Daily Log, September 28
Anchored at Athens Channel.

We rose at 0630 in order to weigh anchor using the instructions in Ceili's how-to-guide.  

We needed the extra time because of the rain and tidal currents. Ceili's procedure went like clockwork.

 

The skies had filled with pouring rain during the night, which continued throughout the day. Despite some creaky joints, the entire crew braved the downpour and reported for duty.

 

 

Even with the foul weather, we still had to lower the topmasts in preparation for passing under the Dunn Memorial bridge en route to our arrival in Albany. (Some of the adult crew were kicking themselves for not doing it yesterday afternoon.) While the students worked the capstan, Ms. Oosterloo led her intrepid assistants aloft to free the topmasts and prevent jams.

 
In the afternoon, we docked at the Port of Albany. The dock is built for modern freight carriers much more massive than our 17th-century jaght.  When a few of the adult crew later went ashore for supplies, they found that getting off the ship (not to mention getting back on) would be no easy task. The dock was as high as our foredeck!

 
 

Mr. Prime conquered his fear of heights to cross the chasm. He received able assistance from Ms. Oosterloo and Steve Linehan, a fellow teacher and frequent crewmember who had come down to greet us.

At 1600, it was time for the students to give their presentations. With the rain still falling, the proceedings were moved to the orlop deck.

Each student would present a summary of their project, the methods and procedures used, the salient findings, and considerations for future research.  The question and answer session that follows is always stimulating.

You can see the students' presentations in our Learning Pages. 

 

After three engrossing hours, their reports were out of the way. With the rain finally spent, the students kicked back and relaxed, free to enjoy the final night of their voyage of discovery.