Thursday morning, the crew and cadets got Lady Maryland out of New Bedford harbor – resupplied and refueled for the next stage and destination – Provincetown on the very tip of Cape Cod.
And what a day it was! All on board battled through thick fog, strong winds, high waves and spray – the boat was swaying up and down, to the left and right, water was washing across the deck! But our cadets held their ground and valiantly performed their duties on watch under the careful guidance of the watch officers and the captain
Once Lady Maryland crossed through the Cape Cod Canal, the crew attempted a trawl but it was called off due to high winds – sometimes the sea just does not cooperate. Nevermind, the strong winds proved to be perfect as Lady Maryland swiftly jibed her way across the bay and into Provincetown harbor (for those who don’t sail everyday a jibe is a sailing maneuver where the stern (back) of the boat is moved into and across the wind).
The dock was full so we had to anchor just outside the protection of the breakwater where the winds were churning up the water into waves. After a few minutes the crew found out that the anchor was dragging! Luckily a spot on the dock was found – but now the anchor had to be brought up on deck – on the wind, spray, and dark.
Finally, just after 10:00PM, Lady Maryland was safely docked in the harbor. Everyone was tired but also deeply satisfied in how the boat was handled despite the elements. All could not wait for a full nights rest (minus the one hour each has to stand watch at the dock, of course).
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