Lady Maryland: Trip #3 (Day One and Two)

Welcome family and friends,

Yesterday afternoon the Lady Maryland set out from Bristol harbor for her third nine day voyage. Nine brave cadets boarded the ship with excitement and anticipation of a great adventure. Although the weather was cooperating with rain showers here and there, the high spirited crew made the cadets feel welcomed and energized.

Due to a late afternoon boarding, Lady Maryland made her way just three miles to a small bay near Prudence Island. The first day was filled with introductions, tours of the boat, as well as most importantly – information about safety.

After dinner, prepared by the boat's own cook, the cadets took some time to jot down their impressions expectations of the journey. Here is what they had to say:

“…wow, I’m finally going to get to go sailing again!!! I’m also very excited for such a cool/new experience. I cannot wait for the rest of the trip!” - Abigail

“I’m excited because I am getting to do different activities and experiencing new things. I expect to have a really good time and learn too.” – Betzbeth

“I’m kind of worried that I will fall off! And I learned this is going to be a lot harder than I thought…I would love to see a whale or a dolphin, though” – Cassidy

“Awesome!!! Love you mom and dad, JJ and Kathy” – Harrison

“Not what I was expecting. Roger Williams University is plush and comfy. I feel though that if we were to live only like that, it would be boring. This boat is really exciting!” – Holly

I’m excited and can’t wait to go further away and spot many whales, this boat is awesome!” – Iris

“I’m really excited about sailing and being part of the crew of the boat… I can’t wait to have an awesome learning experience!” – Jessica

‘Working on a boat will be hard work, but with a bit of team work, eight friends, and a good sense of humor, we can manage it.” – Storm

“I think this cruise is a fun and entertaining way to learn about biology” - Martin

That night, the cadets each stood watch at some point in time with the crew as Lady Maryland was anchored, taking bearing and recording the weather to make sure that the boat was not in danger and the rest could sleep soundly.

The next morning the cadets were off to an early start: wake up at 6:45AM! There was no time to waste… the deck needed to be washed, the dishes after breakfast cleaned, and most exciting of them all… the sails to be set! After all, sailing is what Lady Maryland does best. It takes a lot of work to hoist all three sails but with teamwork, everything is possible.

The students were divided into two watch groups with the crew… while one watch is on (basically keeping the bat running – being on lookout, doing boat checks, steering, and navigating), the other is lead by the educators on board with educational activities.

Today, the captain decided it was a good time to do some trawl fishing and see what we catch. After one lucky cadet bestowed luck on the net by sniffing it, it was thrown overboard and after a while pulled back on deck. And indeed lucky we were – among the catch were various crabs, shrimp, algae, as well as a flounder over a foot long!

Over the course of the day, Lady Maryland made her way over some rough seas to Buzzards Bay to anchor in Cuttyhunk harbor for the night.