The cadets and crew woke up to a heavy fog – one could not see anything, which caused the boat to have a slow start as being underway in the fog would be like driving a car blindfolded. By 9:30, the fog cleared out so the anchor was pulled out of the water and Lady Maryland left Cuttyhunk harbor on her way to New Bedford.
By noon, Lady Maryland was already docked at the State Pier in New Bedford. The town used to be the whaling capital of the United States and even today represents one of the most productive fishing ports in the country
After lunch, the cadets visited the whaling museum – a fascinating look into the history of whaling as well as whale biology and anatomy. The museum had several real skeletons of whales, as well as huge models of whaling ships. There was so much cool stuff to learn! Did you know for example, that in order to stage whale skeletons for exhibits they need to be cured because they contain a lot of oil in them? They way they do it is that they bury the skeletons for several years in manure where the bacteria break down and “clean” the bones!
Later in the afternoon, the cadets had a unique opportunity to find out what it was like to row a small whaling boat thanks to the New Bedford Whale City Rowing. The cadets were given huge oars and then rowed in the harbor. The wind was quite strong so it was a real workout
That evening, the cadets were really tired after a full day of museum touring and rowing. They had the opportunity to write some postcards and letters that would be sent home and before bedtime they watched a movie about Pacific marine life. Another awesome day!
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