2 min read

Pictured: This semester’s class poses at the Boiolibng Lake in Dominica. (Courtesy of Ocean Classroom)
Pictured: This semester’s class poses at the Boiolibng Lake in Dominica. (Courtesy of Ocean Classroom)
BOOTHBAY HARBOR — Local Brunswick High School student Libby Arford is one of 20 students currently sailing the 125-foot schooner Harvey Gamage from the Caribbean to New England as part of the Ocean Classroom Discovery high school semester at sea.

In addition to carrying a full academic course load, students are full participants in the operation of the vessel, standing watch around the clock and learning all the traditional skills of a sailor. These students will spend four months studying, working and living aboard the ship before returning to Boston on May 20.

Libby Arford, a student at Brunswick High School, has been sailing aboard the Harvey Gamage. (Courtesy of Ocean Classroom)
Libby Arford, a student at Brunswick High School, has been sailing aboard the Harvey Gamage. (Courtesy of Ocean Classroom)
Their classes are taught by a team of professional educators and include oceanography, marine science, U.S. maritime history, maritime and Caribbean literature, applied mathematics (navigation) and physics (principles of sailing). Courses are accredited by Proctor Academy of Andover, N.H., and credits are transferred to each student’s home school.

As part of the Ocean Classroom Discovery semester at sea program. Above, this semester’s class poses at the Boiolibng Lake in Dominica. (Courtesy of Ocean Classroom)
As part of the Ocean Classroom Discovery semester at sea program. Above, this semester’s class poses at the Boiolibng Lake in Dominica. (Courtesy of Ocean Classroom)
This unique learning expedition also provides leadership training and cultural immersion. Students will spend a week engaged in a service project at a women’s agricultural cooperative, an eco-farm established to improve the nutrition and economic circumstances of local families in the Dominican Republic.

Readers can follow the adventure via the voyage blog at www.oceanclassroom. blogspot.com. Ocean Classroom is presently accepting applications for the 2013 Discovery spring semester at sea, and for this summer’s one and two week Seafaring Adventure Camps for ages 12 to 18.



Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.