Greetings from Boundless! Today, 22 May 2011, we set sail from St. Mary’s, Maryland with a plan to follow the wind, cross the Chesapeake Bay, through Tangiers Sound, and onto the St. Jane’s National Park area of Maryland.
Captain Cole competently steered us out of port and into the wide expanse of the Chesapeake Bay. Navigators Henry and Jenna successfully plotted our day’s course. First Mate Kyle checked the oil and started the engine. To start, we used the engine until wind speeds became sufficient to sail by, preferable at about 10 knots. Deck crew M&M lifted the sails. We all cheered as we once again became powered by the wind. Living with the elements as they are and in the moment, we are not wedded to any schedule but our own. We plan for the day, navigate a course, yet know that we may decide to alter the plan depending on what the day brings.
Captain Jeff knows the area well – he intends to have us see as much of the beauty the area has to offer, and to anchor for the night in a suitable spot. Best decisions are once again based on wind conditions and amount of time we still have daylight in the sky by which to travel. We plot the course in order to arrive at our new destination with time to explore or maybe to have a swim before dinner.
Sailing is at once incredibly peaceful and thrilling. Truth is present at all times. Moving via wind power necessitates working with physics and nature, remaining flexible, adaptable, courageous, and being ready for anything. It enlivens the spirit. Not to mention that for our CELCers, this may be one of the few times in their lives to be away from the hustle-and-bustle of a plugged-in, fast-paced society, with hours to simply be - with thought, curiosity, wondering, and healthy appetite. Ah, rejuvenation! And much needed for all!
It is something to see how students take to the responsibilities aboard Boundless as they learn the skills needed to run the boat. After only 5 days, they have more confidence, and more questions. A captain’s license requires 360 days at sea, and while we are not yet near that mark, this could be the start of something.
Here are some of CELCer’s latest thoughts:
Yesterday we left St. Clements Island and sailed to St. Mary’s Island. We had to sail from Virginia to Maryland. Henry was Captain and I was First Mate. Today I am Captain and Kyle is my First Mate. Being Captain, I had to lead the cockpit meeting. After that, we had navigation class. – Cole
Sleeping on the boat so far has been great. The rocking of the boat is such a wonderful feeling when I am trying to fall asleep. The past couple of days have been so much fun that I don’t think I will be able to leave. Being hoisted up the mast was so exhilarating. It felt so free when I was swinging from the spreaders. Just being on the boat in the water is phenomenal. -Henry
Last night Captain Jeff sang and played amazing music. I got goosebumps! Yesterday I took a nap on deck while sailing into Maryland. It was cold! After that, I was fishing with apples. No luck. Oh, I did a tuck off the boat! -Jenna
We went ashore to St. Mary’s City, which was a settlement in the 1600s (first capital of Maryland) that was later abandoned. We learned how a print shop in the 1600-1700s worked and later went on the Maryland Dove – a replica of a 17th century ship. I got to drive us back to Boundless in the dinghy. It felt amazing and empowering to drive the dinghy across the cove at Horseshoe Bend. As the engine reverberated through my hands, I felt every wave and every motion of the engine until it shut off and my hand went numb. -Kyle