wind
before sunset.
The images on the lower right
show us Outbound the Entrance channel to New
Bedfoord moving along under Foresail and Frank Crawford is
seen at the Helm while the Students get
orientation below.
We made our way to Aucoot cove
, which is close to the western entrance to
the canal. We have many miles to go, and need an
early start. The wind should lay down tonight...
Captain: Willi Bank
Program Coordinator: MaryHelen Gunn/Crista
Mellican
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