Today the second group from the Indian Head School came onboard the Ernestina with 34 students and 7 chaperones.  Though smaller in numbers then the group on the last sail, the students showed their true strength as they helped to hoist both the jumbo and the foresail.  We had a line of students on the jumbo halyard that stretched all the way back to the helm!  We cleared the hurricane barrier out of New Bedford , and got a good breeze as the students split up into their 6 groups.

Each of the groups spent the day rotating through stations: water chemistry, plankton, knots, creatures of the sea, and navigation.  Each group also got the chance to spend time on the bow and the helm, and to actually steer the boat.  Some said it was easy to steer, and some said that it was really, really hard, but everyone did a fabulous job.  With a great wind we sailed well out into Buzzards Bay before we had to tack and head back towards the harbor.

Students enjoyed lunch on deck followed by a silent sail, and then it was back to stations as we headed back.  Right inside the hurricane barrier we struck the sails and made our way back towards the dock.  We want to thank the Indian Head School for another great day on the water!

Program Coordinator: Gretchen Stuppy

Captain: Doug Nemeth