Island students enjoy schooner sail made possible by Ed Foundation

During the last week of school, 15 students from Shelter Island’s 7th and 8th grades journeyed to Martha’s Vineyard to board the 100-year-old schooner, Black Dog Tall Ships “Alabama,” thanks to a generous grant from the Shelter Island Educational Foundation.

They encountered heavy rains on the first night, but stayed up top and endured the weather, as the Alabama moved to drop anchor in a nearby cove. The evening ended with journaling and a bedtime whaling boat tale. A few student pairs even volunteered to assist the crew with nightwatch. 

With a break in the weather come morning, following deck wash and a hearty breakfast, the students and crew made their way to explore Cuttyhunk — with a year-round population of 22, and a one-room schoolhouse that no longer has students, they discovered a community smaller than ours.

The group took the hike to the highest point of the island to view Buzzard’s Bay, which was spectacular. Hauling the anchor proved challenging for our teams on the windlass, but they persisted and felt very accomplished. Heading under full sail to Tarpaulin’s Cove was outstanding. Our young deckhands hoisted sails, coiled rope, learned knot tying, and navigated charts.  

In the morning, the adventurous ones jumped off the bowsprit into the chilly waters. Our last evening together in the main salon was full of song and laughter. 

The schooner trip is a longstanding SIEF tradition that is like no other. This adventure truly expands horizons.

The SIEF invites all supporters to join us for the Garden Party Benefit on Sunday, July 26 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the 1901 Grill at Goat Hill. In addition to appetizers and beverages, there will be a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. For information and tickets, visit shelterislandedfoundation.org