Ocean Classroom Spring 2012

2012-02-03T10:13:00.004-05:00

Trellis Bay, BVI, Home of the Gli-Gli

Most outsiders might not believe that the 32 of us just started our voyage a week ago. We are already familiar with each other’s sleeping and eating habits, to say the least. Students are literally “learning the ropes”. Classes have begun and people are acclimating to shipboard life. Our days are occupied with the study of our ship, the ocean, the surrounding maritime history and literature. We left the US Virgin Islands on January 29^th and made our way to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) perfecting our tacks, familiarizing ourselves with the safety protocols and priming our ship for harbor visits.

Our BVI explorations began at Peter Island where we did an early morning snorkel to get an underwater view of the nearby reef. The same day we found ourselves on the streets of Road Town, Tortola and gorged ourselves on delicious West Indian food at the infamous Roti Palace. The ladies even let us prepare some of our own roti. We concluded our day by walking the back roads of the bustling capital to their tropical botanical garden. In this botanical paradise we found orchids, calabash trees, banyan trees among others and participated in the first port report of our voyage.

We have been safely anchored at Trellis Bay for the past two nights. The folks in Trellis Bay welcomed us ashore and have been sharing their knowledge, expertise and experiences of living and ancient Carib (Amerindian) cultures. Students repainted the bottom of the traditionally built dug-out canoe, “Gli Gli”, an instrumental vessel for reestablishing connections between Carib island people. The “Gli Gli” Project is a symbol of Carib unity, and we were lucky enough to spend all day with a co-founder of the project and one of the Carib sailors.

After painting “Gli Gli” we visited the Good Moon organic farm outside of town. Here the students helped harvest cassava and prepare the soil for future crops while overlooking breathtaking views of turquoise Caribbean waters.

We are holding classes ashore today while we have an even keel. Tomorrow we hope to be underway once again.

For more information about the “Gli Gli” Project check this link: http://www.aragornsstudio.com/CaribCanoeProj.htm

-CHRISTINE HONAN SIMPSON, ABBEY LITMAN & MAHIMA JAINI

Educators, Harvey Gamage.

February 2, 2012, Trellis Bay, Tortola, BVI.

2012-01-31T16:11:00.016-05:00

Discovery 2012 is now Under Way

The voyage officially began at 0001, 28 January with Schooner Harvey Gamage gamely beating to windward between St Thomas and St Criox. Of course the trip had actually begun some time before with months of student interviews and sign ups to the last busy crew preparations on board. By the afternoon of the 26^th, all 21 students had signed aboard and been introduced to their new home with her 8 crew/3 academic educators. The morning of the 27^th was filled with safety/watch standing indoctrination then it was “Hands to the windlass,” and “Anchor’s aweigh.” Gamage lifted her skirts to sail serenely off the anchorage bound for sea and Phase II of student orientation.

Phase II ended with a dawn arrival in Reef Bay, St John and with students feeling a good deal saltier. Soon they with educators were ashore to hike up and over the island visiting sugar cane mill ruins along the way to rejoin Gamage, sailed by her crew in the meantime around to Francis Bay. Now, as the first anchor watches are stood under a star filled sky and a gentle breeze, students are realizing the sort of experience they’ve signed for. Some are exhilarated. Some wonder what they’ve gotten themselves into. Some are concerned about how long it will take to gain their sea legs. Most are eager. All now realize that the 4 months ahead promise challenges and possibilities beyond expectations. The concept of Ship/Shipmate/Self has become particularly relevant. A sense of ship board community has begun.

Captain JB Smith,

28 January 2012, Francis Bay, St John, USVI

A Watch: Matthew, Mahima, John, Elizabeth, Audrey, Mr. Bailey, Brendan, Lisa, Peter K., and Patricia

B WATCH: Libby, Meg, Tegan, Andrew, Jackson, Mr.Simpson, Zack, Doug, Chris, and Abbey

C WATCH: Frank, Chapin, Angela, Katie, Ms. Hughs, Peter W., Soren, Christine, Iyla, Claire

Where are they now?

2012-01-31T13:47:00.000-05:00

Follow the SSV Harvey Gamage on iBoat Track

Harvey Gamage in St. Thomas, USVI

2012-01-21T12:41:00.002-05:00

The Harvey Gamage is safely anchored near Hassell Island, St. Thomas. The crew and educators aboard are working on the final trip preparations for the Spring 2012 voyage. Everyone on board is looking forward to the arrival of the students on January 26th.

Final Blog Entry

2011-11-21T21:08:00.001-05:00

At the halfway point of the trip, I wrote a story for the student crew. Just a short story, of a group of young people signed aboard a mighty wind-ship bound for adventure and a voyage of discovery. The purpose of the story was to encourage them to look deep within themselves and pull out all they’d learned thus far to prepare themselves for the challenge of the second half of the trip. It warned of complacency, of cockiness, and stressed vigilance.

The story was titled “Training Ship”, and it took a supernatural turn as the crew disappeared during a sudden blinding fog, forcing the students to meet the challenges cast before them without the regular input of the professional crew. There was a supporting cast of guardians that watched over them and prompted them through their challenges. The end accomplishment, however, was their own.

Don’t get me wrong. This is no epic work of literature. Its intent was to grab the students’ attention after several days in port and put their heads back into the voyage, while poking some fun at myself and the rest of the staff in the bargain. But I encountered the rough (only) draft yesterday while cleaning out my cabin, and it made me think.

We are a training ship. It is our purpose, our reason to be. The professional crew that join these voyages dedicate themselves with heart and soul. We tell the students that they are all crew of the Harvey Gamage, and that she’s as much theirs as ours. In the couple of days since their mass departure, this never rings more true.

The ship, even tied to a busy road, is eerily silent. I have to go on a search to find another soul. The smallest details and routines become once again huge when the ship’s company once again numbers less than 10. In the last two days, we’ve cleaned, inventoried, organized, graded, laundered, provisioned, and reflected.

All of the conversations involve a reference to a student, a port, an evolution aboard. We share the anecdotes that made us laugh, and those that made us furious. We discuss our raging successes, and dwell on those places we could have done it better. And the ship echoes with their absence. It will take us a few days to transition back to being out of program.

In the story, the crew disappear, and leave the students to adjust to their new status. Now, it is they who have departed us. It is we who have to adjust to life aboard in this in-between mode. The ship demands our attention. There will be another group boarding in just over a week. But, for now, we are still finishing the last voyage.

To the crew of the Harvey Gamage- Proctor Ocean Classroom 2011- the whole crew… THANK YOU! Thank you for a successful voyage. Thank you for challenging me as a teacher, a captain, and a shipmate to be better. I am proud and honored to be each of the three. Thank you for giving the voyage and the vessel everything you had. Thank you for caring so much that it brought out the sweat, the tears, and (unfortunately) a little blood. Thank you for the jokes, the smiles, the helping hands, the photos and the countless contributions you made to the journey. I know it isn’t over yet for me. May it linger a little longer for you as well. You made worthy the ship of her title “Training Ship”. That she has been, for us all. Fair winds, shipmates, and may you give your next journey the heart you brought to this one.

Captain Caroline Smith

El Gecko

2011-11-14T19:36:00.001-05:00

Today after our second class, three adventurers Zoli, Denning, and Hunter decided it would be awesome if we took El Gecko out for a quick spin around the cove. The wind was just about right and it was pretty calm. Mr. Bailey said it would be ok, so we got ready and headed out. We stayed close to the Gamage at first, testing the waters and getting a feel for El Gecko. Once a steady gust of wind came, we were raging. We went a little bit out of the cove where the wind was stronger--we were cruzing when we saw Mr. McKenzie, Brooke, and Angela coming towards us in softy (the small boat) quickly. In a frantic moment we were trying to figure out what we could have done wrong. Mr. McKenzie started shouting, “EL GECKO! EL GECKO! GO BACK TO THE SHIP NOW!” We sat confused and scared drifting in the water. The shouting continued and we all had a sinking feeling that we were in trouble. Then Mr. McKenzie started laughing and they told us it was a joke and sped off. It was really funny. After the initial scare, we continued on our way. We felt bit shaken, but glad to not be in trouble. We laughed about it for the rest of our little journey. We cruised around, and El Gecko can cruise! We sailed over and checked out some charter boats and then headed back out to where there was more wind. After an hour of fun sailing around we came back for dinner. Today was a good day.

--Hunter

Dan

2011-11-14T19:32:00.001-05:00

We have been sailing around to different islands in the BVIs for a few days now and have visited some incredible places. We started in Road Town, Tortola which was a very nice town with lots of touristy gift shops. While we were anchoring, a huge cruise ship came at the same time and filled the town with tourists from the Carnival ship. The people working in the shops kept asking us if we were from the cruise ship. When we told them we were on a schooner and had been sailing for about months they were very impressed.

We left Tortola at about the same time the cruise ship did and I was lucky enough to be aloft while it came barreling passed our small sailing vessel. I saw camera flashes coming form all different parts of the boat. As I was sitting aloft, I began to think about how different this moment is for the people on the cruise and for us. The town was just a short port of call and visit for them, while for us it was a destination. We worked to get here, while everyone on that ship just paid and got a plane. As J-WOs we did everything to get us to Tortola -- the students did all the navigating, sail handing and planning. Back on the Carnival cruise liner, the people on that boat just sit and tan in the sun and wait for the next port of call. However, there is no sitting around and tanning on Gamage. If we are on deck we have to be ready to help manage the ship at any time... “On deck on duty.” This makes us earn everywhere we go to and makes us appreciate it more because of it also makes this trip better then any Caribbean vacation you could go on. That is the difference between a tourist and a traveler I guess (just like we have been studying in lit. class).

--Dan Watts

Jeremy

2011-11-10T10:01:00.002-05:00

Well, here we are in Tortola. Looking at this beautiful island it’s tough to realize that we will be gone so soon, yet it feels like we just started.

It’s November 9^th and we are anchored at the Road Town Harbor in Tortola. We have been sailing the islands for a while now, and our last stop was St. Eustatius a few days ago. This is our first island stop in the BVI’s and we only have around 3 days of full sailing to go. And it’s hot. The BVI’s are going to be sweet, I’m really stoked for all the snorkeling and island hopping. And the islands are so beautiful too! We are pretty much always in view of islands now and they always have beautiful cliffs and majestic forests. I feel like every time I step on deck a new wonder is on the horizon.

The boat is a bustling place now that everyone is cramming for exams and final projects. There’s an interesting vibe going down on the boat because some people are really stressed out and others are really stoked for going aloft and out on the head rig.

Going aloft! It was absolutely beautiful! Charlie (the engineer) and I went up there and talked and just enjoyed the stunning view. You can just see for miles and miles around. It’s absolutely mind boggling to think that the ocean can just stretch and stretch for what seems forever around you. 360 degrees of pure blue ocean.

This trip is more than I could ask for. Every day brings something new and exciting, or a new obstacle to overcome. This is definitely a life changing experience for me, and I hope it’s the same for everyone on the trip.

It’s odd, this life has become the norm. What seemed hard and rigorous in the beginning now seems like regular daily routine. And in a week that’s all going to change again and life will go back to what it once was. What is so important and vital on the schooner will become insignificant in less than a week.

And here we are. I’m stoked for the days to come, and it will be great to get home.

Jeremy

Eli Clare 2nd Post

2011-11-10T09:55:00.001-05:00

The past few days have certainly been a great change of pace for us on the Harvey Gamage. We spent a few days on the beautiful island named St. Eustacias, the very ideal of a tropical paradise in the Caribbean and a perfect get away for those of us who have spent the past couple of weeks dreaming of going ashore. On our first day ashore we were given the opportunity to go snorkeling near the shores around the islands and it was truly the best activity we could have chosen. After sweating away for the past few weeks, a dip in the Caribbean waters was exactly what the doctor ordered. After snorkeling we spent a relaxing few hours on a beach where we were invited to play a game of soccer with some locals.

The day after we returned to shore and we began to hike the islands dormant volcano called the Quill. It is a strange thing to go from sailing a ship to hiking a mountain and I can honestly say that it was quite the adventure. After we staggered our way to the edge of the crater of the Quill we looked down upon a vibrant tropical forest growing throughout the entire interior of crater. Then after our morning hike, most of us decided to have a pleasant lunch at a popular local restaurant called Super Burger. I will recommend to anyone passing through the Island--stop and enjoy a delicious hamburger and milkshake at Super Burger. As my fellow students and I left to explore the town (with a complicated Dutch name), we proceed to buy from any gift shop and small shop in our path until the time came for us to come home to our home, Harvey Gamage.

--Eli Clare

Devon

2011-11-10T09:52:00.002-05:00

Thinking back to Eagle Pond, it’s hard to believe that we’ve been on the Gamage for 6 weeks now. I find it difficult to remember days all together! Even the passages we’ve been on have merged into one long day. It’s certain moments or emotions that seem to shape my memories of the trip thus far. Looking around the ship at my shipmates, I can’t really digest exactly what we’re doing. We have accomplished so much together! I can’t believe that we’ve sailed without seeing land for 12 days, that we’ve been disconnected from ‘the real world’ for almost an entire term now, unable to talk our friends and families.

When we first stepped on the ship, most of us knew nothing about sailing. Things were so unfamiliar. First we learned our lines, then we got head rig cleared. Next we learned our knots and standing rigging, which got us aloft cleared. From there it got harder and more challenging! We entered the JWO phase (Junior Watch Officer), and are still learning how to juggle the impossible job of managing the ship.

Everyday we become more a part of the crew. When orders are called to, “set the main” we now get the task done with ease. Also, when things need to happen, it’s amazing how quickly and orderly we can all pull together. When we left St. Thomas, we hauled back the anchor, navigated, and pushed our own way out by ourselves (under Cap’s watchful eye of course).

As time continues on after ocean, most of us will forget our lines, how to tie a bowline, and plot a DR. But there are things that we will never forget, like what it felt like to be aboard, how accomplished and hardworking we can be, and what it means to be apart of a crew.~*Devon Reiger Webster I*~

Mom please make sure Hannah brings my laptop home J <3

2011-11-10T09:47:00.001-05:00

We’ve started a new segment of our trip that probably means very little to non-Ocean people: J-WO. J-WO stands for Junior Watch Officer and is more than a little scary because it means that, during your watch, the J-WO, who could be you, is in charge of the ship. Even scarier is that, as a whole, the ship is fully in the charge of the students. We are planning everything from the time for deck wash to the long-term sail plan from here until the end of the trip. The ship is entirely in our hands and, personally, some days I wouldn’t mind handing it right back to Captain and the other professional crew. Last night on the graveyard shift, my favorite watch, I was J-WO. We were tracking squalls, buoys, and lighthouses, and trying to determine a course and a time of arrival for refueling in St. Thomas, all in the rain. But this was not the most stressful of watches, as our sails were down so we weren’t looking at sail trim, wind direction, or tacking. So many considerations go into one hour of sailing, and even with a seven-person team and a mate to back you up, J-WO isn’t exactly a calming experience. That said, who would give up the stress of J-WO to be taken off the ocean, out of the Caribbean, and brought back to a regular classroom to learn in a standard way? Even with the added pressures of J-WO, we are some of the luckiest people around because we are sailing today.

--Sage

Jazzie

2011-11-10T09:37:00.001-05:00

Finals are arriving rapidly and I can’t help but remember the unsure girl that began this trip. All I could think was: What am I doing? Why am I here? But, as this trip progressed I learned why I had decided to embark on this journey. A few weeks ago we began embarking on our eleven-day voyage. I was completely unsure and unaware of what I was doing and if I was doing was correct. We had just begun our quartermaster phase, and would now be working closely with our watch officers. This was the next step to becoming a junior watch officer. I did not know if this was going to go over well, but I knew that whatever would happen, I would have to learn to handle it. After those two weeks passed we arrived in Samana, Dominican Republic. The ship was still in tact, we all had all of our appendages and none of us were unhappy to see land. We had made it across the Gulf Stream, down Florida and into a new land. All of us were, excited for our new adventure to continue, but also very nervous. Samana was such a captivating place that I was never really able to take in enough of it. It was also a way for me to get away from all of the commotion of ship life, and having to move unto the next step of junior watch-officer. But this beautiful distraction was only able to last me a couple of days because we soon sailed to our new destination of St. Eustasius. Statia was places were not many groups get to go. The two previous groups were not able to attend Statia, so being able to get there was a big deal for us. This also meant that the junior watch officer phase was beginning. Junior watch-officer is the phase in which, the deckhands are stood down, and it is just you, your watch and mate. A different person every watch, basically takes the job of the watch officer or mate, and you run the ship. While you are on watch you decide course changes, the setting or striking of sails, and look at the big picture of your voyage. When I was told, about this part of our trip I was the most nervous person ever. Thoughts of messing up or failing my watch were racing threw my mind, but I knew it was something I could not get away from. I would be J-WO and that was not going to change. I have now been J-WO twice and yes, it was scary and nerve racking having so much pressure on me. But I had the support of my watch members and people outside of my watch to help you with all of the decisions. The second time I was J-WO was, when sailing into St. Eustatia. It was such an amazing feeling knowing that we had finally made it there after five days of sailing, unfavorable winds if any at all, and a quick stop in St. Thomas. Then after that, it was off again, sailing North this time back towards the BVI’s and San Juan. We are currently in Tortola, and I can safely say that I am very happy in my decision to embark on this journey. Everyone on this boat has made it threw so much and I personally think that we are all mad happy to have come on this trip with each other. Ocean classroom is the second off campus program I have been on, and even though it is incomparable, to the one before it is an experience in its own glory and marvel.

--Jazzie

Ship's Medic

2011-11-04T08:25:00.002-04:00

Hello there, readers of this adventurous blog. I am Angela, a deckhand and the ship’s medical officer. I am going to write with reckless abandon. Here we go.

First of, dear friends and family of the souls on board this vessel, everyone is healthy and safe. However, as we pass into a new environment, our bodies are collectively adjusting to these southern latitudes. As we are exposed to tropic heat and the new microbiology of the area, intestines and sweat glands have shifted into overdrive. Slightly uncomfortable, but nothing a little time, rest, Gatorade and Gold Bond cannot fix.

You can taste the salty humidity of the Caribbean in every corner of the boat, in every crevice of our bodies. It has seeped in and taken over. Our sweaters are stowed in most unreachable parts of our bunks. Even the mention of the word “wool” makes me sweaty and comfortable.

In New England the trees have shaken their final leaves and pumpkins smile and glow, we are in the lush tropics where plants come in waxy, thick and green. The flora dazzles the eye with vivid colors, but the plant life lacks the delicacy found in the seasonal climates up north. You must be strong and covered in protective coating to survive.

And while I have been taking notes on a colorful display of heat rash and “traveller’s trot,” there is another change I have observed here on the Harvey Gamage.

The ship’s company is rising to the challenges of J-WO like a bird of paradise reaches for the white heat of the Caribbean sun. I have taken a step back as students have taken several steps forward. I no longer stand watches with students or make sure the dishes are done on time or ensure that the heads smell bleachy clean after soles and bowls. Instead, the students are self-tending (under the watchful eye of their mate.) They sail the ship and manage their watches. And when they tear the sails, the deckhands get out a palm, needle, and sail twine and fix them. I have made some stellar improvements in my stitching abilities in the last few days. I miss standing night watches and stargazing with my everyone, but watching them take on this challenging part of the trip has been well worth every stitch.

I cannot believe that the same students in Mystic who sat at midships struggling through clumbsy square knots are now running watches, calling sail maneuvers, making squall plans and plotting our course. We gave them 93 tons of schooner, and they carry the weight and responsibility with grace and style. Despite the heat rashes, unpleasant trips to the head, and foreboding mountains of homework ahead, these students are performing brilliantly. Everyone at home should be beaming with pride for your sailors out here on Ocean Classroom. This is one of the most warm, caring, and mature groups of students I have worked with.

Go team, go!
-- Angela

Cook's corner

2011-11-04T08:22:00.003-04:00

Ahoy!
A few words from Andy the cook.
Dinner was a leg of pork I bought at the Mercado in the DR. Cap mentioned when she saw it that they’re famous for their smoked pork chops in these parts, but my trusty guide Ricardo neglected to mention that when we were in town. Dar. The pork leg was actually delicious, but once I trimmed off the fat there wasn’t as much of it as I expected. Of course the fat was the reason it tasted so good. It can seem strange after our genetically altered defatted Stateside pork to get a piece of meat that still looks and tastes like an animal. It can be a little disquieting, watching a guy in at-shirt and cowboy hat dismember a pig with a machete in a little booth in between the pineapples and a pile of squid the size of dachshunds. I made sure to cook it for four hours, but I probably shouldn’t have mentioned it at all. Maybe Brooke will edit me.
With the pork we had a chayote squash and boiled peeled potatoes and a papaya the size of a football, meltingly tender and delicious. I saved some for mid-rats along with some bread I baked and our gastronomic mainstay, sunflower butter.
Tomorrow we’ll have mangoes and passion fruit and our last two sapotes. Sapotes look like russet potatoes from the outside but when you cut them open they’re the color of pumpkins. There’s a black seed in the middle and the flesh tastes of almond paste, bananas, and coconut and god knows what else. Eating them can be a thrilling experience. We’re getting, as the kids would say, some really “sick” fruit. I just wish it didn’t all get ripe at the same time. In fact one of the reasons we don’t get this stuff back home is it doesn’t last, or travel well. We had some green bananas that had just a whiff of nutmeg aroma. I don’t suppose I’ll ever see them again, unless I come back. When the fruit is gone we’ll be back to our frozen and canned fruits and vegetables till we get to Saint Eustatias.
I can hardly wait to sample their bananas.
--Andy

Domincan and more

2011-11-04T08:17:00.002-04:00

November 3, 2011: My first actual blog entry

For those of you who thought I previously posted a blog entry without my name on it, think again. Apparently, it was never submitted at all. I apologize for misleading some of my current readers over the phone. Back to the point: I’m having a great time! What follows is a brief summary of recent events.
Samaná has proven to be one of my favorite ports so far. After the captain and crew met with our local guides, Martín and Ricardo, along with several “officials” conducting a search of the boat, we settled into the relatively action-packed schedule of anchorages. The only restful moments we have at anchor are our one-hour anchor watches, which involve little activity relative to our four-hour underway watches. Early anchor watches were entertained by a constant thrum of music from the shore. The day after we arrived, we ate breakfast and lunch ashore with some locals, one of whom followed us to the produce market to help us supply provisions for the ship. Apparently, Pedro has spent the better part of his life in New York. His expertise with both English and Spanish proved tremendously helpful at the market. After our time in town, we hiked (or rode horses) to a mountain waterfall, where we enjoyed a brief period of swimming before returning to the base for lunch. The following day featured more swimming, a dinner ashore, a dance featuring traditional music from a local band, and a chance to say goodbye to our friend Pedro.
Our days have been action-packed ever since we left the D.R. on October 30. We have been sailing due east, against the mighty Caribbean trade winds. In addition to this inconvenience, we are taking much more responsibility for the ship as Junior Watch Officers. J-WOs assume all the responsibilities of a mate, from navigation and weather to sail handling and management of daily routines. Some of the J-WO’s stress is relieved through the assistance of a student quartermaster, who oversees minor details while his/her superior concentrates on the big picture. So far, all of us have served as a J-WO at least once and a quartermaster numerous times. Though we have seemingly taken command quite effectively, we are still hundreds of miles from St. Eustatius and running low on fuel. As such, we have been forced to make an unplanned detour to St. Thomas, in the Virgin Islands, where we plan to refuel. If winds prove favorable enough to do without the motor, we will sail on to St. Eustatius from there. Most of us are hopeful that we will get there in time for a full day ashore.
Jacob Dombroski

2011-10-28T09:12:00.002-04:00

The literal ocean currently surrounding our existence is pure and powerful. Every moment is hewn with unbearable beauty, unknown wonders, and a certain risk that we embrace. The spontaneousness within this natural medium is a comfortable challenge that we willingly merge with. The hydraulic and ultraviolet frequencies find us with all haste―landing with a rhythm of carnival drums and remind us that this is the music of life and we must compose a score with the notes that are presented.

As we depart from Fernandina, Florida we are in motion―a motion that possesses a rhythm only nature can set. The waves and the wind lift, push, and sway us along our headings towards the future. The seconds, minutes, and hours are visible with every ripple in the water that pass by as quickly as they arise. Time here is compressed: a day can embody the happenings of a month in the world that we were so inured to until our birth into this seafaring existence. However, there is a paradox in this relationship with time that seems exceedingly rich yet simultaneous rapid as if we have barely begun to know this place.

On our second night to sea on our elongated passage to the Domincan Republic and we watch the results of a magnificent planetary rotation. We unsuccessfully attempt to capture the motion of cosmic filters and illuminators with our sophisticated light boxes and arguably more aptly with our minds. The earth's watchful mother departs. A splashing melody of erupting palates―complex and unpredictable―gently blazing and extinguished with a promise of return that can only be known when witnessed.

Another temporal segment has passed and we have become aged with waves of air and light. We do not acknowledge or perceive this senescence with much concern or evidence, yet we are tacitly aware and taunted by it. Our wisdom of time increases with every passing of it and our associations of the phenomena are further defined by civilized artifacts found in our regiment that has become our comfort in this unpredictable venture of life.

Regardless of what time has passed, we are reluctant to succumb to a static acceptance of what it represents or the frequently purposed importance. Time is only captured by the bindings we attempt to secure it with, yet remains unwaveringly resistant to impediment. In the purest moments of life, time exists only by measure of mortality and the encounters within that limited period.

And although our relationship with time continues to behold novelty, we know that we are awarded with this experience. We are entangled in the fabric of time and life. As we sail through this ocean―through this experience of life―we collect the souvenirs of the universe we are creating. We embrace these moments that defy adequate descriptions with all that we are able to―compressing them into a dense remembrance―that later inspections will reveal the true richness of this time in our lives.

Marine Science Instructor, Jason Childers

2011-10-28T09:08:00.001-04:00

We’ve been out at sea for around ten days. I’m not quite sure exactly how long, it seems I’ve lost track of time. I awoke this morning to the sight of a faint silhouette of mountains lining the horizon, and by noon lush green cliffs were in sight. The anxious anticipation aroused by seeing land is beginning to replace my previous melancholy feeling of our long sailing voyage coming to an end. Although I wish that we were sailing for a few more days since the winds just recently picked up, I am excited to visit the Dominican Republic and gain a sense of their culture.
Thinking back to my previous days on this long stretch of sailing, I realize how far I have come, how far everyone has come. I am no longer mindlessly following orders without understanding the purpose for my actions. Everything is beginning to come full circle as my knowledge and understanding has increased. The feeling of knowing something so different is exciting, and every day we continue to advance.
However, the most exciting part of this voyage has been going aloft. After working my way up to aloft clearance, learning my knots, and the running and standing rigging, I was finally able to go aloft with Angela. After going over the safety, I began my ascent to the top of the port side foremast shrouds. My first step on the sheer pole was sturdy, but from that point on, my legs trembled with every ratline. I could feel the ship dancing with the waves below, and the unsteady shrouds breathing with my movements. With each step I gained more stability, but less room, and soon enough I was perched on the cross trees at the top of the mast.
Focused on calculating my movements, I never had time to look down during my climb. Only when I reached the op did I peer at everything around me. I was greeted by 360 degrees of crystal clear azure waters. There was nothing else except the ship below my feet, the bird’s eye-view. Suddenly, everything was put into perspective. This ship, my temporary home, was so insignificant. Something so large, large enough to hold so many of us, was so miniscule in comparison with the tremendous seas we depended upon. The view was absolutely breathtaking. Inspiring. And although I should have adrenaline pulsing through my body, I was calmer than ever before. -- Michelle

2011-10-28T09:05:00.001-04:00

Wednesday, October 26, the Harvey Gamage is currently sailing at a pleasant speed of about seven knots. After several days without wind the current pace is a warm welcome from our relying on the ships motors. We had a celebration of sorts yesterday, we were five miles away from the Tropic of Cancer when Captain told us to ‘hove to’ and had a short swim call. During swim call some of my fellow students passed around their goggles to anyone interested in taking a look at the bottom of the ocean. What a sight it was, although there were no schools of tropical fish or reefs to observe, the water was an incredibly beautiful shade of blue. Music blasted in the background from the ship’s speakers and once we all returned on deck, we were treated to some cold punch and chocolate! -- Eli Clare

2011-10-28T09:01:00.001-04:00

The sun is about to rise and there is an eerie feeling in the air. The sea is so calm you can see the reflection of the stars in the water – weather that is not conducive to sailing. Everything is still. When the sun finally shows itself over the horizon the colors that appear are indescribable. I took around twenty or thirty photos and no matter how hard I tried, it was impossible capture the beauty of the scene around me.
Somewhere along the way we picked up an extra passenger – a large heron perched itself on the bowsprit and watched us while he rested. Boy did he get a good show! Two students, Matt and Andrew, climbed aloft with deckhand Angela for the first time! This is one of my favorite events to witness. In order to be given permission to climb aloft, first they must become aloft cleared which involves weeks of studying the rig, knots and safety precautions. One can imagine the smiles from the faces of these two boys as all their hard work had finally paid off!
This group of has come a long way over the past five weeks! It seems like only yesterday we were all meeting for the first time at Proctor, now those clean clothes have become dirty, and they are transforming into salty sailors. Currently they are taking on more and more responsibilities around the ship and working together seamlessly as watches. I am so thankful to be a part of this amazing adventure.
--Brooke

2011-10-28T08:58:00.001-04:00

“Strike the outer jib!” the mate cries from the quarterdeck. The command is repeated and the sail makes its way down past the two towering masts. Orders are yelled, people scurry to the halyards and downhauls. It’s week five we are finally starting to really understand what we are doing and why we are doing it. The outer jib must be stowed, so I find my harness and put it on as quickly as possible. Then I run to the sail tie bag and drape the coarse ropes over my shoulder. I hear the scraping of the sail against the outer jib stay. The ship’s crew yell cries of, “Halyard fast!” and “Downhaul fast!” It’s time to go out onto the head rig. I run aft to the mate and yell “Going out on the head rig!” I see him flash the thumbs up which means I am good to go. My cry of, “Laying on!” is almost drowned out by the roar of the sea. I hear the clips of the carabineers of the people clipping into the jack line behind me. We grab the miter furl and furl the sail. As the sail begins to take on the tubular shape, which we all strive to do, the sea splashes beneath the safety net engulfing my feet. We get the sail ties daisy chained around the beautiful sail and then we head back to the deck, “Back on Deck.” -- Andrew Duzs

2011-10-28T08:55:00.001-04:00

Sunday, October 23, finds Harvey Gamage sailing along in light winds and sunny weather. Sun is very much welcomed after a couple days with grey clouds and scattered rainstorms. This being Sunday, it is tradition to have what is called “make and mend” day. It is a respite from our classes and a day where we can relax and rejuvenate ourselves for the upcoming week. This morning found people up on deck eating, catching up on schoolwork, or simply relaxing. After a hearty breakfast of Spam and pineapples, eggs, rice and sticky buns cooked for us by the wonderful Andy, the fisherman sail was set for the first time during the voyage. There was another first for this journey today as well. Around 10:30, Cap announced a swim call. We hove to, and everyone jumped overboard. The water was a brilliant shade of blue and extremely clear. The swimming time was only fifteen minutes so as not to attract the attention of any animals in the nearby waters, but every minute was much enjoyed. All members aboard went in and when back on deck, we were informed that the water we were in about three nautical miles deep. After swimming, there was lunch of macaroni and cheese. As part of B Watch, I have had most of the day off because of the way rotations fell. Since I was up from 4:00AM til 8:00AM, I don’t go back on watch until 16:00, which was quite nice. Between the light seas and sunny weather, today has been a great day. It is 15:42, and watches muster 15 minutes before they are on, and as lateness is discouraged, here ends the blog entry of Amina Hughes.

2011-10-28T08:48:00.002-04:00

Seventy feet above the water line on the Harvey Gamage provides a 360° view of the lovely deep blue ocean on October 23. After passing off on round two knots including: the stopper knot, anchor bend, midshipmen bend, rolling hitch, and the double sheet bend, as well as memorizing the name of all standing rigging, you have earned your trip aloft! With a harness strapped on, though not attached to any rigging, you’re able to start your ascent up the shaky, swaying ratlines. Pausing occasionally as the boat rolls over the swells, the ratlines get narrower and narrower until you reach the top of the main mast. Here you must hoist yourself up through the crosstrees and futtock shrouds to reach your ultimate destination that is the topmast. Clinging on to the topmast shrouds I am able to peer off far into the distance. I experience a change in my usual perspective by being able to see the whole ship at one time. Everyone is waving at me and cheering me on while Brooke lies on her back snapping pictures of my ridiculously goofy grin. Up here my horizon is expanded and I can see the fluffy white clouds reflected on the surface of the water. I linger there; enjoying a whole other world that I never knew existed on the vessel. The sound of everyday ship life fades and I’m alone with my thoughts. How many other people are experiencing what I’m experiencing now? None.
~Al

Zoli Clarke, 17 October

2011-10-17T10:31:00.003-04:00

On October 11, at approximately 0900, a large schooner on a sailing adventure stopped in Georgia. You must be wondering why a schooner with 23 wild and crazy students and 11 adult staff would want to stop in Georgia. Well, off the coast of Georgia lies a special island blessed with magical powers. Cumberland Island is a National Seashore protected from the horrible wrath of human development. Accompanied by the wonderful and fabulous Dave Pilla (Proctor's Ocean Classroom director) the students filled their time with horse hunting, seashell finding, and jungle prowling. The live oak trees hidden by Spanish moss watched the students as they scampered across the forest floor, some barefoot and some wearing sandals. After six miles of exploring the interior landscape, they headed from the trail toward fine sand beaches and the students took the chance to swim and build sand castles. The sand squeaked beneath their feet as sand dollars and conch shells were located in the beach sand. Students did their best to cover themselves from the powerful sunrays as they spent six more miles returning by way of beach.

The cramped feet and red skin staggered to follow their shadows as the sun meltedtowards the horizon. Twenty-six schooner bums were relieved at the sight of the Harvey Gamage, still sitting pleasantly a couple hundred feet off the waters edge. The hole in the water surrounded by wood was their home for the time being. The raked masts rose elegantly from a husky hull and the neat furls slept atop the spars. With successful horse hunting, seashell finding and jungle prowling 34 excited and adventurous individuals would depart the next morning south, for a 1200 mile passage to Hispaniola.

—Zoli

Allie Folcik, 16 October

2011-10-16T15:05:00.002-04:00

It is now October 16 and the Harvey Gamage is now bound for one last provisioning stop in Fernandina Beach, FL before heading out to the open sea. After participating in a sunrise meditation on the beach of Cumberland Island, I feel refreshed and rejuvenated. It’s not often that you are able to see the full color spectrum in the sky –yellows, blues, purples, oranges, and even greens. With the moon still dutifully keeping watch behind us as the sun rose, the sight was one I will not soon forget.

On another note, with more practice hopefully Elijah and I will be able to finally memorize the lyrics to the song we wrote and attempted to perform in the ships talent show. Acts in the show included poems, ukulele performances, jokes (about Dave Pilla who happened to be visiting) and impressions. With our handy battery powered lights outlining the stage, it brought to an end a phenomenal day.

Our last day on the island held in store a twelve-mile hike through the Spanish moss laden live oaks, and then across a sun soaked beach. Along the way I was able to find whole sand dollars as well as more conch shells than I could physically hold! Everyone arrived at the boat slightly sunburned, salty, tired, but feeling quiet accomplished. A small note of sadness is in the air though as we had to bid farewell to Mr. Arrow our first mate since Gloucester. However, with the addition of Mr. Bailey in his spot, our adventure continues and seems just as promising as ever.

~Al

2011-10-10T14:06:00.004-04:00

Well -- we were supposed to set sail today for Cumberland Island, but Mother Nature had different plans for us. The rain and wind have forced us to come up with an alternative schedule for the day. Luckily the friendly people at the Maritime Center here in Charlestown have provided us with a large classroom! The students have already had an English class, science class, and now they are in navigation and seamanship class where they are learning how to splice, whip the ends of rope, and stitch canvas for their home made ditty bags! Midterms are around the corner, so I think the students are welcoming the study time with open arms.

Clark Gegler 10/9

2011-10-10T13:50:00.003-04:00

Hmm about time I write a blog entry…Hello to the people reading this! It’s really hard to describe what’s currently going on because words don’t give this kind of trip justice! You really have to be here to understand it fully, but since you all can’t be here I’ll do my best to describe it.

Yesterday in Charleston we did a walking tour of the historic district. It was really cool learning about how the city was formed, and in what ways the town had an impact on history, like how it was the first battleground of the Civil War.

Today we went to the Aquarium--it was made of pure awesome-sauce! The exhibits were amazing ranging from a salt marsh, to a deep-sea tank. During our time there we were also able to explore the turtle rehab center. I recommend people check it out because it is amazing there are places like this out there that help sea turtles.

When we were let loose in the main aquarium area, I first attempted to get my aquarium assignment done. We had certain things we had to do like interview an aquarium employee and describe our favorite exhibit. Let’s face it; we are still at school even though it doesn’t feel like it! After a while I decided to just have fun and as you’ll see in the pictures it was so worth it.

After a jam-packed day, we were given time to go ashore for dinner! Charleston is nothing like I have ever experienced before. I have been to New England and Florida, and this town is very different from what I am used to. There is a really cool vibe here! All right, it’s getting pretty late and I have work to do!

Peace out

Clark G.

Captain Caroline 10/6

2011-10-07T10:05:00.002-04:00

6 October 2011- 0900 80nm from Charleston Light

Wind NE’ly 12 kts, clear skies, good visibility

Sailing under all plain sail, starboard broad reach, 6 kts

This morning finds Harvey Gamage a hive of activity. The weather is beautiful, the main salon is filled with teachers preparing classes and blog entries, students filling out logbooks for the hour, and breakfast cleanup teams. I hear the deck watch preparing for wash down, and students “navi-guessing” in the chart room.

We shut down as soon as the Nansemond River joined the James River, at the site of the historic Civil War battle of the ironsides Monitor & Merrimac. Since, we’ve sailed at speeds ranging from 1.5kts to 9.6kts, and made fine passage- with the wind on our port quarter for much of it. I expect to be alongside in Charleston by tomorrow early afternoon. Hopefully, we’ll only fire up the engine to maneuver alongside. The forecast looks promising for this, and the students have been practicing their lines and sail handling skills.

If it hasn’t made it to the web site, I’d like to share again my pride, love, and appreciation for my hometown, family, and friends. Again, they came through to create a fun and memorable experience for the group. They won’t forget it, and loved every minute of it. What a great opportunity to recharge the ship and its company after a challenging passage south.

As for this passage… it’s the reason we all signed up for this. We had a pin chase testing the skills and knowledge of the student crew. We’ve had epic sunsets and sunrises. WE’VE CAUGHT TWO FISH!!!!!!!!!!! (Fishing credit to Matt Poutsiaka). Delicious tunnies. Last night, all hands took five minutes time out to listen to the ship, and then wrote about it… if we’re tech-savvy enough, you can listen as well, and read their reflections. In the last hour before dawn, we were again joined by dolphins- mostly unseen but announcing their presence loudly.

The ship’s company is coming together as a solid crew. All hands are meeting and exceeding the challenges before them, and looking forward to conquering the next set. We’re beefing up on skills for the next big offshore push in a week or so- the 1,200 nautical mile slog to windward. We’ll take these days as the gift they are, enjoy our next couple of ports, and then buckle down to the business of sailors again.

Fair Winds,

Captain Caroline Smith

Denning 10/6

2011-10-07T09:59:00.002-04:00

Hello hello hello! Greetings from the ever-energetic Harvey Gamage! Ocean Classroom 2011 is in the midst of our longest passage so far… and by golly it’s quite a ride, between sunrises there is a constant hubbub aboard. We have been completely under wind power since our departure from the Chesapeake Bay area. The ship hit nine knots and was HAULING in big waves, winds and a wild vibe before reaching a spot of calm, during which two fish were caught, inspected and cooked. Matt, the fisherman, ate the heart of the first false albacore for good luck and we tied both fish tails to the head rigging in the name of tradition. Our Marine Science teacher Jason walked us through the workings of these fishies, one of which had been chomped on by a shark before being caught. The marine life doesn’t end here, a smack (group) of jellyfish floated on by, followed by yet more pods of dolphins. Bow watch was my first hour of watch tonight where ‘B watch’ had sunrise watch 0400-0800, during which about six dolphins played in the wake of the bow and because of the bioluminescence they were like little ribboned rockets, silvery and shooting forward and aft. And the soft little “puufft” as they surfaced was a perfect way to watch the sun peak up over the horizon. As the Gamage nears Charleston the air feels warmer and the sailing gets better, a fresh breeze has struck our sails and everything is going, going, going. Everyone is loving life in the big blue. Which is big… and blue.

Cherio! Denning

2011-10-02T13:30:00.003-04:00

After leaving the history laden location of Mystic, we set sails for the Chesapeake Bay. This trip has been saturated with novel experiences and the sail from Mystic to Chesapeake was another first for the students. We were at sea for 3 days. When the ship is at sea for multiple days it becomes more alive than usual with spirit and movement of bodies. The spontaneous interaction with a natural medium joined with the necessary operations of the ship imbue every moment with action and decision that dictate the future in a very real and actual sense.

The students are getting there sea legs and gaining the knowledge that they will require to facilitate the ship and her duties. Some are nervous, but becoming aware and comfortable—others seems as if they have been at sea for years. Regardless of the various emotional senses of belong, we are all becoming aware that this is our home—this collection of wood and steal is our vessel of discovery and adventure.

The evening before we approach Chesapeake Bay we encountered some high winds and moderately heavy seas. The students were, at times, frightened by the inherent power of the sea, but were also enriched with pride and excitement for their ownership and responsibility of becoming seafarers. After some seemingly long hours in the dark navigating our passage into the Chesapeake Bay we arrived at our anchorage at sunrise--seamlessly beginning a new day in this enticing world of our own creation.

Going ashore with Captain Smith's family we were entertained and educated on the oyster and crab fisheries by those who know it best: local individuals that have fished and lived in these waters for generations. The students were able to develop their field notebooks and be hands on with the creatures they were inspecting. Academic credit was being established through this field day, but was seemingly secondary to the wonderment provided by the creatures that lay in their hands. After the measuring, illustrating, investigating, lecturing, and discussing their came a few instances of ingestion of raw oysters. It was enjoyed.

Following the educational day on the salt marsh we were introduced to more educators, family, and friends as we had a proper crab feast on the James river. Sitting on the dock, listening to conversations about adventure, the times to come aboard, and the subtle water lapping at the beautiful wooden skip-jack in her slip, we all enjoyed the festive and restful atmosphere before departing back to our home: The Harvey Gamage. Bellies full and spirits high we sang songs and recounted the day. Sleep was sound and long as we are at a peaceful anchorage, but we all await what adventures will evolve in each moment to come. We extend our salty and warm regards to all of you and will update you when able.

P.S. I apologize that I am unable to provide any images this time, but technology and time are not permitting.

2011-09-26T21:54:00.005-04:00

The time I have spent on Ocean so far is time that I would not trade for anything else. I am having so much fun that I wish that this could last forever. The Harvey Gamage is an awesome boat, the crew and are some of the nicest and funniest people I have ever met. I have not stopped laughing and there is not one dull moment with this group.

Within the first night of being on the ship, I knew that the food was going to be good. Our cook Andy is spectacular in the galley, and super nice. He has made everything, from popcorn shrimp, to hamburgers, to r

oast beef, and so much of it that we all fill up. I have had seconds at every meal so far -- it’s just that good. I am amazed that he is able to cook so much, in the small space he has. Every dinner we have had fresh baked bread that he made from scratch, and I just cannot get enough of it! I am so glad that he is our cook because I thought I would end up losing weight on this trip, but instead, I think I will come off Ocean weighing even more!

Two nights ago was our first night watch, and it was a blast! We had the graveyard watch from twelve in the morning to four in the morning, and it was some of the best fun I have spent that early in a day. We all love to have a good time, and when we are together, it is nothing but laughter. However watch is a serious time, so even during the fun, we have to be serious. While on Bow watch, I have to take note of boats, buoy’s, and other objects that come are around our ship so we don’t run into anything. Bow watch is nice too because that’s the time that I get to be with my thoughts, the rolling sea, and the open air. It is calming and relaxing. My favorite part of watch is the helm, which I have done twice. I still have not quite figured out Gamage because she is tricky to steer, but I love knowing the fact that I am controlling a 130 foot schooner on the Atlantic. It takes my breath away every time. While controlling the helm at night, it was a whole different experience. I had to rely on my bow watchers, charts, and a compass. This sort of navigation is completely new to me, but I am learning, and figuring it out.

This trip is testing my limits, and pushing me to do my best, but every second of it is an unforgettable journey. I am excited to continue sailing, and see what the ocean has in store for us, and continue on the journey of a lifetime.

-Ryan Saunders

2011-09-26T21:23:00.009-04:00

We set sail from Buzzards Bay first thing on the Saturday morning and sailed for nearly 24 hours—completing our first over night passage to Mystic, Connecticut. It was exciting, tiresome, rolling, and awakening throughout the hours of darkness. Only the red glow of the compass and the distant lights of the shore lines to assure our existence in the civilized world. Bow watch was alert to any changes in the passing sounds and lights, boat checks were circulating the decks and down below, and the helm was true and bold on our course. We were alive with the sea—the excitement only able to be cloaked by the darkness around us.

We arrived in Mystic early Sunday Morning and felt that we had possibly been on a time machine that took us back to the turn of the 20^th century. People dressed in odd attire, steam powered vehicles, iron hulled square rigged ships, and the Harvey Gamage seemingly appropriate in this scene.

We set off in this new found living museum of the maritime past and went aboard enormous whaling ships from the late 1800's, saw the reproduction of the Amistad, and were boarded by a fellow dressed in slops named Josiah. He told us tales from his life about sailing the outer limits of the North Sea, running schooners aground in the Caribbean, and seeing the “capital of the world,” London England.

On our Second day in this place that time forgot we had history classes in the town square, darted the iron (threw whaling harpoons), learned sea shanties, sang our own songs on the dock, and were entertained by a private showing at the planetarium—our first exposure to celestreal navagation. There has been many other small adventures throughout our days, but for now we will say farewell to Mystic Seaport and head further South to the Chesapeake Bay to learn about estuarine ecology, oyster fishing, and many more lessons that only the open ocean can teach us.

2011-09-21T16:11:00.001-04:00

It is Ocean Classroom 2011’s second day aboard the Harvey Gamage, our home for the next two months. Three days ago, we arrived at Eagle Pond in Wilmot, NH for some group bonding, but it seems like this group has been together forever. Upon arrival, we divided into watches. A watch for those not familiar with the term is a group of people aboard a ship who look out for the ship. All three watches rotate through four hour shifts, with one two hour watch so that a watch will not be on watch at the same time every day. In addition, we made a trip to Proctor to visit the bookstore and Assembly, as well as to say final good byes to our friends.

When we arrived at the docks yesterday, I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be, though I was nervous. The weather was no match for the excitement of the day as we brought our gear aboard and put on our foul weather gear for the first time. After showing our families around the ship, final hugs and handshakes were exchanged, and the Harvey Gamage made its way farther down Gloucester Harbor. Within five minutes of embarking, nearly everyone had a task, whether it was being roving fenders (making sure the ship doesn’t hit dock posts), or stowing mooring lines. After setting anchor, we unpacked and ate dinner. A little bit about unpacking: my duffle bag is huge and was FULL of gear. To give you an idea of size, if I curled my 5’ 8” self up into the fetal position, I would fit in my bag. When I first saw my cabin, which is in Midships, I had no idea how on Earth I would fit all of my gear without hogging space that should go to my bunkmate. Luckily, we both fit all our gear with a little space left over. Dinner was excellent! Ratatouille and popcorn shrimp with AMAZING cinnamon raisin bread. We broke into watches and learned how to pump bilges, use the head aka bathrooms (which is way more complicated than you think!), palm, and sweat. We also stood our first watch, anchor watch. On a ship someone is always awake doing boat checks in case something happens. I really enjoyed watch, though I felt bad for dropping into the foc’sle at 0030 (12:30 AM) while people were sleeping.

Today has been a great day, starting with waffles and sausages, breakfast of champions. Though few things can compare to Edna waffles, these were pretty good! We are exploring Gloucester today. We did a mock fish auction, visited tide pools, and even soaked one of the educators during a port report. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead in our voyage!

Mariah.

First day of Proctor Ocean Classroom

2011-09-21T15:03:00.018-04:00

September 21, 2011

The final anchor watch enjoyed the first sunrise upon the Gamage and prepared for our first full day of Proctor Ocean Classroom. And after a wonderful breakfast we began our ship duties.

All hands were busy washing dishes, raising flags, polishing brass, and scrubbing decks. All were glad to partake and most got wet.

Following our chores we made way for shore. The First stop was a mock fish auction at the Gloucester Seafood Display Auction. The Student were able to view fishing vessels unloading their catch, talk to some of the fishermen, and participate in a mock auction. They placed bids on several species of fish and learned not only the physical process of an auction, but also what determines the prices of fish on a daily basis.

Following the fish auction and a wonderful lunch made by the students in a park, the education staff put on a "port report" presentation on the history of Gloucester in regards to the fishing, schooners, and art of the area. There was lots of laughing throughout, especially when an educator said "those storms can come out of anywhere" and was hit with 23 student water bottles.

After a stop at the Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial to honor the courageous fishermen, we held the marine science class on the beach and investigated tide pools.

We are just finishing up some library time and then to literature class on the shore before heading home to Harvey Gamage for another hot meal. We will be setting sail soon and all are very excited.

Graduation Video

2011-05-31T17:42:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to all of our 2011 Ocean Classroom graduates! I hope you all are adjusting to land life well. The news story of our arrival in South Bristol is online, and you can view the video at this link or just check it out in the column to the right. Notice Ben H slaying the interview and the "fantastic" shot of our pennant flying in all its glory. Now you know why we take flags so seriously!

JP

North Haven, Maine

2011-05-23T13:09:00.001-04:00

School's Out!! Finals are over and the students can now spend the week concentrating on sailing the boat and seeing the Maine coast--when the fog lifts.

Only one week until graduation in South Bristol, ME., and final disembarkation. Contact the office with any questions regarding this event at (207) 633-2750.

Midcoast Maine

2011-05-21T14:39:00.000-04:00

Dense fog and contrary winds couldn't keep us from the Maine coast. Project Papers are in and final exams have started, and needless to say the students are looking forward to a week of sailing the Maine coast with their shipboard academics over with. All are well aboard!

Underway: Student Writing

2011-05-15T09:31:00.004-04:00

Underway

Jon

JWO is the most incredible bout of independence this far. It is also the most difficult task we have performed. It requires the knowledge of a mate, the reaction time of a rescue diver, the patience of a teacher, and the strength of a boxer. This challenge will bring the most out of us and inevitably take us to our limit for the last time.

Danielle

A lot of things can be stressful when you’re sailing. Learning the ropes, getting aloft cleared, or navigating. They all put you on edge. But nothing is quite as challenging as JWO. Being junior watch officer really makes your hair stand on end. You have to control the vessel, tell everyone what to do, and make sure not to run aground. You have to tack the ship, should you need to, and you are responsible for everyone’s safety. The final decision now lies on you if Cap isn’t on deck. You also report directly to the Captain about the vessels surrounding us and all the potential hazards. Talk about nerve-wracking.

Brent

Here we are again, in the same hectic conditions of our first passage, yet this time no one is crying, no one is scared. Everyone here has grown immensely, ready to go back and face the real world. That’s what three and a half months does for you.

Wyatt

JWO or junior watch officer is exciting. The crew are still there but you control the ship, the crew only says something if you are going to put the ship in danger. I was the JWO on the twelve to four am watch beating up Buzzard’s Bay with confusing lights all around. At night it is extremely cold and things are a bit confusing so I was a little freaked, but having the boat under my command gave me a huge power trip. I can’t wait to be JWO again.

Emily

Tack from left to right, port to starboard. I’m tired; I’m cold, and soaking wet in my last set of dry clothes – so I’ll wear them to sleep in hopes that they’ll dry. Pumps to be manned, dishes to be done, the deck to be washed with simply not enough hands to do all in the time given. We tack again; I’m on the low side taking a strain on the line each time the boat rolls. I do my best to grip and not give any line back, but it’s wet, my hands are numb. Before I know it the line is flogging my palms but I hold on as the waves come over the side.

Will

The bright yellow color of my west marine fowl weather gear is becoming slighted faded and blemished after the wear and tear of East Coast weather. No longer do I look like something that fell out of the pages of the company catalogue, but more like I actually know my way around the boat, with grease stains and anchor rust to prove it.

Joshua Slocum (pen name)

A few days ago, I was out in the headrig attaching the outer jib to the bowsprit with gaskets, when all of a sudden, we passed over the crest of a huge wave and fell into the trough of the wave, thoroughly soaking the bowsprit. It was very fun to be out on the bowsprit when it was going under.

Milo

Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I will wake up to commands being called out on the foredeck.

“Ready forward!” (right above my head).

“Helms alee!”(very faint).

“Helms alee!”.

I can hear the sails beginning to luff, the inner jib snapping around, “bang-bang-bang-bang.”

“Let fly the jib.”

More banging. The boat is standing up more now, heeling less, and the staysail sheet block is sliding back and forth on the traveler.

“Pass the jib.”

The inner jib is scraping against the headstay and now people are grunting on the sheet.

“Pass the stays’l!”

“Stays’l club coming across!”

The boat is shifting now, heeling over on the new tack. I fall over in my rack and fall back asleep.

Mystic Seaport Museum: Student Writing

2011-05-15T09:30:00.000-04:00

Mystic Seaport Museum of America and the Sea

Theo

Like birds our lives take on a migratory path of sorts. We make decision, for reasons that often time we are aware, that direct us to our ports. Years ago when my sister and I were little girls on our way to our grandmother’s house in NY, my mom made the choice to veer off course and took us to Mystic Seaport. I don’t remember this day, but when I arrived here a decade later I could undoubtedly sense I had met the land before. When we went into the endless stretch of barn once used tor twisting fibrous strong into rope, I recognized the sweet smell of ancient wood and sappy wax, and I felt as though I was looking at this sight through child like eyes.

Ben VA

I had a lot of fun in Mystic, CT. It reminded me of home and it was comforting to be there. I had a lot of fun with the sea shanties at the museum. I got a book of them and a bunch of CDs that I can’t wait to listen to when I get home. I’m hoping to sing a few of the songs in the chantey book with my chorus back home, sharing my experience with them.

New York City: Student Writing

2011-05-15T09:15:00.002-04:00

New York City

Sarah

As we move more slowly through the channel, we enter in the sight of the Statue of Liberty. Her mass, the emerald color seeps into the curious eyes of the students crowded around the bow of Gamage. She symbolizes freedom, patriotism, and America. As one who has not experienced her presence before, there’s not better way to have out first encounter. With all out sails set, our mass appears to contest with the size of the buildings and the Statue of Liberty.

Cree

New York is bigger and better every time I go. This time I was with a very different group of people and in a foreign circumstance than all the other times. IT was strange to have a time limit on NYC. Usually I get a small amount of input as to what we are going to take part in. This time I was just along for the ride. I let my group of fifteen students and three educators sweep me though the streets, carry me up and down escalators, and transport me to subway seats. The grime of the streets adds to the beauty of the concrete and glass city. New York City, town of bright inspiring lights.

Bahia

I’ve come to realize how little time we have left on the boat. Time has become weird to me, minutes seem like hours and hours seem like seconds. These two last weeks are going to pass by incredibly fast. With out even noticing I’m going to be back home. The friendships that I’ve made here are going to last forever. I’ve met friends that I love for who they really are. Here we see people at their best and their worst. I have a lot of good memories to take home with me after the trip. New York was awesome; I wish we could have stayed longer. The streets inspired me and made me feel brand new. I loved spending time in the city. After spending three months in little towns in the Caribbean it was almost like a cultural shock.

Happy Mothers Day!!

2011-05-08T14:22:00.003-04:00

Central Park, NYC

We'd like to wish all of our moms a happy Mother's Day!

With Love,

The Crew of the Harvey Gamage

Mystic Seaport

2011-05-08T14:17:00.001-04:00

After a fantastic stop in New York City and a short sail in very light breeze up the harbor, through Hell's Gate and east along Long Island Sound, we docked along Chubb Wharf in Mystic Seaport this morning. We'll be exploring the ships, exhibits, and grounds of the Seaport and town for the next two days, when we'll be bound for Stellwagen Bank and Gloucester.

All aboard are well!

Student Writing: Reflections on the End of the Program

2011-05-02T20:02:00.002-04:00

Author: Ben H.

Four months seemed like a long time when I sent in my application, but now, three months into this adventure, I am realizing how short it actually is. The days until we dock in Boothbay Harbor are quickly disappearing.

I've spent every day since February 2nd with my shipmates, who have become my close friends. It's sad to think about not seeing them every time I wake up, or not sharing every meal with them. We've become so close because we work and sweat together. Together we go through both the fun times and the hard times. We count on each other, we need each other, together we make the crew.

The friendships I've made here are very real, they're not surface relationships. I know my shipmates for who they are. We've all seen each other at our very best, dressed up for town, and we've all seen each other at our very worst, sleep deprived looking terrible, vomiting over the rail. Either way, it doesn't matter.

This trip is soon to come to an end, but the friendships and memories will stay with me forever.

Student Writing: Dolphins Underway

2011-05-01T12:56:00.001-04:00

Author: Edgar Allen Poe

The 0000-0400 watch is an unusually unexciting watch, and standing bow watch, alone, near the fo’c’sle hatch, is definitely the most unexciting hour of the watch. During one such night watch several days out of Charleston I was standing on bow watch, trying to make out what I thought might have been the glow of a light on the horizon when I heard splashing and blowing under the bow. Upon further inspection I discovered that it was a pod of dolphins, but not like those you see in the day. These dolphins streaked along side the boat in glowing trails of bioluminescence, so clearly defined against the black water that you could easily make out their details, especially their half moon trails easily keeping them even with the Gamage. The dolphins seemed to enjoy the disturbance caused by our propeller and often dived below the stern for several minutes at a time, reappearing in a streak of light to jump out of the water, stirring up the bioluminescence even more. Eventually they drifted off, swimming further and further away until all you could see was a faint glow in the water, leaving me once more alone on bow watch.

Student Writing: Cumberland Island

2011-05-01T12:30:00.001-04:00

Author: Will Burke

In many cases it takes a change in ones environment to realize the subtle details that we experience in our every day lives.

We arrived in Cumberland Island after our short stay in Fernandina, which had been our first stop after eleven days at sea. We were to stay there four nights and five days, what seemed like an eternity away from the Harvey Gamage. We loaded up Sherman and ferried ourselves along with our gear to the pier that jutted out from the island. We left the boat with our seamanship skills sharp as well as a sense of excitement for the upcoming week. Our bags were packed with soccer balls, frisbees, sunscreen, and shore clothes; everything we would need to make out time ashore more enjoyable. We walked about a half a mile down the road (something we were very unused to on the ship) to the dorms where we had been assigned to stay. Once our gear was spread out in our spacious rooms with large beds and mattresses, we walked down tot another building. It was and industrial kitchen, a long room outfitted with brand new stainless cookware: pots, pans, knives, serving trays. It felt as though we had walked into the set of Hell’s Kitchen, extremely elegant compared to the twenty-foot galley on the Gamage. We spent the afternoon and night swimming and grilling burgers (Mr. Petrillo’s secret recipe). And it wasn’t until lights out when I realized how different life ashore really is. As I lay in a bed with sheets, a window open, fan circulating air, and the birds and cicadas conversing outside, I realized that the steady rocking of the ship would not be there to lull me to sleep, that the sound of water against the hull would not be ever present, breaking the silence of the still spring night. For the moment, everything was still. For the moment, everything had stopped moving.

New Jersey!

2011-04-29T16:29:00.000-04:00

After a week's worth of sailing, and some fine, and not so fine weather, we were eager to see the jersey shore loom out of the fog. We're anchored just off Atlantic Highlands, in the southern end of NY Harbor. To ensure we made our dates in NYC, we had to skip sailing through the Chesapeake Bay. We'll spend a few days in NJ, then work our way up to Governor's Island to meet up with the students at the Harbor School and to explore New York City.

We're also looking forward to Schooner Olympics over the next few days! All are well...

JP

Velux 5 Ocean Race

2011-04-19T23:08:00.001-04:00

Our timing couldn't have been better... Today the first boat of the Velux 5 Ocean Race sailed triumphantly into Charleston Harbor from Montevideo, Uruguay. It is the fourth leg of the single-handed around the world race, and Brad Van Liew, a Charleston local and fellow schooner sailor, won the leg and is also in first place overall.

Not only did he sail into the harbor, but tied up alongside of Harvey Gamage for a half hour as he cleared customs. Needless to say our sailors were awestruck at first amid the press, but soon got to talking with Brad--he even gave the students a package of the dehydrated food he eats during his ocean passages! In exchange we gave Brad some of our supper, a calzone just out of the oven. "The best food I've eaten in a month!" was his reply...

Charleston!

2011-04-19T16:05:00.000-04:00

Despite out iBoat track online position, we are in fact in Charleston, SC, currently hard at work in the library researching for our projects. We cleaned the boat this morning, and will be tromping around the city tomorrow, including a visit to the aquarium. We are all thankful for the gifts received in out package mail drop, and are looking forward to catching up with family at parents day on Thursday.

We'll be working on the iBoat track, as well... All are well!

JP

Student Writing: Dolphins Underway

2011-04-19T15:23:00.000-04:00

Author: Danielle Woodward

Location: On Route from Fernandina

I’m both excited for Charleston and not excited. I’m glad to be heading north, but this trip is quickly drawing forward and I’m not ready to end. Last night was awesome, though. I was standing near the rail on watch, talking to Wyatt, when first one wave, than another broke alongside us. Both were very strange, for they seemed to crest from beneath the water. I was about to say that they almost looked like fins when I realized something, two somethings in fact, were rolling along under the surface. I’d gotten so used to seeing the stars or moon reflected in the waves that I didn’t believe my eyes at first. But as they came up again, I let out, much to Wyatt’s amusement, the excited squeal of “Dolphins!” I followed them up to the bow where I noticed a silvery patch under the bowsprit. At first, I believed it to be merely a glowing patch of moonlight until it broke the surface. For several minutes I looked down onto two gorgeous Atlantic spotted dolphins as they hitched a ride on our bow waves, weaving back and forth, twisting on their sides, until finally they broke off to continue their own journey. It was incredible.

Cumberland Island

2011-04-11T10:07:00.001-04:00

While Gamage stays in Fernandina for the week getting some much needed maintenance, our students will be on Cumberland Island working on a service project with the National Park Service. Cumberland, Georgia's largest barrier island, is one of the nation's most beautiful and unsung national Seashores. We'll be working on trail and exhibit maintenance while also studying the island's ecology and history. We'll also have some time to roam around her beaches looking for shells and fossilized shark's teeth and walk her trails hoping to sight feral horses, wild turkeys, pigs and armadillos. We'll board Gamage once again on Friday, and set sail soon after bound for Charleston, SC.

Student Writing: Transit from the Dominican Republic to Florida

2011-04-10T10:25:00.003-04:00

Author: Ashley Charles

Location: Transit from Dominican Republic to Florida

“Look, you can see Miami!” came the call from bow watch. I hastily stood up and surveyed the horizon. We had been at sea for eleven days and the thought of seeing land was almost alien. Catching a glimpse of clustered skyscrapers, I held my breath and pinched myself.

This was our longest transit throughout the semester, and everyone was feeling the effects of our “fluidly dynamic environment.” We had been through fierce wind, no wind, a squall that soaked me thoroughly, huge mahis, pilot whales, going backwards, and I still wanted to hang around the tropics for a bit.

Being part of that long pull to America (1500 miles!) gave me strengthened friendships and new knowledge. To offset the cliché I spent my spare time asleep, which benefited me greatly after getting up for watch at 4 am.

By far, the highlight of the transit was the squall. After hearing the rain drone on, I was about to drift off to sleep when a crack of thunder jolted me awake. I grabbed my foully jacket and hurried on deck. The rain was pelting sideways, and it felt like hard little beads punching my skin. The wind was an angry beast, whipping about my ears and face. It was pitch black, but every so often lightning would flash, brightly illuminating the deck.

Looking through my glasses was like trying to see through a dense fog. I shoved them in my pocket and ran to take in the staysail. Since the wind was so fierce, commands were being screamed to the wind repeatedly, in hopes it would catch our ears. We took in every sail and sea stowed them amidst the blinding rain. I was ordered back down below where I stood over the midships grate, drip drying. I could not get the smile off my face. Nothing would keep me away from such and exciting and challenging part of life; sailing.

Student Writing: Santo Domingo

2011-04-10T10:17:00.005-04:00

Author: Theo Steinman

Location: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Standing bow watch I could see no land, but trash began floating by. I knew we were getting close. Haiti burns their trash, and the Dominican Republic (DR) dumps it in the Ocean, and unlike the US, its disposal is no mystery because it’s prevalent to our most basic senses. I’ve found people tend not to address a problem or change their ways until it becomes uncomfortable. The Dominican Republic and Haiti’s problem go unnoticed and ignored by countless Americans because of this tendency.

When I came up on deck Saturday morning at 3:30 am, the air was thick and smelled heavily of sweet fumes. The floating trash grew greater as we approached the Ozama River where the blue Caribbean Sea turned brown with a thick blanket of trash pollution. Soda bottles, diapers, dead fish who couldn’t survive, and waste all baked in the sun. As we worked furling the jibs, setting up the awning and so forth we breathed in filling our lungs with stench. We docked in the river with highways on either side, crossing overhead. After securing the boat, we went into the DR’s largest city, Santo Domingo, and walked down a strip with gift shops harboring Haitian and Dominican art including sculptures of a “no-face” doll, which represents the illusive identity of the country’s people. It was clear from the beauty, expressions and nature of the artwork that Haitians, Dominicans and all who live there value the ocean as an important part of their culture and history. The DR is in fact known for its beautiful beaches yet in Santo Domingo the beaches we saw were covered in trash.

As I threw the tin foil that protected my sandwich away in a trashcan I didn’t know what to make of it, knowing exactly where my trash would end up. I suppose the people of the DR and Haiti feel the same frustration.

Author: Ashley Charles

Location: Dominican Republic

Stepping out onto the streets of Santo Domingo, I felt I had been transported back to one of my favorite places, El Bronx, New York. Cars blasting merengue, shoes tied to power lines, powerful Spanish yelled from street to street. Kids slid up to us, asking for money, while the older ones peddled food and jewelry from rickety carts.

Some of my friends from Gamage felt uncomfortable with people shouting, “Americano” as they sped by, and with the stiff language barrier. I loved the fast paced movement. We tromped through Plaza de Colon, a long walkway flanked with high arches of the past, and gift shops of the present. Armed with B-grade maps, every step we took brought something new. Ruins of an old church, stone museums, proud statues surrounding us we drank from the cup of knowledge and wonder.

An older man stopped my group in the street and handed us a bag of bananas. Incredulous, we thanked him and continued on our way. The hospitality was quite welcome after a day of confused looks and hecklers with fake items. Heading back to Gamage, I took a look at the sprawling city and yearned for my own Santo Domingo.

Author: Milo Stanley

Location: Santo Domingo

One of the most interesting aspects of Santo Domingo is its abundance and variety of street vendors. Some of the most common of these are the shore shiners who can be found all along El Conde, the main walking street in Old Santo Domingo, and into the Plaza de Colon, located at the streets western end. Some are equipped with small set ups and several different kind of shoe polish, but most are ten year olds with a small bucket of polish, a broken handled paint brush, and a dirty rag. The latter type of shoe shiner tends to be rather aggressive and will try to shine anything, even flip flops, without regard to whether you are walking or standing still. A variety of other stands cater to tourists, selling fake machetes, cheap mass-produced art, and other souvenirs. One man I found, however, was selling very well made hand-crafter palm leaf hats for five dollars a piece.

Food vendors are in another class all together. Some still boiled corn, some specialized in fried foods, and many sell hot dogs strait off their wheeled grills. Popular refreshment is shaved ice sold from small carts with an array of flavoring stored in old plaster coca cola bottles.

After surveying all the stands, however, I only ended up spending five dollars. I’ve never been able to resist a nice hat.

Author: Will Burke

Location: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Sundays are special days all around the world, full of tradition and history. In some countries they are days of worship, in others times reserved to be spent with family. When we arrived in Santo Domingo, we planed out our weekend activities under the assumption that Sunday would be a relatively quiet day. For, on Sundays, El Conde, the city’s bustling street home to countless tourists shops and mouthwatering food stores, is closed. With this major attraction silenced for the day, our group made our way over to the windy coastal road called The Malecon, passing statues, monuments, and other pieces reflecting the country’s history. Upon our arrival, the massive amounts of people in the street were astonishing. It seemed as though half of the city was in attendance. As we squeezed through the crowds of people, our senses were stimulated. Pulsing music shook the group, blasting from rusty parked cars wired with thunderous sound systems, their door open so that all could hear. Street peddlers were everywhere, selling corn on the cob, still steaming out of the pots mounted on questionably adapted bicycles. As we scanned the crowed for a good place to meet later on, we observed the reason for the gathering. Fighter jets screamed overhead and we later found out that it was the 100^th anniversary of the creation of the nation’s air force. Everyone was thrilled. Little girls holding hands jumped up and down on the course gravel on the side of the road. Their calloused bare feet unaffected by the loose rocks. By going into town that Sunday, we experienced a lot more than a quiet city and empty streets, depicting ho even on a day normally reserved for rest, the people of the Caribben can always find a reason to celebrate and a reason to smile.

Author: Brent Ward

Location: Santo Domingo

I wake up for the dawn anchor watch on a warm, humid morning in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. A private security guard is seated off of our sailing vessel, holding a tarnished, twelve gage shotgun. He glances awkwardly at me and practically whispers, “Que Pasa?” He expects that I do not understand him, and for a second I almost want to ignore him. Curiosity gets the better of me and we engage in friendly conversation for a few minutes. The inevitable question arises when any sort of local is talking to any sort of tourist, “Donde tu vives?” My stomach plummets because of the way I know I will be judged as a United States citizen. I responded meagerly, “Vivo en los Estados Unidos.” The reaction is baffling, as his eyes glaze over and his train of thought visibly disappears. We sit in silence for a few moments until he exclaims, “Quiero vivir en los Estados Unidos y compro una casa grande con muchas chicas!” My mind finally puts two and two together. The light goes off in my head that this twenty-one year old, built Dominican would do anything in the world to switch places with me. However wrong his perception of life in the United States may be, his wants and desires are the same of any person who suffers through poverty and problems. I realized how lucky I am to live in the United States and how blessed I am to be who I am. Weird how someone else’ skewed perception can make me realize that about myself.

Danielle Woodward

Location: Dominican Republic

April 6, 2011

Caribbean history is steeped in sadness, for it is full of death. When Europeans came, they wiped out the native Taino people. In an attempt to escape the cruelty, the Tainos ran to hidden locations, place the Europeans had no knowledge of. While we were in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, we visited on of these secret hideaways called the Tres Ojos, or The Three Eyes. It is made up of numerous limestone sinkholes and cavernous caves with crystal blue lakes. Though utterly beautiful, the Tres Ojos bares the solemn weight of history throughout its recesses.

When I arrived I was stunned by the sheer wonder of the place. We descended down several flights of stones stairs into the darker regions of the caves. Above us, the ceiling was pitted and craggy, just ahead, we discovered one of the incredible pools that carved out the stone. The water was pristine blue, and fish and turtles could be seen moving leisurely through the clear liquid. Above, one or two bats were always fluttering from crevasses to crevasses; sometimes landing neatly upside down and other times making high-pitched squeaks. After admiring the location for several minutes, we moved on.

We took a raft, propelled by the driver pulling on a cable to ease us forward, across another small lake. The other side was a tunnel, leading out to a circular, greenish pond surrounded by rocky cliffs on all sides. Trees overhung the edges and grey moss dripped down to the surface of the water.

We stayed within the cave, the high ceiling provided shade as we took the time to dwell in our own thoughts. I sat myself down on the end of an old tilting dock that lay in the shadowed region of the sun-kissed pond. As the quiet and tranquility wrapped around us I could hear the laughter of the Tainos as they relaxed there before the arrival of the Europeans. The sounds of playful splashing and voices speaking in a lost language seemed to float through the cave. But, I couldn’t help imagining their fear, as the Tres Ojos became a refuge for terrified Tainos. The sorrow never seemed to leave.

Locations like the Tres Ojos really make you think about the natives of the Caribbean and what they went through. It also makes you wonder what the Tainos were like as you wander through this place with so many pasts.

Author: Wyatt Richard

Location: Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is a civilian city with a main tourist avenue where many stores cater towards European and American visitors. Flashy eating establishments and loud pestering street vendors, selling everything from knock-off junk food to cheap jewelry seem to be everywhere. Intermingled with these tourist shops are old Spanish ruins many of which are some of the oldest in the area. There are the ruins of the first fort in the new world and the oldest continually used new world church as well as monuments to men like Christopher Columbus and Bartolome de Las Casas, the first Christian priest in the new world. It is quite amazing tat amid these modern shipping attractions and remnants of colonial rule there is a national park, the Tres Ojos, a maze of caves and translucent underground pools that once formed a hideout for Taino Indians attempting to escape Columbus’ harsh rule. It must have been horrible to sit and wait in these caves while possibly listening to the Spanish colonists killing their people by the dozens, awaiting their own doom. Sainto Domingo is a city with beautiful architecture and monuments to their painful past.

Student Writing: Puerto Rico

2011-04-10T10:14:00.001-04:00

Author: Bahia Gordillo

Location: Culebra, Puerto Rico

After a long six-day passage, we finally arrived in Puerto Rico. On one of our shore visits, we went to Culebra, a little island with a few cars and people waking around in the streets. Our group walked to Flamenco Beach, which is one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world. The sand was really white, and felt like sugar. The water was so clear, that even in deep water we could see the bottom. I was having a lot of fun swimming and talking with my friends, but I began to miss my parents and I felt a little homesick. I decided to walk alone to where the food vendors were.

As I was sitting on a bench, playing with a stray black cat, something caught my attention. It was a song, a song I knew, “No hay nada mas dificil que vivir sin ti” by Mana, that my best friend had dedicated to me a few days before I left. Tears started to fill my eyes. My parents listen to a lot of songs by Mana, and it brought back some memories. I stopped playing with the cat and followed the sound. I came to a little shop selling Puerto Rican food. I stood there for a while, enjoying the music. After a couple of minutes, the guy working there asked me if I wanted to buy anything. I must have looked strange to him just standing there quietly.

I told him in Spanish that I just wanted to listen to the music. He smiled and said he also loved Mana, and had met him in person. The man allowed me to choose another song from his iPod to play on the big speakers. For almost an hour, I forgot where I was and what I was doing. It was the best feeling to remember my childhood and moments with my best friend and parents. That man didn’t know how much I appreciated what he did. Not only did he let me play my favorite songs, he gave me a pina colada to complete my wonderful day.

Student Writing: Chacachacare, Trinidad

2011-04-10T10:12:00.000-04:00

Author: Sarah Nelson

Location: Chacachacare, Trinidad

The leprosy colony was hidden by the overgrown arms of the tropical trees on an island off Trinidad. As we explored, the floorboards creaked and cobwebs snapped. They were not accustomed to the weight after thirty years of abandonment. We approached the hospital, with the sun flooding through the dirt cracked window, illuminating the Promine bottles and medical papers that scattered the floor. The dusty medical books donned aged corners while their letters frowned. Newspaper clippings of leprosy doused the floor, littering a sense of reality over this once sanctioned village. List of patient’s names were scripted next to their current physical state. Few surnames were legible through puddles of gooey brown liquid. The quietness was overwhelming as the past was seeping in. The eeriness of a place once so lively with disintegrating humans was now a habitat for island pests and curious visitors. This experience showed me how our medical conditions have changed to a point where we do not shun people like outcasts. Tough not beaten nor involved with forced labor, these lepers were treated like slaves in the sense they were outsiders and freaks. As the floorboards creaked and paper read, I learned how eerie some of our history is, and how fascinating it is to explore it.

America!

2011-04-09T17:46:00.002-04:00

After a week and a half at sea, we've finally dropped anchor in, as Richard Henry Dana called it, our "fair native land." We saw fair breezes and foul, squalls and calms. Our student crew has grown more s a crew on this passage, I believe, than in the rest of their time on board, and there's still plenty to see and learn!

We'll be blogging more over the next few days: photos, an update from Captain Flansburg, student writing, and updates on our service project on Cumberland Island. All are well aboard...

JP

Santo Domingo, DR

2011-03-28T22:10:00.001-04:00

Our apologies for the late update, but we have been very busy here in Santo Domingo, as there is a lot to see and do here in the capital. Upon our arrival we knew we were in for a treat, as the German Navy training vessel Gorch Fock was docked right next to us. After we were tied up to the quay and settled in, we headed over for a quick tour of the 266 foot barque. For perspective, the very top of our main topmast would just reach their lowest yardarm, and I could tell you a good many of us were hoping to get aloft in her. The officer of the day showed us around, from the helm, which can require up to 6 helmsmen and has a footbreak, to the galley and chartroom. Impressive doesn't quite cover it.

Then we were in to experience the capital. We walked the shops of El Conde, visited the Columbus Lighthouse, the National Aquarium, and the caves at the national park known as Los Tres Ojos. We strolled the Malecon along the seashore on a Sunday afternoon, when the entire city comes to stroll and be seen, especially this week when the DR Air Force was celebrating its 100th anniversary with an airshow. And we visited the plethora of historic sights the city has to offer: the oldest European cathedral, fortification, and hospital in the hemisphere (and the oldest paved road!), the city gates where the DR lost and then won its independence, and its many museums. We had a nice crew dinner out tonight, feasting on local cuisine before our long passage back to the USA!

We've all had a fantastic time taking in the Caribbean, but are so excited to sail north closer to home. All aboard are well!

JP

From the Captain: Trinidad bound for Vieques

2011-03-23T10:07:00.001-04:00

Slow boat to the Spanish Virgin Islands

Ok... Trinidad: a mass of immigrant influences and a vibrant local culture. Best food in the Caribbean? Best carnival celebration? Most trying customs agents? Creepiest former leper Colony Island? Best bird watching? Yes all this and more!

But you must leave at some point. So after waiting for 4 hours for the customs lady to stamp 2 documents we up anchor and prepared for the sweet downhill 480 nm run to Puerto Rico and her surrounding islands normally taking about 4 days… um, not so fast there. Maybe the wind is not in your favor. Ok. North east wind? Check. Ok. Light northeast wind? check. Ok light northeast wind and sort of large confused swell from… where, exactly? Ok light northeast wind and sort of large confused swell from… where? and west bound current setting you toward say Jamaica? Check as well.

But even if it takes twice as long I don’t care. We are here to be at sea as well as on land. The students fall beautifully back into the routine and the work of sailing and they haul with a will. As of now they are navigating, one each watch; running out our DR using the time honored “dutchmans log”( a piece of jetsam tossed in at the bow and timed coming down the ships side) for our speed added with our course and time giving us a rough estimate or best guess as to our position. While the crew works on their Celestial Navigation in preparation for teaching the students to do the same.

Theo now looks at stars and sees the constellations she always talks about in a new light. Milo uses his math to pinpoint our location without electronics. Bahia learns the shipboard words for kitchen (Galley) floor (sole) rope (halyard ,sheet,gantline, falls etc.). Sam and Will maneuver the ship from “Hove-to” to under way using only his shipmates as the professional crew stand by.

And by now they are tan. They are stronger. They have a certain keenness to their eyes, a kind of “sparkle.” They start to put it together: Sailing, learning, growing up.

Fair winds, Captain Flansburg

P.S. Caught 2 Wahoo yesterday. I hope someday you will taste fish that are as good!

Old San Juan

2011-03-22T09:43:00.000-04:00

Old San Juan is one of the oldest cities in the hemisphere, and also one of the most charming. Cobbled streets, local cuisine, and the convenience of the United States all wrapped in one. Our students have been busy trying to soak it all in--the sights, sounds, and food. I think they're trying to eat all the ice cream on the island.

We've visited colonial fortresses, squares, and churches, played on the sprawling greens, and browsed the shops and street food offerings. Today the students are spending the morning giving back to the ship, working on projects from painting to engineering. This afternoon they'll adventure around the city before we set sail for the Dominican Republic.

New photos are up, and many more on the way. All are well!

JP

Student Writing: Shipboard Life

2011-03-22T08:17:00.001-04:00

Author: Jon Dean

Location: Trinidad

This is one of the epiphanies I will have while on my journey. Last week, after and exhausting day of carnival, all I wanted to do was sleep. When the captain asked me to find a piece of wood, saw it to the correct width, length and height, find the right nails and glue it to a bookshelf in the salon I wasn’t exactly excited. I became frustrated while rummaging through the lazartte, hoping and expecting praise or a reward when I finished. After cutting the piece and while I was plaining the board down to the correct height, I forgot my frustration, and became more motivated as I started to get into my project. I took pride in what I was crafting and wanted to make it nice rather than just setting it down. Finally, after two hours of work the piece was nailed and glued. Cap came over and said, “Yeah, it’s alright,” when I asked him to critique my work. At this point recognition did not matter to me. I was satisfied with what I had created and was only concerned with that rather than just praise, which is what I was looking for in the beginning.

Student Writing about Bioluminescence Bay in Vieques

2011-03-21T22:22:00.002-04:00

Author: Ashley Charles

Location: Vieques, Puerto Rico

“Ashley, It’s time to get up.” Crumbling, I sat up and checked my watch. 03:45 am sharp. Perfect, I thought, another jarring blow to my sleep schedule. We had been awakened at such a time to observed bioluminescence in their natural habitat, which meant tromping through a dark trail to get to a small bay. I was less that thrilled about this, and whizzed through the silent waters in Sherman.

After a terrifying walk through the overbrush ( I won’t swear it, but something was in the trees), we came to a clearing. Hushed into a defining quiet, we took in the shadows of trees lining the bay. When given the cue to swim out, we ran, shouting and screaming as the tiny creatures illuminated our path. The water transformed us into magicians, light following every move. I raised my arm out of the water, mesmerized by the pinpricks of light flickering in and out.

We came up, shivering, creatures sparkling in our hair, on our faces, in our hearts. Twilight was just beginning as we ambled back to the beach, full of wonder and laughter.

Student Writing about Carnival in Trinidad

2011-03-21T22:19:00.002-04:00

Author: Benjamin Voisine – Adelis

Location: Trinidad

The music, the costumes, the dancing and the food you could possibly eat. These things might have different significance for different people, but each of them will tell you that they mean one thing... party. And that’s what carnival was, a time for people to come together. Trinidad was a fantastic place and was made even more so by my carnival experience. Our first day we went to Kiddie Carnival. I’d never seen anything like it. Thousands of kids were chipping (rhythmic walk/ dance) down the street in incredibly colorful and elaborate costumes. I’m surprised anyone in Trinidad can hear at all; even at Kiddie Carnival, giant speaker trucks drove along the parade route blasting soca music at an earsplitting volume. At some points I was afraid I’d have a heart attack because the bass was rocking my entire body and beating rhythms into my chest. The adult carnival a few days later was like Kiddie Carnival on steroids. Everything was bigger, louder, and probably more elaborate. The music was a blast, but probably my favorite part of the day was in the morning when we order phoulourie from a street vendor. Phoulourie are deep fried balls of dough made from chickpea flour. WE ate them with manor and tamarind sauces. I’d say it was among the top ten best tasting things I’ve had in my life, which is saying something because I’ve had some fantastic food in my life. Overall it was a fantastic cultural experience and I hope to go back.

Author: Ben Hudyard

Location: Trinidad:

Music so loud you can feel the vibrations throughout your entire body. Masqueraders chipping and dancing down the streets in a huge parade, and trucks bouncing up and down the streets in a huge parade, and trucks bouncing up and down with entire steel bands playing wildly in back. Six or seven soca songs blasting loudly down every street, dancers giving you pieces of their bright elaborate costumes and pulling you up to dance. Moka jumbies running around and dancing on tall stilts. Vendors selling delicious local food and cold coconut milk strait from the coconut on every street corner. People dancing, having fun, and going crazy everywhere. Trinidad Carnival 2011.

Author: Will Burke

Location: Trinidad

My sight was blurred with the vibrant colors of mas camps going by, their neon feathers and sparkling makeup attributing to the already high quality of their costumes. The music trucks rolling past hindered my hearing, each one laden with more speakers and more decibels that some people experience in a lifetime. Their workers, lacking earplugs, must have already been deaf. The pounding in my chest was nothing short of rhythmic, causing my body to move in a steady chip. And with each step came a breath of warm, equatorial air. The smells came from all directions, staggering themselves in waves so that my curiosity and longing for food would remain somewhat checked. There were scents of pholourie, roti and doubles. There were even venders pedaling around ice cream and snow cones. Needless to say, there was something to be smelt for everyone in Port of Spain. As all this was going on around me, speaking would have been rendered useless and inaudible by the thunderous trucks spaced only one hundred yards apart blasting “walk, walk, walk, walk, walk”. The day spent at Carnival was momentous. I had never seen a group of people so inspire and enlightened by a cultural celebration. Everyone seemed to be in full, teeth revealing smiles that permeated to everyone around them. Throughout the whole event, I saw no looters steeling items, no suspicious figures lurking in alleyway, and everyone let go of their worries and had a good time. This is what the world needs more of: Happy people, good food, thunderous music and an understanding that when people are happy the world is a better place, a realization previously obscured to my eyes.

Student Writing about Caroni Swamp in Trinidad

2011-03-21T21:59:00.003-04:00

Author: Danielle Woodward

Location: Trinidad

When you say "swamp," most people think of knee deep mud and slime with creepy-crawlies oozing to and fro. But the Caroni Swamp in Trinidad is a far cry from that image. It is a maze of canals filled wit murky, brackish water and surrounded by tangled mangroves. The first few canals are man-made, but as you venture further in, they become natural. We explored deep into this amazing place by boat, and got to look at some gorgeous creatures you don't normally associate with swamps.
When we arrived, we found a haphazard mess of broad, flat-bottomed boats corded around the dock. At first glance, the vessels didn't look very sturdy and it seemed doubtful that they were very safe. Nevertheless, we piled into one along with quite a few other visitors. The boat was steady as could be. When we were loaded, the motor fired up to a dull roar, and we began to weave our way toward the heart of the swamp
On either side of the canal, red and black mangroves created a chaotic mass of roots. The red mangroves have prop roots and drop roots. The former arc smoothly into the water, looking like the support for the trunk. The latter fall straight, like vines, into the dark water. On both, tree crabs--angular little critters with protruding eyes and splashes of red--scuttled up and away from the sound of our engine. The black mangroves have pneumatophores, roots that rise directly upwards several inches into the air. The more we pushed on, the more red mangroves we saw. Soon, we were surrounded by a red mangrove forest. All around, and far into the shadows, the trunks could be seen with their webs of prop roots going in every direction.
We saw several brown tree boas during the journey to the heart of the Caroni Swamp. With their beautiful angular constrictor heads, graceful coils, and speckled brown and white bodies curled into forks of the mangrove branches, they presented an absolutely beautiful sight.
After an hour of traversing the natural canals, we emerged into a gorgeous lagoon. It was the largest we'd come to so far with room for several mangrove islands in the water. Innumerable birds were flocking towards the biggest of these thickets.
According to our guide, this was the roost for hundreds of scarlet ibis and egrets. The egrets were the common, long-legged, white wading birds so often seen hunting fish on the banks of water bodies. The rare scarlet ibis were blazing red wading birds with long, thin bills tilted slightly downwards. As we watched, scores of these ruby colored birds flew in, each a separate, gleaming gem against the now setting sun. In the distance, we could see mountains outlined in orange as that ball of fire slid down toward the horizon.
We sat there for half an hour at least, watching the ibis stream in. Some came alone, others in groups. The adults were breath-takingly beautiful as they soared home. As they neared their perches, they would suddenly dip and spin in the air, looking as though they had lost all control of their flight. But, at the last second, they'd suddenly pull up, with incredible agility, to alight on the branch of their choice.
On of the other tour boats started up suddenly and all of the birds exploded out of the mangroves in a stunning scarlet tide The separate masses flew in opposite directions around the island, converging in the middle before coming back to their roosts. It was a truly awe-inspiring sight.
We soon had to head back, for the sun was rapidly disappearing behind the mountains. But that place, with its dark, mysterious waters, brilliant scarlet ibis, and majestically distant mountains, has imprinted itself forever in my memory.

A bit more on Asa Wright...

2011-03-21T20:56:00.012-04:00

It seems ages ago we left Trinidad, but before we move on in our blog, here's a bit more about our visit to the Asa Wright Nature Centre:
The Centre is located in the Arima valley high in the mountains of Trinidad. It was once a cocoa, coffee, and citrus plantation, owned and operated by a couple from 1936 until after the Second World War, when they abandoned it to return to the United States. Newcombe and Asa Wright bought the land, ran the plantation, and hosted scientists who came from all over the world to observe and study the Oilbird population that resides in a cave on the grounds. Oilbirds are the only nocturnal, fruit-eating bird on the planet, flying as far as 75 miles under the cover of night to forage the surrounding forests. They are so named because the young birds grow to be 50% heavier than adults, and were captured and rendered down for their oil by indigenous people and early settlers. The only known easily accessible colony is located at the Asa Wright Nature Centre. These rare birds, as well as the vast array of wildlife in the Arima Valley, inspired a group of Trinidadians and foreigners alike to come together to form the Asa Wright Nature Centre in 1967. Their efforts have preserved this diverse ecosystem, and the Centre has been a prime spot for ecotourists, with a beautiful hotel and a unique opportunity to study and appreciate the beauty of Trinidad's tropical rainforest.
The car ride into the mountains was long, grueling, and even nauseating for a couple of the crew and educators. For the students, it was an opportunity for a snooze. They were all fast asleep instantly, it seemed. A sun shower welcomed us to the Centre, and we were led indoors through a beautiful parlor and out to a veranda overlooking the grounds. We immediately took notice of how many different birds inhabited the lush forest. The colors and patterns flitting and flashing before our eyes were breathtaking. For the first half hour or so, we could do little more than sit in awe while we picnicked on the veranda.
After lunch, the students spent a solid hour observing, sketching, and learning about the birds of Trinidad and Tobago. A few examples of their hard work are proudly presented here (From top to bottom, work by: Sarah Nelson; Wyatt Richard; Cree Lehrman; Ben Voisine-Addis; Milo Stanley; Ashley Charles).

Birds of Trinidad and Tobago

2011-03-19T08:17:00.002-04:00

Milo Stanley

March 15, 2011

Birds of Trinidad and Tobago

Though the highlight of our story in Trinidad was going to Carnival, we also had the opportunity to do some bird watching before hand.

On the Sunday before Carnival, we filled our backpacks with birding glasses, field journals, and the essential Harvey Gamage pack lunch, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. We crammed in two vans to start our trip up into the mountains of Trinidad. The poor, winding roads gave the van a motion almost as sickening as that of the Gamage pounding to weather in a force four breeze, but despite it, I managed to sleep through most of the interesting scenery. The Asa Wright Bird Sanctuary, located on the site of old plantations, is an eco-tourism resort with many trails leading through a lush and diverse rainforest unfortunately accessible to hotel guests only.

The balcony overlooking the rainforest was open to the public, however, and we spread out onto it, lining the rail like a crowd of seasick sailors. The birds were amazing. They were everywhere, flying over the forest, hiding in the bushes, hopping around two fat lizards sunning themselves on the veranda below, dining at the feeders mounted by hotel staff (lucky birds) below, and posing for the giant-lensed cameras toted by hotel guests. There were tiny humming birds hovering among the flowers, giant black birds with yellow tail feathers flying over the tree tops, and brilliant green honey creepers diving in front of the balcony in bright flashes of blue green. The whole view near and far was covered with specks of color. The whole thing, birdsong, color, the smell of the fresh rain, was incredibly grand, and something I felt lucky to experience.

Student Writing from Trinidad and Carnival

2011-03-08T16:30:00.004-05:00

Author: Theo

March 6, 2011

Trinidad and Tobago light up night watch at our anchorage in Port of Spain. Hundreds of potential bearings splatter like paint in the face of the island that’s still thumping with music at 4:00 am. It’s calypso season and the Trinidadians are getting ready for Carnival, their Carnival. Carnival is happening all over the Caribbean, with celebrations that take first priority before lent. On watch, I listen from a distance, having read stories and spoken in class about what this celebration means to the people.

I wake up a few hours later, it’s Saturday, March 5, and while I’m going about morning chores, flags, and breakfast, thousands of kids are painting their face, throwing glitter over their bodies, and gathering in their groups to put on the costumes they’ve worked on all year, in preparation for the Kiddie Carnival costumes competition. This day, it will take over the island.

By 9am, the streets are flooded. Flatbed trucks roar the soca hit, “Everyting, Everyting, Everyting, Everyting, Trin-i-dad and To-be-go,” from giant speakers. Surrounding the trucks are a never ending stretch of kids chipping and winding their waists in a huge elaborate masquerade consisting of pirates, sailors, mermaids, princesses, geishas, skirts made of hoola hoops, and masks made of sequins. In awe, mesmerized and inspired by the beauty of the costumes and the energy of the people that pulse as one.

I slowly shuffle down the street, bumping against dancers all around me, and finally step into a small place selling roti. While eating my deliciously spiced potatoes, peppers, squash, and mangos wrapped in a warm flowers dough wrap, I witness my favorite part of the day. A band of costumed kids, some who must have been only six, dance by on stilts that towered over the tops of street vendors. This must take incredible balance and fitness. The kids show no hesitation and expectation of stunning people, they just rampage and singing lines and freestyling to the beat of Carnival.

Student Writing from Bequia

2011-03-08T16:26:00.003-05:00

Author: Danielle Woodward

March 6, 2011

Bequia

Sea turtles are beautiful animals. The swim so very gracefully through the oceans; they travel for years and are able to return to the beach of their birth. Unfortunately, these amazing reptiles are declining due to hunting. However, one man in the Caribbean has taken the initiative to try and save these unique creatures.

At first glance, Brother King is just an ordinary man. He has a medium height and build with a short grey beard and hair. He lives on the island of Bequia where sea turtles continue to be hunted. He, however, doesn’t kill them; he saves them. Brother King owns and runs the Old Hegg Sea Turtle Sanctuary. Here he raises hawksbill and green sea turtles from tiny babies until they’re big enough and strong enough to survive on their own. When hatching season comes about, he goes our onto the beach to collect all the young that he can. From there, they live at his compound until he thinks they’re ready for the wild. With hawksbill he cares for them for five years. Green sea turtles stay a year longer.

I can honestly say that Brother King is unlike any other human I’ve ever met. That he cared for these animals was wonderfully clear. He said that he had been prepared since the age of six to save sea turtles. At that time, he saw grown men cracking open sea turtle eggs and eating the insides raw. He decided to try it as well. He cracked and egg, swallowed it, and promptly began vomiting. It was then, he said, that he knew he wouldn’t always hunt sea turtles. As he grew older, and took his part in catching sea turtles, he decided to stop hunting and start helping.

Brother King is a great man and the Old Hegg Sea Turtle Sanctuary is a wonderful place. It’s almost ironic that a country that so freely kills sea turtles should have produced a man so intent on saving them. Whether the island and the animals realize it or not, they’re very lucky to have him.

Author: Milo Stanley

Date: March 6, 2011

Throughout our travels in the Caribbean, we have had the opportunity to experience much of the tradition, eating traditional food, attending traditional festivals, and witnessing traditional culture in general.

While we were in Bequia, one of the main points of our visit was to see the traditional whaling boats and learn more about Bequian whaling. Bequian whaling is a descendent of Yankee whaling. The main difference being the New Englanders operated from mother ships while the Bequians operated off the beach with lookouts on hills to watch for whales. The whaleboats themselves, longer, double ended, open boats, have been changed very little from their American ancestors and can be fitted with racing rigs for the very popular annual Easter Regatta held in Bequia.

Upon the sighting of a whale, the whaling crew will set off in its direction under sail or oar, the harpooner ready on the bow, a long tether leading aft from his harpoon to the loggerhead (a sturdy, round post in the back of the boat). The objective of the whalers is to sneak close enough to the whale to harpoon it with a special harpoon head that breaks off inside the whale and holds fast. After being pulled around, they will attempted to kill it by repeatedly stabbing it with a wooding killing lance, in an attempt to find the heart or lungs, or shooting it with a bomb gun, an unpleasant instrument whose workings I won’t go into. When the whales starts spouting blood, the whalers back off while the whale goes into its death throws. When it is finally dead, a motor vessel is called for to tow the whale back to a cutting station, where it is cut up, and its various products are divided amongst the whalers, and those who show up to help with the butchering.

Though bloody and dangerous, Bequian whaling is an honored tradition, and a source of pride for the country. The killing of a whale is a national holiday and Bequian schools are let out and business shut down for the event. Whales around Bequia are rare, but the whaling traditions are active and well.

Author: Cree Lehman

Location of Piece: Bequia

She steps onto the dock soaked with salt spray. They sky is stormy today and it has been raining on and off all morning. Even though it has been a rough morning, she cannot help but smile once on land. Being ashore always brings that same feeling, a feeling of comfort and happiness. Today is different though, even with a smalls miles on her lips, she still feels down and sad. The lump is still in her throat, the one she gets just before crying. This day has not started out the way she would have liked, happy and upbeat.

The group she is a part of gathers, talking about what the day’s events will be. Her mind wanders as she looks around the small town they have comes to. Everyone disperses and climbs into two open air taxis. Se scrambles to get into the taxi that is pumping Bob Marley. Music that has been recorded is now a luxury since she never hears it on the boat. By this time it is pouring rain. She ducks her head while keeping the tears at bay. The weather seems to be in tune with her emotions. With a jolt the taxi driver peels onto the main road taking her and all the rest away from this port of the island. She watches this foreign world with curious eyes. Eventually they stop to see the authentic whaling boats. Not much about whaling interests her, so she half listens while watching the waves crash on the beach. What a beautiful beach it is, especially when the rain is falling. Down to that beach they walked. They sand is soft beneath her toes and the water warm as it laps against her ankles. When permission is given to swim, the rain is coming down harder than ever. She sits under a porch at first. Then, all at once, strips down to her swimsuit and sprints to the water, diving head first into the green water and algae. Bliss. The ocean feels warm, encasing her body as the cool sting of rain hits her face. It isn’t so bad, swimming in the ocean while it rains, on an island far away in the Caribbean.

Student Writing From Dominica

2011-03-08T16:10:00.004-05:00

Author: Bahia Gordillo

March 6, 2011

Location of Piece: Dominica

I think Dominica is the place that I have enjoyed the most since the beginning of this trip. We spent just a few days here, but I feel like I already know everything. The streets are nice, you see everyone walking in the middle and you feel secure. You always hear reggae music as background and loud voices, singing, talking or laughing. The food was very good. They had amazing bread and delicious fresh fruit smoothies. We ate a lot of tropical fruit. We had guava, grapefruit, plantain, and a lot more with unique names. They also have amazing vegetation. The trees were so big and birds were everywhere. We went to the boiling lake. I had never seen something like that. It was actually boiling and we even cooked eggs in it. We also had the chance to go swimming a couple of times. The first time was in warm natural water and then in cold running water. It’s funny to think that all those different temperatures of water are in the same place. Dominicans are really friendly people. Sea Cat, our guide, was proud of his country and kept telling us the good things so that we would come back again. In our last day there Carnival started. It was a big party in the street with people dancing everywhere. We could see young people and old once all together in a big celebration. Dominica is a very interesting country. I’m sure there is a lot more to learn about Dominica and I’m definitely coming back some day.

Author: Ben H

March 6, 2011

Location of Piece: Dominica

Dominica was sweet. We spent some time in Roseau, the capital city. We also visited the Carib territory, the land in which the native Caribbeans first and still do inhabit. Following that we had the opportunity to climb one of the nine volcanoes making up Dominica.

Roseau is a cool town. There’s a local market where people sell their produce. We brought an assortment of different foods that Lizzie needed for cooking. There were also bakeries that had delicious baked goods, and some local vendors set up along the side roads.

After a day in Roseau, we took a couple of vans up and through Carib territory. Our driver, who was known as Sea Cat, drove us up through the rainforest, stopping all along the way for us to pick up exotic fresh fruits. I couldn’t tell you half the names, but they were delicious! Sea Cat took us to a grapefruit and sugar cane plantation. We brought back a couple of sacks of grapefruit and completely restocked the ship. We also ate some sugar cane which was surprisingly good with limes. After we finished there, we continued on towards Carib territory. We made a couple more fruit stops, then a stop at a cocoa farm, where we grinded some beans, mixed the grinds with milk, and made fantastic chocolate. Finally we arrived in Carib territory, which was very neat. We tried some bread made by a couple of local men. They first took a cassava root and carved the bark off the side. They then grinded the inside of the root into Cassava flour with a grated wheel spun by a wooden paddle pulling down on a rope connected to a stick, spinning the wheel. After that, they would make patties out of the flour and cook them on a piece of cast iron resting over a wood fire, finally ending up with a very good piece of warm, soft cassava bread. I had the chance to have a conversation with a local Carib who explained to me his culture and history. He explained that his people were there before Columbus, and that Columbus had no right in claiming their land and killing their people. “Caribs were here first man,” he repeated in his Caribbean accent, “Caribs were here first. I really enjoyed hearing his local view of their history and culture.

Following that great day was another, hiking up a volcano through the rain forest. Sea Cat actually took us on that hike, showing and teaching us about tropical plants and trees. The volcano is dormant but not extinct, so there were all sorts of thermal activity. Sea Cat even had boiled some eggs for us in a boiling river. After about seven or eight mile hike, we reached the boiling lake, a huge lake bubbling and steaming. Standing on top of a fifty-foot cliff, looking down at the lake, you could feel the hot steam fly past you as the wind shifted. We hung out at the top for a while and had some fantastic local salt fish, plantains, and passion fruit juice. After lunch we began our treck back down the volcano. About a quarter of the way down, we stopped and soaked in a hot spring river, which was very relaxing. We then continued down, getting to the bottom a few hours later. Exhausted, hot and sweaty, we jumped into a deep cold, fresh water stream running through a deep rock gorge. This was very refreshing and much needed after a hike like that! Hiking a volcano was a great experience, our entire time in Dominica was fantastic, its definitely been my favorite stop so far, but I’m sure that will change as we explore new places.

Shipboard Life--Student Writing

2011-03-07T09:39:00.001-05:00

Author: Emily Wallace

March 6, 2011

If you were to ask your average passer by what the role of movement plays in their day to day life, definitions would vary immensely. Not a single one of those definitions would compare to that of a sailor.

I have always thought of life as a sort of lyrical dance, or movement. I, my feelings, people, places, and things move. After signing aboard the Harvey Gamage, my personal perception and definition of movement was stretched, skewed. Executed through every emotion the human condition could allow or possibly conjure.

Each morning underway, I arise, or on some occasions (quite more often than not) I am propelled out of my rack. My eyes open to find all of my belongings adrift. Books flung from places unknown and I could swear I had stowed them adequately. Getting dressed is a process land people take for granted, a process I once took for granted. With each roll from starboard (right) to port (left) an arm and a leg make their way through a sleeve of a pant leg. To another this process of getting dressed could seem as though I’ve never dressed before. In some cases as if I were doing some sort of jig. On a ship each movement is magnified. Steps are added to the most simple of tasks. A sailor’s movement requires a finesse that only develops with each passage.

Once dressed, I make my way up the ladder swiftly. Still awakening from a dream state I stumble with each step eyes squinted attempting to find an object to ground me. As if just preparing for the journey from bunk to deck didn’t ignite enough frustrations, simple tasks such as eating becomes a competitions between you and your food. The contents of my mug meets my lips before they’ve even had a chance to separate. Each motion of the fork to plate, back to my mouth leaves a potential for disaster.

Now one month in, my sea legs growing strong, I have begun to move with the sea. I have begun to move through life in a fashion only known to those aboard a ship at sea. Life in motion unyielding to your wants, perhaps needs opens your eyes, forcing you to realize each movement matters regardless of how minuscule it may be.

Author: Sam Moskowitz

March 6, 2011

Title: A Day in the Life of a Student

The typical day at anchor for a student starts with a wake up at 0700. At about 0715 all students will “muster” midships (gather at the half way point between the bow and stern). The head educator, Johnny, will lay out the plans for the day. Then Captain Flansburg will give announcements. After his morning talk, the watches will start their chores; deck wash, brass, and soles and bowls (which watch does what will depend on our watch rotation). We usually finish with our chores by between 0745 and 0750. At 0800, 8 bells are rung signaling the flags to go up after flags. After flags, the three bells are rung to signal the on coming watch to eat breakfast. After the first watch gets through the line, the other two watches can eat and then, last but not least, the crew goes through. Depending on what we are doing that day, the educators will make up a packing list. After everybody is packed and the small boats are launched, boat runs will start. Often times, we will buy lunch on our outing. But if we are scheduled to be at a place when where we will not be able to buy a lunch for ourselves, we will make ourselves a PB & J to go. We usually get back to the boat around 1700 (5:00 pm). Just enough time to discuss the day’s events and set up for dinner. After dinner, we might have a class or a study hall until lights out, which is at 22:00. At this time anchor watches commence until 0700 the next morning. Then the cycle starts again.

Carnival!!

2011-03-07T09:34:00.002-05:00

Carnival is a fantastic time to be in Trinidad. Everyone, locals and tourists alike, are awash in excitement and anticipation for the next event of a busy and colorful season. Once arriving at our anchorage, we sampled Carnival at the Kid's Carnival parade on Saturday, and spent time in Port of Spain shopping, eating doubles and roti, and exploring a city on the verge of its biggest day of the year.

Soca, or soul calypso, provides the soundtrack of the Carnival season, and blares from the flatbed of 18-wheeled trucks loaded with speakers so powerful you feel the soundwaves reverberate through your chest. The songs are frenetic, addicting like good pop music always is, and very uniquely Trinidadian.

Before we head into Carnival proper on Tuesday, we'll have already explored much of the island, from urban Port of Spain to the switchbacks of the mountains and down to the coastline. At the Asa Wright bird sanctuary we familiarized ourselves with the crested oropendola, green and red-legged honey creepers, and white-necked Jacobin hummingbirds, and sampled bake and shark sandwiches at the popular Maracas Bay beach. This afternoon we'll charge through the mangrove swamp to watch the magnificent scarlet ibis, which once provided much of the color in Carnival costumes, roost for the night after feeding all day in neighboring Venezuela.

All are well aboard and look forward to Carnival and our longest passage of the trip yet, bound for the Greater Antilles.

JP

Chacachacare

2011-03-04T15:14:00.006-05:00

On March 3, 2011 we transited from the mainland of Trinidad to the island of Chacachacare. The island is uninhabited but for two intrepid lighthouse keepers and the ghosts of the leper colony abandoned in 1984. We spent the afternoon exploring the ruins of the colony by ruffling through old supplies and exploring rustic building reclaimed by nature. After our expedition (recorded in photos below) we jumped in the water for a sparkling night swim in the bioluminescence of the bay.

Below: The crew exploring Chacachacare, the abandoned leper colony.

Below: Sam exploring at Chacachacare.

Below: Ashley and Will explore abandoned medical records.

Below: Jon, Ben, and Wyatt exploring the old hospital at Chacachacare.

Below: The Harvey Gamage anchored at Chacachacare

Below: Theo and Bahia exploring ruins.

Coconuts in Port Elizabeth, Bequia

2011-03-04T15:11:00.002-05:00

Location: Port Elizabeth, Bequia

February 26, 2011

Author: Ashley Charles

As I made my way through the soft sand, I glanced up at the sky, gray and morose. It had been raining all day, but our group decided to stick it out. We have a saying back at my school, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” Silently cursing myself for not bringing a rain jacket, I did not doubt it was true. To escape the downpour, we took refuge under an awning. Before I ducked under, I grabbed two small coconuts from the ground.

I began to juggle them, partly because I was bored, and partly because the rain wasn’t letting up. Captain Flansburg ambled over to view my lone spectacle, and politely asked for the coconuts. To my amazement, he juggled them with one hand, and then found a small nut so he could throw three. When he began to tell me how to do it, I started to laugh. Look at me, I thought, juggling coconuts on an island I can’t properly pronounce!

He handed me the coconuts and said to throw them a million times. Well, only 999,987 tries to go.

Into the Dragon's Mouth

2011-03-01T15:25:00.001-05:00

Our passage to Trinidad was fast and furious. The trades were compliant, and we sailed at good speed throughout the night toward our southern terminus. Sailing across the northern equatorial current and through the several small islands into Trinidad is one of the more spectacular harbor entrances we'll see, and the passage's name, the "Dragon's Mouth," is fitting. The change in water color, turned silty and green from the millions of gallons of outflow from the Orinoco River, announces our arrival.

Trinidad offers us so much to see and learn, especially in this Carnival season. We plan to visit Chacachacare, where the ruins of an old hospital create a spooky backdrop to the island's natural beauty, as well as the Asa Wright Bird Sanctuary and nature preserve, the Caroni Swamp to see scarlet ibis roost at dusk, and to play some football (soccer) and learn cricket on the popular beaches of Maracas Bay.

Trinidad's rich history, culture, and natural beauty are a fitting as a southernmost port stop. From here on in, we'll be bound north.

Stay tuned for more details and photos from our visit in Trinidad.

Bequia

2011-02-25T20:12:00.002-05:00

A little over 200 nautical miles in less than two days, and we find ourselves anchored in Admiralty Bay in Bequia. Known for its whaling heritage, Bequia offers us a unique look at Caribbean history, tradition, and its transition to a tourism economy. We'll also visit the Old Hegg Sea Turtle Sanctuary and play some sports with local youth.

We arrived here after calling at Iles des Saintes, south of Guadeloupe. An overseas department of France, we took in some great food and a very different culture than much of the rest of the Eastern Caribbean. We also visited Fort Napoleon, which houses a great museum on maritime military history and the Battle of the Saints in particular, and snorkeled the reefs to the east of town. Baguettes, cheese, crepes, and gelato greeted us in the all too charming town on Terre de Haut--a wonderful piece of Europe in the Caribbean.

Before that we had a fantastic visit in Dominica, hiking to a boiling lake, eating lots of local fruits and delicacies, and celebrating the start of the carnival season.

All are well aboard and looking forward to Trinidad!

More Student Writing

2011-02-22T14:02:00.000-05:00

Roti in Road Town

By Milo Stanley

February 18, 2011

One aspect of Caribbean culture that we have had plenty of opportunities to experience is its food. At Road Town, Tortola, the highest point of our stop was going to the Roti Palace, a tiny colorful shop accessible by a narrow stairway between two buildings. Jean, a wonderful grandmother and cook who moved from Trinidad to Tortola fifty years ago in search of work, runs the Roti Palace. My curiosity soon earned me the job of rolling out the dough for the roti, which might be best described as curry wrapped in tortilla. I wasted no time in learning and questioning Jean about the process of making them. To make roti Jean’s way (the best way) do as follows. Parboil yellow split peas, so that they’re cooked but not mushy, and then grind them up in a blender with turmeric, cumin, garlic, pepper, and salt. Half a pound of split peas is good for twenty roti. Make dough of flour, water, baking powder, and salt and knead in the ground split peas. Put the dough into half inch patties, coating them in flour, then form them into balls a little smaller than the size of your fist and roll out like you would tortillas. Cook the roti shells by laying them on a hot oiled griddle and spooning on good doses of olive oil. When they’re done, they’ll be puffed up and golden in color. For the filling, use a meat or vegetable curry of your choosing. I can personally attest to the quality of goat roti. Spoon a dollop onto each shell and fold them up into nice, neat packages. Serve the roti with lettuce, tomato slices, brown rice, pigeon beans, and mango chutney. Even with three and a half months to go, I have a feeling that this one will stick in my mind a one of the best meals of the trip.

Salt Spray

By Brent Ward

February 17, 2011

A warm ray of sunshine beats down on my sun burnt face while the waves crash shoulder height on me. The salt sprays off of the waves and into my short hair. This might be much different from what is normal for me but it is still entirely reminiscent of what life has been like in my early years living by the ocean. Three years cannot take this feeling away; a million years could not. This feeling is something indescribable yet it is likened to the chance of pure happiness, with no worries or problems. The ocean is my home, the sand is my home, the waves are my home, and so is the beach. I hear a voice, “Five minutes!” Emerging from the water, drops of water fall off my skin and the sun dries the salt to my skin. The nostalgic feelings bring back my days in California and as my black cotton shirt goes back on, the happy feeling stays. This is what is important, this is what matters. This is true happiness, un-filtered and un-edited by outside sources. This feeling will be chased throughout my entire life.

P.S. Hi Mom.

Travel Epiphany

By Jon Dean

February 18, 2011

Today our group got up nice and early to get into two vans and drive all over the beautiful island of Dominica to experience its culture beyond what most tourists fresh off the cruise ships see. Our driver, Sea Cat, and Gordon were wonderful. They showed us some incredible things, stopping frequently along the way to show us a fruit or flower. The farther we went up into the hills the more rural it became. The roads became narrow and rough, passing cars with just inches in between. Abandoned shacks with scrap metal roofing became a common sight. We went to a fruit farm along the way and picked juicy, delectable grapefruits, bananas, limes, and sugarcane straight off the trees, as opposed to off the shelf at the supermarket like most of us are used to. The owners of the farm were incredibly friendly and grateful that we were buying their produce. I found it beautiful that these people could live so simply, but clearly are living rich lives full of love and happiness. It came as a shock how different life is on the “other side.” In addition to this we also went body surfing at a local beach break, and went swimming below a beautiful natural waterfall. This fresh water immersion was a big deal to most of us, for we haven’t has a fresh water shower in a couple of weeks now. After we returned to town, we walked into the bustling market, teeming with entrepreneurs vocalizing the worthiness of their products. We were given a checklist for the required boat rations we would need and completed it accordingly. After this was done, we were given an hour of free time in town; which I spent getting a fresh mango smoothie. Overall, today was an incredible day, jam-packed with Dominican cultural experiences. Such a day requires a good night of sleep; we have an eight-hour hike to the boiling lakes tomorrow!

Tastey Treasures

By Sarah Nelson

February 18, 2011

Today, as we tinkered our way along the thin, precipitous roads of Dominica, we discovered treasure. Not those commonly sought after by the infamous pirate known as Black Beard when he was circumventing Dead Man’s Chest, but by those seeking the income of importing. The streets far from the fury of the markets of Roseau are lined with Caribbean delicacies. We devoured succulent prevalent tropical fruit, whose neon talons gripped onto our fists. We were introduced to the predicaments of ripping mango’s meat off their ample seeds, or the bewildering taste of guava fresh from the vine. We consumed grapefruits, picked by student hand from the tree itself, the size of coconuts, and coconuts the size of human heads. We tested the apparent hardships of mating chocolate from beans, transforming the consistency into that of a brownie mix. We scratched cinnamon bark off the tree, which resulted in a taste of spiced wood. The tastes were numerous, and our pallets, as well as our stomachs were well satisfied with each lick, munch, and sniff. It’s fascinating to think that magnificent fruits are everyday encounters for locals, and their juices and common staple.

Travel Writing

By Danielle Woodward

February 19, 2011

Dominica is a beautiful place for those who like isolated Caribbean islands. Roseau is the capital of this charming place, but the city is just like cities all over the world. The streets are narrow, with litter on the sides, the houses are far from perfect and the people can be loud. But there also the people like the produce and trinket stall owners who are friendly and always willing to help.

However, it isn’t the people or the buildings that separate Dominica from other similar places. It’s the boiling lake that makes it unique. The boiling lake was created from a volcanic crater that filled with water. The lava underneath now heats the water and causes the lake to boil. Sulfur is prominent in the air as you sit looking from a rocky landing over a cliff. Almost as amazing as the lake itself is the trail to the lake.

We hiked from 0730 to 1700 going to the lake and back. On the way, we passed through thick rain forests. The air was humid and cool; the tree trunks were huge and carpeted in soft green moss. The sounds of birds calling and insects chirping created soft background music. The trail wound through the growth; logs had been placed to make the ground less treacherous, though they had to opposite effect. The wood was covered in moss and mud, creating slippery footing.

After moving through the forest for two or so hours we began to climb in earnest. Before, the slope had been gentle; now, the “steps” began to get steeper. When we reached the top of the volcano, we came to a flat, open outlook. All around, we could see emerald green peaks rising to kiss the cloudy sky.

Once we’d had a good rest, we began to descend to the valley below. The ground became even more dangerous, for we had a steep slope on one side and loose mud under foot. But, with much slipping, sliding, and falling we made it.

The valley had numerous sulfur vents, so the small streams that ran through it could be very hot. It would have been easy to get hurt, had one of us fallen in. The going didn’t get any easier as we climbed over rocks and into the forest again to head for the lake.

Another two-hour hike and we arrived at the site. We stood on the outcropping gazing down into a swirling pool. Sulfur scented mist rose from below; the water was turbulent, especially in two areas. We took the time to eat lunch before starting the return trip. We hiked fourteen miles in all; it was grueling and hard but the sights and experiences were all worth it in the end.

Mahi Mahi

2011-02-21T17:06:00.000-05:00

Our first fish of the trip did not disappoint. C watch had the deck, and Sam, noticing the line a-tugging, sang out "Fish on!" and all was suddenly awash in excitement and motion. The gaff was fetched, buckets of water collected, and fillet knives brought out on deck. All eyes strained aft, looking to see what was at the end of the line. Sam pulled, hand over hand, and with a flash of green-blue yelps of delight swam in the air. The brilliant colors of the mahi-mahi (or dolphin fish, dorado) are unlike anything else swimming in the ocean, and few fish taste as good.

Lizzie prepared the fish for supper less than three hours after it was caught. Needless to say, it was fantastic. Nice catch, Sam!

Sailing to St. Eustatius

2011-02-18T18:55:00.001-05:00

Ashley

11 February 2011

Anchored at St. Eustatius

Gazing glassy eyed at the rushing waves, I clipped on my harness and heaved over the side. I was en route to Tortola on board the schooner Harvey Gamage. The constant pitching and rolling of our boat shook my insides, and they struggled to get out. Ahead of me, my shipmates were sheeting in the jib. The tremendous noise the luffing of the sail made jolted me out of my stupor, and I was suddenly, frighteningly aware of my surroundings.

I, strengthened by the beating wing, hoisted myself up to help them. I laid on the line, and my pain was forgotten as we, in unison, cried, “Two, six, heave!” and steered our behemoth hostess towards land.

St. Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean

2011-02-13T08:38:00.001-05:00

Beating to weather is never the most efficient or comfortable way to sail. But to get where you need to go, you sometimes have to roll with the punches. The first major passage proved a challenging one, but our new student crew matched the challenges of seasickness, wet decks, rain squalls, and a constantly moving deck to arrive at St. Eustatius of the Dutch Caribbean.
Once here, we've delved into the rich colonial heritage and explored the island's unique link to American history, hiked into the mouth of the dormant volcano called the "Quill," where we studied the diverse ecosystem of the tropical evergreen rainforest that thrives in the dormant crater, and snorkeled the ruins of Lower Orangested, taken by the rising sea level and countless storms. We've also indulged in cold soda pop and ice cream, which taste even better after a few days at sea.

All aboard are well and looking forward to a much easier passage due south, bound for the French Islands and beyond. We wish all our families following a wonderful Valentine's Day; know that you are all missed and loved!

JP

First Impressions

2011-02-07T14:30:00.000-05:00

Our students' first writing assignment for literature class:

Danielle:

Ocean Classroom has been amazing though only a few days have passed since our arrival in St. Thomas. We were taken out to the Harvey Gamage. There we were greeted by two bottlenose dolphins. Theirs was probably one of the most heartwarming displays I’ve ever seen. They hung around the boat swimming right up to the hull at times. When we moved to another bay close by they followed and remained for most of the night. They finally moved on in the morning. Then on the 6^th we had another unforgettable experience. We were anchored off Norman Island in the British Virgin Islands. We went snorkeling on the reefs near the island and it was more beautiful than I can possibly describe. Brightly colored fish were everywhere. The water was perfect and so incredibly clear. Between the colorful aquatic life and friendly dolphins, I know I wont forget this voyage.

Milo:

The color of the Caribbean is something that strikes me more than anything else. Besides the brilliant light blue of the water and the rich green of the hills, there are the colors of the houses. Cheerful yellow, reds, purples, and blues are something that my eyes, color starved from the drab of the Maine waters, can drink in for hours.

Zach:

These past four days have been very interesting. Learning about the boat, about our duties, and about life on board is happening really fast. The best part so far was taking in the dark the first night we were sailing in what I thought were big swells. Thankfully I didn’t get seasick. Time is going by quickly already and I’m having a good time. I can’t wait for everything else I am going to experience.

Theo:

There is nowhere else I’d rather be right now. I’m living days to the fullest; hence it feels like I’ve been here longer than a week. This is already the greatest experience I’ve had in years. By 8:00 today we accomplished and learned more than during an entire day at home. Yesterday in the tropic waters off Tortola, we hiked to the summit of Norman Island. There I realized I h knew how to conduct boat checks, fill pump logs, tie knots, and names sails; knowledge I drank up in the past few days of sailing.

Ben H:

So far the voyage has been awesome. My shipmates are great and the crew is amazing. The educators are fantastic and the captain is a really good guy. There is a lot of hard work involved but this trip has already been one of a lifetime. I’m very excited to continue the voyage and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this opportunity.

Wyatt:

Out first night was humbling. The boat was rolling and every time I went below I lost all control of my stomach. I got no sleep but finally I was able to eat some saltines which helped immensely. Even though I felt horrible and couldn’t sleep it was quite peaceful and soon I got used to the wave motion and simply sat on deck watching the swell roll past the boat. The sunrise the next morning was unbelievable and staying up all night gave me time to reflect. Everything out here has a purpose, even seasickness.

Brent:

Solitude is nowhere on this boat. In a away it is refreshing. I enjoy talking to people and learning about them. I almost learn more about myself from others than it I had solitude. I am happy.

Ben VA:

The past few days have been tough. I’m working muscles I normally don’t work, and I’m struggling to figure out what’s going on. It’s a lot of work, but in the end I think it will be rewarding. Sailing around the Caribbean can be a once in a lifetime experience. We have to take good care of the ship. It is fun being dirty though.

Bahia:

We did a lot of fun things on the Harvey Gamage. Yesterday we went snorkeling. I had never seen that many kind of fish together at the same place. It was amazing to see the life in the water. Just after that we went hiking on Norman Island. At the top of the mountain we had a very great view of the sea and watched a beautiful sunset with a rainbow just beside.

Will:

One week ago, I stood sturdy. Feet moving flawlessly across the ground, my balance unmatched. Yet when boarding the Harvey Gamage I was put in a peculiar situation having to concentrate at every moment to refrain from ending up on the sole. As the days passed, my balance increased, allowing me to walk without inhibition. It wasn’t until we arrived in Road Town and went ashore that I felt that same lack of balance. This time, however, I was ashore.

Cree:

The Harvey Gamage is many things. The ship itself is big, majestic and beautiful. Sailing through the sea on it is different, very different. She rolls, rocks, and pitches in the waves. It is sickening, literally. While underway-on Gamage seasickness is typical and understandable.

Sarah:

Yesterday we climbed Spy Glass Hill on Norman Island, often thought of as the basis for the novel Treasure Island. When we reached the peak at sunset, our sunburned faces and hand beginning to callous seemed at rest. The views of Tortola, Dead Chest Island, and an assortment of Caribbean Islands were perched upon the teal crests of the ocean we now call home. We had pure silence, certainly juxtaposition from our cozy racks. Silence was never something I appreciated, and while sitting on those rocks I was overwhelmed by the simple sound of silence.

Ashley:

Coming into port at Tortola, tears welled up in my eyes. It had been nearly ten years since I had set foot in the Caribbean. The pastel colored houses and open squared reminded me so much of my home, St. Lucia. I could not believe I was actually there! That first step onto the pavement, I will never forget.

Jon:

Night watch was demanding, physically and mentally. Standing up 12-4 sounds difficult until you do it: then it’s grueling. However, I cannot think of a better feeling then being relieved from watch and resting my head on my pillow. Within a couple of minutes I was in a deep sleep.

Emily:

Freshly sun kissed skin, stiff tussled hair, dirt and grime between each wrinkle and crevasses of my skin. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. Standing bow watch with the sun eating down on my back, sweat beads trickle down my forehead until each hour that passes30 or 40 new freckles appear – some in places I didn’t expect. From my knees to my toes. My fingers are beginning to blister at the base. There’s nothing that compares to the smell of the salty ocean.

The BVIs

2011-02-07T10:31:00.002-05:00

After a day of orientation to the vessel and the shipboard routine at sea, our new student crew weighed anchor and set sail for the first of countless times over the next 4 months, bound east for the British Virgin Islands. Standing watch throughout the night, both the wonders and pitfalls of a sailing ship at sea greeted our students; shooting stars, squalls, seasickness, and the breaking of dawn illuminating the green islands just a few miles distant.

Once cleared into Road Town, Tortola, our students came ashore to learn about West Indian culture. But we didn't bring any books ashore, only our appetites. We walked the short distance from the quay to the Roti Palace, where Jean, its proprietor, cooked up her world famous roti, a distinctively Caribbean dish with roots in Trinidad and India. A roti "skin," or flatbread, infused with crushed roasted peas and spices, wraps around a curry of goat, chicken, beef, conch or vegetables, with her homemade mango chutney, cuchela (a spicy chutney of the scoth bonnet pepper) and pepper spice hot sauce. Indian cuisine was brought to the Caribbean in the mid 19th century, when Indian laborers were brought to the region to work in the fields after slavery was abolished. Over time they have infused a unique West Indian flavor into traditional Indian dishes, utilizing local ingredients and produce. Our visit with Jean is just the first of many culinary adventures.

A quick sail across the Sir Francis Drake channel brought us to Norman Island, where we explored its reefs and hiked the goat paths along the ridge line as rainbows followed us to the peak of Spyglass Hill.

All aboard are well and well fed thanks to our fantastic cook Lizzie Loomis, and will enjoy some delicious cake as we will celebrate Ben Huyard's 15th Birthday today!

JP

From the Captain: The Portent of Dolphins

2011-02-04T08:46:00.004-05:00

Well now it all starts again. Harvey Gamage is as ready as we are able to make her. The crew is prepared and excited.

Students arrive on another lovely day in "America's Paradise," St Thomas USVI. Just how does a crew get a ship ready for this kind of thing? Well, provisioning starts with Lizzie Loomis (the cook) ordering a huge amount of staple foods from a local restaurant supplier; peanut butter, pasta, vinegar, bacon, flour, 30 Dozen eggs, coffee, chicken, dish soap, cereal, oats, broccoli… imagine you have to put out 3 meals for 30 crew every day! You get the idea.

Meanwhile the ship’s crew paints, cleans, studies the curriculum, repairs, tries to purchase all the things the ship may need down island. The 1^st mate (Mr. Burke) and I walk around deck with lists and wonder what we have forgotten and will have to make do without later on. No problem, that is a Schooner sailor’s job.

The Educators J. Pettrillo, E. Southworth, and J.Allen, run around the island getting supplies of their own. They refine their curriculum, brief the ship’s crew on the students and on top of their own work they help get the ship ready.

I did say, Dolphins. At our anchorage under the lee of Hassle Island there were 2 dolphins swimming around the ship as we up anchor and make our way to the rendezvous with our students—they follow us, which seems a little strange but I like it. Then they stay around the ship, swimming lazy circles and never straying far. The students arrive in groups and singles over hours, yet still there are the dolphins. Now let me say that I have never seen dolphins stay around Lindberg bay for any great length of time.

After we get the new crew (students) settled we normally have a first swim call off the ship to get them salty and refresh them after a long day of travel.

The Dolphins stay around.

In fact they are within feet of us as we swim and share the bay with them. We get underway and move back to our anchorage, and they go with us. They stay through supper and cleanup and evening introductions slapping the water as if to say “hey we’re still here.”

This morning I haven’t seen them but I get the point. There are many sailors legends about dolphins; that they carry the souls of passed sailors, or rescue shipwrecked seamen, or point they way home…

You can think what you want. I see them as a very good omen for our voyage.

Fair winds, Captain Flansburg

Meet the Professional Crew!

2011-01-29T14:55:00.005-05:00

Captain Christopher Flansburg

Appleton, ME
Captain Flansburg holds a USCG 500 ton Oceans Master's license, and has been sailing with OCF for over a decade. This will be his third spring in a row as captain of the Discovery program, his favorite OCF trip. He has sailed professionally all over the globe, and before his sailing career jumped out of planes in the Army. In the few months he is not at sea, Captain Flansburg can be found in his Maine cottage baking bread and out in his forge manipulating metal into gorgeous and functional pieces of art.

Mr. Bill Burke, Chief Mate
New Hampshire
Mr. Burke attended both Notre Dame University and M.I.T. and holds a USCG 1600 ton Master's and Unlimited Chief Mate license, and has been a math and science teacher for over 10 years. He's an on-call firefighter and EMT, and likes hiking, climbing, and whitewater paddling. This will be his second trip as chief mate on the spring Discovery semester with Ocean Classroom.

Ms. Whitney Ciancetta, 2nd Mate
York, Maine
An Ocean Classroom alumna, Whitney holds a 100 ton Master's license and earned her BA in History from Union College. Whitney has been sailing professionally for OCF for the past two years, and is ecstatic to be sailing on the spring Discovery trip.

Mr. Dave Kelly, 3rd Mate
Marshfield, MA
Dave has been working for OCF for the past three years as a deckhand, engineer, and mate. After sailing on last year's Discovery trip, he's sailed with the Pride of Baltimore and Virginia before spending a few weeks at home during the holidays. He's driven whale watching boats in Plymouth, MA, and attended Mass Maritime Academy as a cadet before setting sail as a professional sailor. His major goal for this trip is induction into the Nathaniel Bowditch Society.

Lizzie Loomis, cook
Jerseyville, Illinois
Lizzie graduated from Principia College with a theater degree, and was inspired to work at sea after reading Tania Aebi's Maiden Voyage. She loves when dolphins play in the bow wave, the colors green and blue, and has elicited numerous marriage proposals over her biscuits and gravy. She also makes stupendous 7-layer bars and crusty bread. She learned to cook at summer camp and loves visiting the island of Nevis. Her favorite meal too cook: sticky buns.

Tom Klodenski, deckhand / engineer
Tom hails from Newburyport, MA and attended Northeastern University. He's a former recording engineer for the Boston Symphony, and plays some wicked bluegrass on guitar, upright bass, piano, drums, spoons, harmonica, bones, guiro, saw, donkey jawbone, kazoo, slide trombone, and dulcimer. He's been working with OCF since last spring, and is hoping to pick up the banjo.

Angela McIntyre, deckhand / medical officer
Born and raised in Ohio, Angela earned a degree from Antioch College in video & film production and is Wilderness First Aid trained. She's been working on boats for three years as cook, educator, and now deckhand. She plays the flute and is learning the ukulele and concertina. She's most excited to live with new shipmates and share adventures with them over the next four months. She is especially excited to learn, teach, and travel, and feels extremely lucky to be on such a sweet trip. Angela has previously worked as a vegetable farmer, can drive enormous tractors, and loves when potato plants blossom.

Anna Nellis Bacon Smith, deckhand
Washington, ME
Nell, also an OCF alumna, has been sailing professionally on and off with OCF since her days as a student. When not aboard, she is a student at Prescott College in Arizona. Nell has grown up on Gamage as her father, longtime OCF captain JB Smith, is the vessel's longest serving master. Nell is an accomplished equestrian, talented musician, patient teacher, and intuitive sailor.

John Petrillo, head educator & history teacher
Toms River, NJ
John has been sailing as an educator with OCF for over 8 years in their high school and college semester programs. He's earned a BS in Social History from Carnegie Mellon University and a MA in American Civilization from Brown University, and holds a 100 ton Near Coastal license. He collects various editions of Melville's Moby Dick, vintage surfboard fins, and camera lenses.

Eve Southworth, literature teacher
Framingham, MA
Eve has been working for OCF as an educator for three years, and most recently lead the OCF high school trip last fall. She earned her degree in Social History from Connecticut College and studied in the Williams Mystic Maritime Studies Program at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut. She enjoys yoga and drawing, and has previously worked on the topsail schooner Amistad and aboard private yachts.

Jenn Allen, science teacher
In Spring of 2005, Jenn came to Ocean Classroom Foundation as a college semester student with SEAmester. She has since completed her degree in Marine Biology from SUNY Stonybrook and has worked for Ocean Classroom as a deckhand for a total of nearly two years since then. Now living in Santa Cruz, CA, she loves to surf, paint, and drink good coffee.

Pre-Boarding Assignments

2010-12-29T22:53:00.007-05:00

Homework... Already?! We realize you still have just over a month before boarding Harvey Gamage, but your future educators have some short but extremely useful assignments for you to complete before boarding. Follow the links below:
Maritime Literature
Maritime and Caribbean History
Marine Science

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-29T22:19:00.001-05:00

Hello all past and future Ocean Classroom students--we hope your holiday season is going well... For those of you getting ready for the spring trip, we'll be posting some useful information, like the packing list, and other morsels on this blog over the next month so check back every once in a while.

Have a fantastic new year!

2010-11-15T08:49:00.006-05:00

At the end of their Oceanography class, students were asked to reflect on the following question:

What experience this trip has impacted you the most in terms of connecting with the natural world?

Their answers were wonderful and, well, blog-worthy!

Hillary Wight

My favorite experience of the term was the day the pod of false killer whales appeared at our ship. I realized as they swam beneath us that, for reasons outside our control, these amazing marine mammals decided to come over and play near us. We saw them as lucky observers because they allowed us to. They gave us the privilege and it made me appreciate the chances that nature gives us. I achieved my goals for this term. We focused a lot on marine biology and were able to connect it with all the creatures we saw from the comb jellies in Mystic to the sperm whale and tropical fish in the Caribbean.

Ian O’Connor

Snorkeling on Virgin Gorda was the moment of where I got a better understanding of the natural world. We snorkeled in an ecosystem, and I saw how the fish had a niches in the coral reef. I saw how everything worked together to create a community - how one fish or sea urchin could affect the lives of the other species of the reef.

Garrett Pierce

There are so many experiences that have allowed me to connect with the natural world, I can’t choose one. The first was standing along the side of the boat watching the dolphins and false killer whales swim by. It felt as though I was in the water swimming alongside them. The second experience was handling all the creatures that we caught during our voyage. It felt like I was really connecting with the creatures by holding them in my hands. The third experience was snorkeling and actually being in the water with all the fish and other sea creatures. It made me feel like I was one of them. Finally, just being on a boat for the past two months has allowed me to relate to nature and everything that it brings. The sea is truly an amazing, unpredictable place that I will never forget and hope to come back to in the near future.

Klare Nevins

It’s hard to choose what has influenced me the most, but one of the top things was seeing the sea turtles at the rescue center and learning about how unique they all are. It was interesting to see how human influence has directly corresponded with their conditions. Another highlight was killing (slitting the throat) of a mahi mahi, eating its still beating heart, and then filleting it. I have never killed anything bigger than a bug and to purposely take the life of a live animal was very emotional and eye-opening. I really saw at a whole new level what it means to nourish yourself. The third moment was when we saw the false killer whales from the head rig. I was so close! AHH! It was a very humbling experience. Finally, I loved snorkeling at the Baths. The fish were so colorful and diverse, as was the actual coral reef.

Janelle Garcelon

After spending all term learning about all the different species in the ocean, one of the most influential moments for me was going to Playa Rincon in the Dominican Republic. Ali and I had learned about the trash gyre and how trash affects marine life. When we got to Playa Rincon, there was so much trash along the beach that had blown ashore during storms. It just demonstrated how one little piece of trash can end up far away from where it started and how many organisms it might affect.

Patrick Allen

The experience that impacted me most was when we went to the Baths and went snorkeling. The Baths were amazing. It really was my ideal paradise. It made me realize how much beauty nature can hold.

Ned Pressman

Of all my experiences on the ship Harvey Gamage, there is one moment where I truly felt connected with nature. That moment was my hour in the top of a live oak tree on Cumberland Island. The motion of the tree, the wilderness, the sounds – they all came together to create a fantastic spectacle. I watched as birds flew around me as if I were a part of the tree. That is the moment where I had the greatest connection with nature.

Maddi Trixi Gilroy

The moment that impacted me the most in terms of connecting with the natural world was snorkeling and seeing a parrot fish. I remember looking in the field guide and thinking, “That fish doesn’t exist. Those colors aren’t that bright.” Actually seeing it on the reef was so cool. Other great moments were seeing the hermit crabs on Norman Island and seeing whales in real life. That was crazy because nowadays you think of whales as a myth. To actually see them was amazing.

Will Tower

The experience that impacted me the most was when we went to the top of Spyglass Hill on Norman Island. I sat on a rock and watched the masked boobies diving from above. It offered me a whole new perspective on marine life and what affects it.

Hannah More

The moment that impacted me the most was when the large pod of false killer whales and dolphins was swimming with us and I got to see them from the head rig. It was the perfect view of them. I could see them playing together and when they surfaced, I could see their features unlike I ever thought I would. It brought tears to my eyes. It really hit me how lucky I was to see that.

Trip Jagolta

I think that fishing impacted me the most during this trip. It made me think a lot about the oceans and how cool they really are. It was awesome to see that way out in the middle of the ocean, without being able to see land in any direction, you can still find a great resource.

Megan Subsick

The moment that has impacted me the most in terms of connecting with the natural world was most likely when I killed the mahi mahi. I feel this way because I saw the creature as it fought against me. I felt its scales and fins before I cut its throat open and saw the blood flow slowly.

I saw the color fade from its body the way color can fade from someone’s face. I felt its beating heart in my hand and saw when the fish finally stopped kicking. Then I ate the heart and felt it pound in my mouth. The feeling of regret took me for a spin as I cut it apart in the darkness midships. Nothing has ever affected me so much. There was another heart inside me that I had to live for. The feelings I had about fish taking life changed in an instant and the feelings I felt changed my view about eating fish forever.

Cat Kinney

In terms of connecting with the natural world, this whole trip really brought me closer. One moment was during the Mystic to Charleston transit. The waves were throwing us about. I got seasick and we all got soaked. Once, while we were sitting waiting for history class to start and the boat was rocking everywhere dolphins jumped up around the boat. It was then I realized how much we are affected by the ocean and how other creatures are too. Dolphins were going through the same waves we were. It was interesting to know - proof being the seasickness - that we aren’t built for the water. Yet, we’ve always travelled across it. In the end, we are connected to the dolphins because the ocean was effecting our lives are much as theirs.

Steph Bonewald

Going to the Baths in the British Virgin Islands (BVIs) had a major impact on me. I truly felt I could connect with nature and explore everything nature has to offer. Being able to snorkel with the hundreds of fish made me realize how diverse ocean life really is. If there are that many creatures in that one spot, imagine the amount of species filling our entire oceans. It was amazing to be able to experience it first hand as well. Sure the textbooks can teach you a lot of useful information, but experiencing it on your own is just mind-boggling. The Baths supplied me with experiences I’ll remember for years to come.

The experience the impacted me the most in the marine world would definitely have to be snorkeling in the Baths or Norman Island in the BVIs. It is easy to learn about ecosystems in the classroom, but being able to see it right there in front of you is another experience that is hard to really grasp. I never thought I would be able to see the stuff we talked about in class close up and in detail. It really opened my eyes to marine life. You think this stuff is almost made up.

Cameron Lucas

The most influential moment on Ocean was when I was able to be on the head rig and get less then a foot away from a false killer whale. I had never seen them before and being the nut I am about marine mammals I stood there in awe observing the porpoising and bow riding. Bottlenose dolphins were mixed in there as well. I couldn’t explain how amazing it was seeing these creatures. I never know if marine science was a path I wanted to take, just my other option, and I felt after this moment that marine science should always be a part of me. Whether or not I pursue it in college. I want to learn more still and teach others what makes the ocean so amazing. I hope to continue to work in marine science. Save the Oceans!

Hannah Webster

What has impacted me the most was learning what happens to pollutants in the waters and how it affects the life. Also learning about how long things stay in the water till they disintegrate was really interesting and it makes me want to work harder at keeping those pollutants out of the water. I would now like to go into a career researching ways to clean the ocean and make it a healthier place for life.

Brooks Robbie

It was amazing when we went snorkeling and saw all those tropical fish and different species of coral. We learned about the corals a class before we went so everything was fresh in my memory. When we came back we discussed the different fish that we had seen and I felt like I know exactly what I had seen. It was amazing to study one of the most biodiversity ecosystems on the planet, especially because we were there, not in some classroom, but swimming with the fish. I think it gave me a better appreciation of the ocean now that I know what I am looking at.

Frankie McCormick

The hike up spyglass hill during our treasure hunt connected me most with the natural world. Brooks and I were the first two to get there and the only-watchers there for the first twenty minutes. This was great because for those twenty minutes I sat on a rock and just looked at this amazing view and thought about the view. I realized that this is the exact hill many pirates hundreds of years ago used to spot enemy ships. I thought that was the coolest thing in the world. The view was still as natural as it was then. No buildings, just land and sea and nothing else. It was incredible.

Olivia Owens

At the beginning of this trip I remember being super excited for being on ocean and not having any idea what to expect. Then there was the never ending port stop in Mystic due to weather, but then I found myself wishing I was back in Mystic when my whole watch including myself were seasick in huge waves and the rain was pouring into my foul weather gear. I remember being so miserable and just wanting dry clothes and my warm bed at home. Now, being here at Norman Island and remembering back to it I really enjoying knowing what we went through was insane. Today while preparing to get underway it was pouring again, but I did not want to go down to my bunk this time. Instead I made it fun with Maddi, watching her sing in the rain. We have learned to embrace the good and bad weather.

Students rowing El Gecko in Norman Island

2010-11-15T08:39:00.000-05:00

Guy Fawkes Day in the BVIs!

2010-11-06T13:42:00.002-04:00

The crew of the Harvey Gamage celebrated the British Holliday of Guy Fawkes Day at Trellis Bay in the British Virgin Islands by watching the burning of a large wooden man.

Samana

2010-11-06T13:39:00.001-04:00

The Harvey Gamage crew at Cascada de Limon!

A Note from the Captain

2010-11-06T12:22:00.003-04:00

From the Captain

October 29, 2010

Well I’ve left it long enough. We are in Samana, The Dominican Republic, and the students are now well immersed in the ways of the sea they have ( for the most part) learned Port from Starboard, Aft from Forward, And Below deck from Above.

Not that the road is easy if you have a student or friend aboard You must know they have had to work hard for their introduction not only cleaning Heads (toilets) and helmsanship(steering) and Navigating( finding our way) but all the other studying that goes with school.

After a slow start being stuck by weather in Mystic we went like a train bound for the Chesapeake bay However like all true voyages your destination isn’t always what you intended and yet more Fall weather decided our fate, ever at the mercy of the sea, we took her hint and made our way around Cape Hatteras and the other” Fearsome” capes to Charleston SC . Catching Fish and steering large making sometimes a steady 9 kts or 3 depending.

Charleston as always a welcome stop getting our mail bills for me and cookies for everyone else.

My time is passed by the pure pleasure of watching a student like Megan catch her first fish, Brooks comes back into form from a former voyage, Cat is a genius at Navigation, Janelle always has the first answer to a math problem and shows off her new found “guns” Ian perseveres through seasickness and manages to keep up. So many small victories and my heart swells with pride as one watch tacks the ship.

One such incident on this last passage from Fla. to the DR the watch informs me of some nasty squall ahead, you can see some wind in it,(a lot!) so in my calm Captain voice I say “ take in your jibs” and next I know they are down. Then I’m thinking “ Maybe the Mainsail” To a sailor when you think it you should do it. So “take in the main” and the students are on it. Its done as if by professionals During this Squall the wind was so hard the rain hurt when it hit you.

If only you could see what I see You would be so proud. So happy.

Fair winds, Captain Flansburg

Samana, Dominican Republic

2010-11-06T12:15:00.005-04:00

Janelle Garcelon

The market place in Samana is important to many natives of the town. Before we headed to the beach, we stopped by the market to buy fresh fruit. Between the natives not speaking much English and not remembering the exchange rate, our attempts to buy a pineapple were quite interesting. Even though I’ve taken Spanish throughout my Proctor education, the moment I tried to ask simple questions my mind went blank. Jessy Lee was able to barter with someone to get a pineapple for twenty pesos. After the market, we headed to Playa Rincon for a relaxing day at the beach.

Megan Subsick

In the transit from Samana to Virgin Gorda (we skipped St. Eustatius), many events occurred such as Halloween (I dressed as a giraffe), being splashed with waves, and seeing diverse sea life. Nothing can compare to Trifecta Vomiting. Yes. All I tried to do was comfort Janelle as she vomited for the first time on the entire trip, and then with one fateful turn to the right I saw Hannah More puking. That was it. I rushed to the side and before I knew it the contents of the food I had eaten only seven minutes before were flying into the water, bringing my vomit count to number 18. Trifecta vomiting – what a time. Eating saltines with Janelle and Hannah afterwards wasn’t bad either.

Ian O’Connor

The DR was an interesting place. It’s very pretty and Samana was beautiful, but it’s a country with an abundance of poverty. The men liked the blonde girls in our group. I loved how every day we went to the same ice cream place. I got crème de naranja (orange cream). It was so milky and good! It was needed for the hot Caribbean days. We went hiking inland and it was cool to see all the palm trees. I’ve never seen so many palm trees in one area. We went swimming in a waterfall and it was really cool. I’m so glad I was taught Spanish before going to the DR! A lot of the French students were lost in translation and were very confused the whole time we were there.

Hannah More

I was so excited when I saw land the day we arrived at the D.R. Once on shore, I laid in the grass and just released all the tension in my body. It was as if we had entered a new world. There were noises that I had not heard in so long: cars, motorcycles, birds, dogs, and other people. Samana is very different from New England, and it was nice to see something different after so long of the same. My favorite part was the waterfall and the local style food we got afterwards. I also enjoyed driving around on the rollercoaster trucks.

Maddie Malenfant

When we first sighted land we seemed like savages, almost animalistic – thirsty for the first step ashore. We wandered through the streets of Samana, flustered by the hustle and bustle of the racing streets. Cars and motorcycles whipped by as we desperately searched for a cold beverage to cool our exhausted faces. We visited a waterfall, climbed through dark, ominous caves, ate lots of ice cream, visited a famous beach, and struggled to communicate with the Spanish-speaking natives. At night we returned to the ship and soon set a course for Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands.

Will Tower

In the Dominican Republic, we anchored in the harbor of Samana. It was cool to see tarpons jumping for their food next to the boat. We visited a school and the kids were cool. The jungle with the waterfall was sweet, but I wasn’t sad to leave for the BVIs.

Frankie McCormick

The Dominican Republic looked amazing as we approached it from outside the bay. You could smell and see every single palm tree on the Atlantic side of the island. It was a great accomplishment. It wasn’t like the smell of arriving at a resort, but something not many people will experience. It was the smell of pure nature and nothing else. Playa Rincon had the coolest freshwater river flowing into the ocean. The sand was fine and the water was light blue, pumping cool water into the warm ocean. These bodies of water made the swimming perfect.

Anne Raffaelli

After arriving at the Dominican Republic we were beyond ready to get on land. When you are sailing for days you realize how much you take for granted certain things like cold milk or ice. One of the first things my watch did when we arrived on land was get ice cream. Frozen dairy product has never tasted so good!

Cat Kinney

Visiting Samana was a completely different experience than I have had ever had. The right people were friendly and we never crossed paths with the wrong. The coca-cola was addicting. Practicing our Spanish was something we’ll look back at and laugh about. It was fun.

Steph Bonewald

When we sailed into the Dominica Republic and it felt like a huge burden had been lifted. The sun was shining and the rain pouring…Welcome to the tropics. While on land we took a van that looked like it was fit for a Safari to the waterfall Cascada de Limon. It was amazing to see the Dominican lifestyle and culture along the way. There were houses half built, stray dogs running about, barbed wire along schools, and crazy driving by the locals. Overall Samana was a beautiful port that I hope to explore even more in the future.

Brooks Robbie

My favorite part about the Dominican Republic was the bus ride to the Limon waterfall. It was an open bus as we sped down dirt streets weaving around motorcycles and dogs lying in the street. The scenery was amazing. Lush green forests of coconut palms spread across big rolling mountains.

Hillary Wight

I never thought I would be able to say, “I sailed to another country.” We crossed about 1000 miles of open ocean to land in a whole new place, culture, land. As we sailed in with the sunrise, the lush, green palm covered mountains stood out against the blue sky. It seemed that the multitudes of rainbows were welcoming us to Samana in the Dominican Republic. We anchored in the harbor, on one side stood a small chain of islands, on the other was the city. We were ferried in to explore, hike, eat, visit the locals, and immerse ourselves in the culture of the Dominican Republic. We visited the local market and bartered for fruit. We saw local students at a high school, we trekked out to a waterfall, and made our way to a white sand, blue water beach. Samana was vibrant, full of life, and we could have spent many more days exploring the city.

Klare Nevins

Coming into the port of the DR was amazing after 11 days in the open sea. The looming hills that fell away exposed layers of ancient rocks. Everything was so green and the weather changed fast. It would be sunny and rainbows would be in the sky. Then you would see a sheet of rain coming. It would hit you and you would be soaked. When we finally went ashore the first things I saw were cliché tourists and motorcycles. Here was a functioning, working city amid tourists. All I could thin about was how we were being perceived. At first it was overwhelming. As time went on we met some really nice people, including the instructors who taught us to dance in local Dominican style, meringue and bachata. We visited a waterfall that was so refreshing after being immersed in humidity. We were able to have typical Dominican food such as rice, beans, chicken, pineapple, and really strong coffee! We also had frosty cold cokes. Never has a little bit of America tasted so good! We took a bus back from the waterfall. Seeing how Dominicans in the countryside live was eye opening. The next day we went further out in the country. We saw local residents bathing under sprinklers in the middle of the street. Apparently they had just gotten running water that month. We only got a taste of the Dominican Republic. How would out opinions change with more time?

Olivia Owens
Finally making it to the DR was amazing. I don’t think any of us have ever been that excited for land. Getting to drive around was really cool because it didn’t involve us having to tack every time we turned. Driving and then hiking to the waterfall was a great experience. Swimming in the fresh water was refreshing! Afterwards we had a local lunch which was delicious.
On our transit from the Dominican Republic to Virgin Gorda I did not get seasick which was pretty nice. We could see land most of the time, which made it easier for me to tell that we were moving. A highlight of the transit was finding all my clean underwear in the bilge.

Henry the Heron

2010-10-27T15:19:00.003-04:00

During our transit from Florida to the Dominican Republic a Great Blue Heron sailed with us for a day!

Shark Week

2010-10-27T15:13:00.000-04:00

We celebrated shark week with skits about sharks!

Some words from our students crew after 11 days at sea.

2010-10-27T15:08:00.001-04:00

Maddi Gilroy

Just when I thought I would go the whole long passage to the Dominican Republic without getting sea sick, my stomach turned and the gross green feel flushed upon me. Oh what a night…

Anne Raffelli

I was told that this trip would push my comfort zone but I had no idea how physically and mentally challenging Ocean Classroom actually would be. I also did not realize how much more I would appreciate this accomplishment. When I went out on the head rig for the first time and I looked back aft at the ship, I was so proud of what I was doing and amazed at the beauty of the ship that we, the students of Ocean, were sailing.

Ned Pressman

Days and days at sea. It is something that people often talk about but never experience, but to spend 37 days surrounded by the churning ocean is another thing entirely. It can be incredibly monotonous at times, but unimaginable. It is a strange thing to not see land for weeks. My appreciation of land is much greater now.

Steph Bonewald

I look out and see nothing but crashing waves and the dark black night sky. Occasionally the moon peeks out behind the clouds and I sit on watch as the waves crash on top of me in my foul weather gear. I look forward to solid ground after 11 days of rolling and tumbling on our way to Hispaniola. Likewise, a break from pumping the bilges. Dominican Republic, here we come!

Frankie McCormick

Today the Bro’csle (Foc’sle) got shafted, it is the 24th of October as I write this, just like every other rainy day there are two waterfalls coming in through the overhead bulkhead. One onto my rack and the other on Brook’s. Sometimes it is due to heavy seas and random squalls that we encounter on our voyage. As you read this no doubt there are waves crashing onto our pillows. Classic. Sleeping in the Grundens, not so classic. Ocean is still sick!

Jessy Lee

I slit its throat and eat its heart. Yes, that’s right. We passed some driftwood, which is usually a good place to find fish and the beautiful Mahi Mahi. Klare, Megan and I each caught our own Mahi. The two vegetarians and the upbeat humanitarians are officially as salty as you can get. Yes, all three of us ate the beating heart of a Mahi. There really isn’t a need to say anything more.
Klare Nevins

Who knew I would feel at ease on a heeled over ship with the ocean spray soaking me head to toe every other wave, not to mention the fact that there is no land in sight for many hundreds of miles. After 5 days of motoring on our passage to Hispaniola, the relief and joy I felt when the wind finally arrived is indescribable. The days no longer stand-alone. They meld together only defined by watch rotations of 4 hours each. When we crossed into the tropics, Lizzie our chef made us all smoothies. We have made it to the Caribbean Sea. Who knew I would be able to catch and kill, then eat the beating heart, and fillet a 40 pound Mahi Mahi. After a long night o pumping bilges I was met by one of the most beautiful sunrises I have ever seen. Still so much to see and learn. What does land feel like? I’ve forgotten. Give the pony a kiss and a carrot for me!

Olivia Owens

Today is our 9th day at sea without any sight of land and we get excited about the rare passage of other vessels. It’s been a really long voyage but I know I will never again take land for granted. Mr. Czasak has a wonderfully colorful wardrobe, which provides me with many talking points. His 70’s style facial hair is pretty cool too. A Highlight is getting to know my watch deckhand Mickey and asking him lots of questions.

Hannah More

Life is hectic right now. All the days have turned into one never-ending existence.
It is tiring both mentally and physically. But it is awesome, no matter how tired or seasick, or homesick I am, I love it. Oh, and Mr. Czasak has amazing song choices that can brighten anyone’s day.

Megan Subsick

“Fruit Loops”

Fruit Loops. Something I took for granted before this trip. Yesterday in ditty bag class Captain Flansburg sits on the two-step with a large bowl of fruit loop in his hand. Before I even have a chance to think about it the words, “You’re killing me smalls” jump from my mouth. He says, “What, do you want a bite.” Of course I do! He scoops me some fruit loops from his bowl and holds them out for me. I reach for them and to my surprise he doesn’t pull the spoon of dried cereal away. Never in my whole life have fruit loops tasted so good. I was in awe and my jaw dropped when I realized that I had eaten from the Captain’s bowl. Oh my God!

Janelle Garcelon

We crossed into the tropics yesterday! I was down below in my rack when we crossed and I heard a cheer from above deck. I ignored it—I thought it was someone puking or getting nailed by a big wave. Later we mustered back aft for a celebration, smoothies! After days and days of drinking nothing but warm water, the ice-cold smoothies were heavenly. As we hung out on the cabin top, drinking smoothies, dark storm clouds started to materialize overhead. I guess that’s one thing I’ve learned to love about Ocean; the weather stops absolutely nothing. We’ve had squalls for the past day or so, so everything is wet. Sometimes I feel as though I will never be completely dry again.

Cat Kinney

As we learn to navigate the seas, we learn to navigate life. The lessons we learn can and will apply to every part of life off the boat. We know how much we are able to change and how much can change us. Ocean is amazing.

Hillary Wight

Cleanliness is a truly relative thing at sea. On the sixth day of our passage to the Dominican Republic several squalls came through. After we hastily struck our sails the crew broke out in joy over the deluge of fresh water from above. We all ran around with the communal bottle of “Joy” dish soap and soaped up our hair and bodies with the rainwater. We then took buckets of salt water and rinsed then stood basking in the rain again to rid us of the salt. Feeling almost clean now, well, the cleanest we will be for the next month.

Maddie Malenfant

Our voyage to the Dominican Republic has been an adventure through and through. The sea was calm at first, even tame. But now the sleeping beast has come to greet us. Frequent squalls and heavy winds abound. As of right now it feels like we will never reach the island of Hispaniola. With every passing day we grow more anxious, smelly and salty. Today the sun finally came out for a bit. And our exhausted tired faces suddenly have seemed to light up as well.

Ian O’Conner

Nine days at sea. I’ve been seasick since the first day of this voyage and puking every day we’ve been sailing. There was one day where I thought the seasickness would kill me. (Although I was assured that no one had ever died from seasickness) I just can’t wait to get to Samana, in the DR and dry land. We met a lost Heron on the sea named Henry, he probably won’t make it. Can’t wait for this hell passage to the Dominican to end in a few days.

Ali Lynch

Today marks day nine on our long passage from Fernandina, Florida, to the island of Hispaniola and the Dominican Republic. Life at sea is becoming steadily easier, but at the same time I am yearning for some land. The past few days have been filled with rough weather and lots of puking. Not from me luckily, but from pretty much everyone else, some much much worse than others. Our crewmembers and educators have been laughing at us because we think 10 days at sea is a long time. We had an unexpected stow away for the past few days. Henry the great blue heron. He was probably blown out into the sea during a storm. Unfortunately, yesterday he left us. All I want is to see land, and eat cereal, lots and lots of cereal. We will hopefully reach the Dominican Republic within the next two days, and you know what that means don’t you? CEREAL!!

Brooks Robbie

Sailing is pretty cool. We’ve been out for 9 days now. My bunk has puddles in it. Literally. I’ve been sleeping in foul weather gear. Other kids have been getting pretty sick and puking and its funny. The weather is hot and the water is gorgeous because we are in the tropics. We catch Mahi Mahi’s every day. Everything is good. Last night a wave crashed on me as I was falling asleep in my foulies in my bed. I’m talking about a legit wave too. I just want to go swimming for real…

Cameron Lucas

Sitting in the salon, I was working on my homework. Then someone from deck yelled “Dolphins!” I quickly ran to and up the companion way (ladder to you) and across the deck. Looking forward I saw Brooks and our cook Lizzie looking from the bow. Being head rig cleared, I ran and got a harness and layed out on the head rig. Looking down, suspended a few feet over the Atlantic I could see dolphins riding the bow waves and surfacing for a quick breath under my feet. I was in utter disbelief and bliss at being able to be less than 2 feet away from these majestic creatures in their natural environment. Two calves were swimming close to the surface with their parents staying close by. For me, the feeling of being able to watch these wild dolphins is indescribable. You could never see anything like this in an aquarium or zoo or anywhere else. Only here, on the Schooner Harvey Gamage, 200 miles off the coast of the United States. These are the times I crave a future in the Marine Sciences.

Will Tower

Looking through a Sextant you don’t see reality, you see a fiction that you create with the turn of a dial. A fiction that helps you find reality.

Patrick Allen

We just passed into the tropics. I’m really excited to get to the DR after this 10-day passage.

Science Field Guides

2010-10-15T10:51:00.004-04:00

On of the best ways to study new marine creatures is the draw them. All the students have been creating field guides for marine science class. Here are a few entries by Cameron:

Cumberland Island

2010-10-15T10:29:00.007-04:00

Cumberland is Georgia's largest barrier island. At this national park we explored beach and marsh ecology.

Janelle overlooks the largest salt marsh south of the Chesapeake.

Frankie communes with the wild horses of Cumberland.

Ocean Classroom at the gates of the old Dungeness mansion once owned by the Carnegies.

A group shot in the live oak maritime forest.

Charleston, SC

2010-10-15T10:21:00.004-04:00

Janelle studies turtles at South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Rescue Center.

Study hall while at the laundry
mat!

Fort Sumter

Transit from Mystic to Charleston

2010-10-15T10:08:00.006-04:00

Klare enjoying a sunny day on the bowsprit.

Brooks examines the wahoo we caught before he fillets it.

We had a few windy days!

Daily Almanac Reports on navigation, weather, and engineering.

2010-10-10T10:26:00.000-04:00

2010-10-10T10:19:00.000-04:00

Reflections by Megan Subsick

2010-10-10T10:13:00.003-04:00

The past few days have been tougher than I ever could have imagined. The crew of the Harvey Gamage has experienced high winds and seas of at least 12 feet or more. I never could have imagined a storm like that out in the middle of the sea until I was staring it right in the face, We experienced more seasickness and discomfort than I ever thought imaginable. At times I found myself in a love-hate relationship with Ocean Classroom, especially as I battled feeling more sick than I have ever felt before in my life. Then 36 hours later I found myself marveling at the Atlantic Spotted dolphins which were mere feet away. Or sampling raw tuna mere seconds after the mighty fish had been dispatched on the deck of the Gamage. Ocean Classroom had me tasting Oahu and Tuna for the first time along with facing challenges I never thought could possibly exist. The most difficult challenges may still be ahead but I am going to enjoy the calm seas we now have and the smooth sailing into Charleston.

Megan Subsick

Ocean Classroom 2010

Crew of the Harvey Gamage

Birth of a Tall Ship Sailor

2010-10-10T09:59:00.003-04:00

It's been incredible to see this year's Ocean Classroom students (now crew) come together with the common goal of bringing the Harvey Gamage to the Caribbean. Although, some have spent time on the ocean and most have seen the ocean or perhaps swam in her, none were quite prepared for the demands of sailing a schooner across the vastness of the Atlantic. I have witnessed a transformation before my eyes. Your students are more confident in themselves and their potential; likewise, they are confident in their shipmates and have learned to exist, work and live in one cohesive unit. No longer do they consider themselves first, no longer is it about the individual. As we say in the maritime world "ship, shipmates, self." It was a concept, at first, that was met with apprehension. However, they have come to embrace it and we are only a few weeks into this years program. You probably won't recognize the student and "teenager" you sent to Mountain Classroom to start this journey. This is a profoundly positive fact. When you see them again they will be young adults, truly. They have always been students, but now they are also tall ship sailors. I know I speak for the Captain, educational team and crew when I say we are proud to call them our shipmates.

Fair Winds

Jonathan Vega

Maritime Literature Instructor

Mystic Port Stop

2010-09-30T12:16:00.006-04:00

Mark Twain once said "If you don't like the weather in New England, wait a few minutes." We've been patiently waiting in Mystic, CT four extra days for our weather window. Strong winds from the South have prevented us from heading towards the Chesapeake. Luckily, Mystic Seaport is bursting with learning opportunities for green sailors. Mystic Seaport provides and unparalleled introduction to American maritime history. We toured America's last wooden whaling vessel, the Charles W. Morgan and studied whaling artifacts such as harpoons, try works, and scrimshaw. Seaport staff took us out rowing in the Mystic River on replicas of the row boats whalers used to hunt, lance, and harpoon the great whales. We visited the replica of the schooner Amistad and learned about the 1839 revolt of the captured Africans aboard the original vessel. Mystic Seaport has a unique collection of historic sailing vessels. The collection allows for the unique opportunity to compare and contrast different vessel types, rigs, and hull shapes. Additionally, we had a rare backroom tour of Mystic Seaport's small boat storage warehouse. We're surrounded by some of the most knowledgeable historians of maritime history. We're singing sea shanties with master shantymen at the seaport, and learning about 19th century sailors first hand from actors.

Mystic Seaport has also been a rich location to study marine sciences. Our science teacher, Haley, has been teaching the students all about the bioluminescent jelly fish in the Mystic River estuary. Williams College biology professor, Jim Carlton, one of the movers and shakers in the fight against the spread of dangerous invasive species, taught a course on the threat of species moving around the globe into new habitats. Professor Carlton has testified multiple times before congress on the issue and is director of the Williams - Mystic Maritime Studies Program. Students also had the opportunity to visit the Mystic Aquarium and see beluga whales first hand right after Haley's cetacean behaviors course.

Even in port, our home, Harvey Gamage, is our first priority. The students have been standing one hour watches at night and are now standing watch without a crew member. Their watch skills have developed tremendously. They have also learned all the names of all the lines on the boat and are ready to demonstrate their knowledge during our next transit. They are taking on much of the responsibilities of maintaining our vessel. Additionally, our stay in Mystic has been a fantastic time to introduce students to navigation. Students have practiced reading charts and plotting courses. They learned how sailors use the stars for navigation at the Mystic Seaport Planetarium. The students are building a strong skill base for our next sail. Having fun in Mystic, but looking forward to our next transit!

~Eve

Head Educator