 | | Summer Geronimo - July 14, 2010 GERONIMO is anchored off of Warren Island near Islesboro ME. This morning the crew went ashore of a camp fire breakfast cooked by David. The island is part of the Maine State Park system that is set up with camp and picnic sites. Breakfast this morning was “s’mores” style crepes with chocolate and marshmallows.
Yesterday, Arena led her crew on deck to sail from Rockland to Warren Island. The plan today is to beat south to North Haven and anchor for the night. This afternoon, the students will be giving oral reports on various Marine Science and Nautical Science topics. |
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| Summer Geronimo - July, 5, 2010 GERONIMO has just exited the east end of the Cape Cod Canal and is headed to Stellwagen Bank and then on to Maine. The immediate goal is to see as many whales along the way as possible.
During the last week, the summer crew brought GERONIMO out of the Chesapeake and headed back towards New England. They arrived in Martha's Vineyard just in time for the Fourth of July. The crew celebrated by exploring Menemsha and then having a BBQ on the beach with a bon fire. After dinner and consuming homemade pie and s'mores, they were treated to several fireworks displays in the surrounding harbors.
This morning the student crew entered the last phase of the program when they are put in charge on deck and are responsible for all aspects of their watch. Kyle Powers started this leg of the voyage sailing the boat out of Menemsha and up to the west end of the Cape Cod Canal. Chris Chew is in charge on deck as the boat heads north in Cape Cod Bay |
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| Summer Geronimo - June 23, 2010 GERONIMO is docked in historic Chestertown MD right next door to the Schooner Sultana, a replica of the 1768 British schooner of the same name.Last night they were treated to a phenomenal lightening show around sunset.
Today the crew will take advantage of being alongside and give GERONIMO a major clean, called Field Day. The boat will be cleaned from stem to stern below and above decks. Later, the students will get a tour of Sultana and then eat dinner ashore. The plan tomorrow is to head back down the Chester River (19 nm) and start heading further south in Chesapeake Bay. The weather remains very warm and humid |
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| Summer Geronimo - June 21, 2010 GERONIMO sailed up the Delaware Bay and entered the Chesapeake Saturday after transiting the C and D Canal. The first two nights in the Chesapeake were spent anchored in the Sassafras River. The weather has been hot and humid with light breezes so a portion of each day has been spent with swim calls.
Sunday, the crew had a sleep_ in followed by a breakfast of grilled fruit sandwiches made by David. The crew then went ashore to Turner Landing Park where they explored the creek, hiked trails and had a picnic lunch. Later that day, taking advantage of being in a fresh water river, everyone grabbed buckets and did their laundry and then scrubbed themselves.
That evening was spent in a cooking/baking frenzy as a large number of apples and bananas had ripened in the warm weather. Emily lead the charge with baking apple pies and apple crisp. Mr Watson made two types of banana bread.
Monday, GERONIMO headed south in the Bay and spent the night anchored in the Chester River. The crew jumped in for a swim as soon as the boat stopped, with the air temperature at 90 F and the water temp at 84 F. Arena made a big dinner of pork roast, sauteed apples and onions and mashed sweet potatoes for dinner. After dinner, Captain Hayes gave a class on the geology and ecology of Chesapeake Bay.
This morning, Emily made a big breakfast of scrambled eggs, sauteed apples, bacon and banana bread. Later today, the students will be taking their first marine Science quiz. |
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| Summer Geronimo - June 16, 2010 GERONIMO and her crew spent last night anchored in Great Salt Pond on Block Island. After dinner, the students had their first navigation class. Dinner was prepared by Chris and David -Chicken and vegetable Fried Rice. This morning Michael made a big breakfast of Cheesey eggs and bagels. The plan after morning clean -up is to head south to the mouth of the Delaware, a 200 nm (nautical mile) run and then head up the bay into the Chesapeake. |
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| Summer Geronimo - June 15, 2010 Summer GERONIMO has spent the last two days sailing, learning and exploring. Tuesday morning the crew went ashore at Dutch island to look at the bunkers there and then sailed to Point Judith. GERONIMO spent last night at anchor in Point Judith where the crew tried on Immersion suits and had a great dinner of a Greek feast of lamb burgers and Tazeki. This morning GERONIMO sailed to Block Island where the crew will go ashore and explore the island and go for a swim. |
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| Summer Geronimo - June 13, 2010 The Summer student crew arrived safely yesterday afternoon on board GERONIMO. Students Arena Manning, Emily Lewis, Michael McGinnis, Kyle Powers, David Vasquez and Chris Chew joined First Mate Kelly Poole, Second mate Kyle Watson and captain Deborah Hayes. The crew spent their first hours getting familiar with GERONIMO, learning her layout, walking through Man OverBoard and Fire Drills. The evening capped off with a rousing game of Signal. Today, the plan is to begin learning how to sail GERONIMO. The boat will be sailing locally in Naragansett Bay. Emily was the cook of the day today and started the crew off with a big breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast and fruit. |
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| St. George's Reunion - May 15, 2010 On the Saturday afternoon of Reunion Weekend, Geronimo was opened for tours at Goat Island Marina in Newport. Spring 2010 Crew Sophie Layton, Helen Weston, Amanda Hansel and Matt Gilbert showed guests around the ship. Elizabeth Hummer, who sailed in Geronimo in the Bahamas this past March on our spring break alumni trip, was also there to help show guests around the ship. |
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| Spring Trip Concludes - May 8, 2010 The Spring Geronimo voyage has come to and end, as the crew has returned to the same dock where the Fall 2009 trip departed from in early October.
The Summer Geronimo voyage will begin in mid-June. |
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| Underway to Narrangansett Bay - May 4, 2010 Geronimo reported this morning that they were underway from Block Island toward Narragansett Bay, motor-sailing in a flat calm. Alex made a Mexican themed breakfast this morning. Yesterday the crew had an opportunity to explore Block Island, and in the evening conducted a mock trial as a way to discuss rules of the road and right of way at sea. The crew will likely be anchored in Narragansett Bay this evening. |
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| South of Chesapeake Bay Entrance - April 27. 2010 Postion: 36° 39.2' N x 75° 48.8' W
Course: 010° M
Speed: 7 knots
Geronimo checked in this morning to report that they were 17 nautical miles south of the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay. They had a lively sail last night, rounding Cape Hatteras at 1900. The crew was excited to make it north of the three Capes - Cape Fear, Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras - a milestone in any trip north along the East Coast. They had some weather associated with a cold front push through in the evening, and the crew performed excellent in striking sail - and later enjoyed a moonlit sail in the lee of Outer Banks.
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| North of Cape Lookout - April 26, 2010 Position: 34° 45.2'N x 76° 11.1'W
Course: 040° M
Speed: 6.7 knots
After a lively sail yesterday, the crew was treated to a much nicer day today. Captain Hayes reported that the crew is in good spirits, enjoying the blue skies and dolphins swimming alongside. Sophie and Helen were on watch for lunch and cooked up sloppy joe's. The ship is currently 62 nautical miles from Cape Hatteras, and expects to be there later this evening. Once clear of Diamond Shoals, they will make the turn for the Chesapeake Bay. |
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| Portsmouth, Virginia - April 28, 2010 The crew arrived into the Chesapeake Bay yesterday late, and tied up alongside the Tidewater Marina in Portsmouth, Virginia. After a few days of rolling seas, Brice put together a fajita feast. The crew slept well last night, as they were able to sleep through the night for the first time since departing Florida.
Sophie made blueberry pancakes for breakfast, before the crew had a mini-field day (cleaning) this morning. Later, a study hall followed by exploring Portsmouth.
The ship will be in the Chesapeake Bay tomorrow, and may depart for points north.
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Off South Carolina - April 25, 2010Position: 32° 58.9' N x 78° 45.5' W Course: 060° M Speed: 8 knots Geronimo departed Fernandina Beach on Saturday in the morning, bound for points north and the Chesapeake Bay. They called in this afternoon at 1:00 pm to report their position. The watch with Veronica, Matt, Amanda and Logan had an exciting watch this morning - as they struck (took down) the Mainsail, set (put up) the Jib, then struck the Jib and set the Staysail to react to the changing weather. They are no comfortably cruising along at a good speed under Staysail alone with wind SW - Force 6 on the Beaufort Force scale (21-26 knots). The other watch with Helen, Brice and Sophie made chocolate chip muffins this morning, unfortunately they made an appearance on the galley sole (floor) before they were finished. They should clear Frying Pan Shoals off of Cape Fear later today, and be near Cape Lookout off North Carolina tomorrow. Please note that the ship's position on the IboatTrack.com website is not accurate as of Sunday afternnon, and the folks that run that site are working to fix the problem. |
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| Outbound from Norfolk - April 28, 2010 The crew had a pleasant evening at the movies last night, then returned to the boat for study hall. Today they are having oral reports for the Marine Science course. The departed Tidewater Marina this morning and are planning on anchoring near the Chesapeake Bay entrance before jumping off to points north.
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| Fernandina, Florida - April 22, 2010 This morning, the crew made their way from Cumberland Island the short distance back over to Fernandina. Helen was in charge getting the boat off the dock. The crew is off grocery shopping today, and plan to go out to dinner in honor of Veronica's birthday. Depending on weather - they will depart tomorrow or Saturday. |
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Outbound for Sea - April 30, 2010At 1057 this morning, Geronimo reported that they were hauling back the anchor and outbound for sea and points north. Last night they were anchored just south of the York River entrance, and Logan made a delicious dinner of BBQ ribs. The crew finished up their Marine Science presentations and a few even went for a swim. The weather seems to be favorable for their trip up toward southern New England. |
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Block Island - May 3, 2010Geronimo arrived to Block Island Sunday evening in pea-soup fog at 1830. They are currently tied up at Payne's Dock.
This morning, they had a RADAR class and then study time for those students who have not finished their work. For those that have finished their work, they helped the crew perform a monthly safety inspection. The crew will likely spend tonight at Block Island
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Cumberland Island, Georgia - April 21, 2010The Geronimo crew has enjoyed their stay at Cumberland Island. Helen was cook today, and treated the crew to pancakes for breakfast and BLT's for lunch. The crew were taken on a tour of the north end of the island by Roland Lemay, Director of Admissions at School Year Abroad, and his wife. Their ride took them through the Maritime Forest of Live Oak trees and across the dunes and out to the beach. They also went on a bicycle ride down to Dungeness, an old mansion of the Carnegie Family. Tonight they are planning a BBQ and fiddler crab races on the dock. Tomorrow they plan to head back to Fernandina Beach for provisioning and preparing to depart for points north. The fiddler crabs live in the mudflats and can have a popluation density as high as 100,000 per acre. |
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Cumberland Island, Georgia - April 20,2010The crew made the short trip over to Cumberland Island, with Helen and Veronica heading up the navigation. They are currently tied up at Greyfield on Cumberland Island. Cumberland Island is managed by the National Park Service, and is the longest undeveloped stretch of beach on the US East Coast. It is known for feral horses, armadillos, alligators and the sprawling branches of the live oak tree. For more information about Greyfield, click here - Cumberland Island National Seashore, click here. |
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Fernandina Beach, Florida - April 19, 2010The ship arrived into Fernandina Beach, Florida early this morning – at 0045. While on watch last night, Veronica, Logan and Brice faced some challenging steering conditions before they arrived to the St. Mary’s River entrance channel, and they all performed quite well at the helm. The crew slept in a little late this morning, and Alex served up scrambled eggs, toast and homefries for breakfast. Amanda raised the “Q” flag to indicate that we are requesting permission to enter the United States. Geronimo will be berthed at Fernandina Harbor Marina today, then move on to Cumberland Island (just a few miles away) for the next few days. |
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| Off Freeport, Grand Bahams - April 17, 2010 Position: 26º 27' N x 78º 46' W
Course: 300º M
Speed: 6.7 knots
An update from Geronimo this morning has them just south of Freeport, Grand Bahama - westbound for the Gulf Stream and points north. They had a romping sail in the Bight of Eleuthera yesterday before heading out Fleeming Channel into the Northeast Providence Channel. The seas have lied down quite a bit since last night, and everyone is catching up on sleep as they motor-sail with a light southeasterly wind. Just about 300 nautical miles to Fernandina Beach, Florida - where they are bound for.
The Gulf Stream should give them a big boost, averaging about 2 knots (knot = nautical mile/hour) of favorable current as they slowly traverse this ocean current. At the axis it may be running at 4-5 knots and 1-1.5 knots on the edges. Off the Florida coast, the Gulf Stream is about 50 nautical miles wide and about 3000 feet deep on average. It is estimated that the Gulf Stream transports water at a rate that is 25x that of all rivers in the world combined. |
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Underway - Bight of Eleuthera - April 16, 2010Position: 22° 51.4' N x 076° 37.2' W Course: 290° M Speed: 7.7 knots
Geronimo departed yesterday evening after Logan prepared a tasty meal of chicken fingers, making her way north toward the United States. Last night was a little lumpy, but the sea lied down in the lee of Eleuthera Island. Today is Ms. Poole's (the Chief Mate) birthday and the morning watch made her some chocolate muffin type baked good. The plan is to sail through Fleeming Channel, and then north of the Abacos. The ship is currently in the Bight of Eleuthera Island, having just passed through Davis Channel. The shallow bank (between 20-30 feet) on the west side of Eleuthera makes for great sailing in usually calm sea conditions. For a view of the island - click here. (Eleuthera is on the east side of the photo. |
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| George Town - April 15, 2010 The Geronimo crew is making preparations to get underway for the U.S. They are planning on departing tonight or tomorrow morning - bound toward Fernandina Beach, Florida (a port near the St. Mary's River on the Florida and Georgia border). Logan is the cook today, and prepared corn bread for breakfast and egg salad for lunch. This morning, the crew spent some time on the beach followed by navigation class in the afternoon. Later, the crew is up for a task that past Geronimo crews have become quite familiar with - dismantiling the our inflatable boat (aka Thunderchief). |
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George Town - April 14, 2010This morning the crew is engaged in a Field Day. Not the kind with potato sack races, but a different version that involves a thorough cleaning of the ship. They plan on having weather class this afternoon, as they wait for weather associated with a cold front to push through the Bahamas. |
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George Town, Exumas - April 13, 2010Geronimo called in to report that all was well in the Exumas. The crew is off to do laundry this morning in George Town. Brice is the cook today, and made choclate chip muffins this morning. They plan to bring a picnic lunch and head to explore the ocean side of Lee Stocking Island this afternoon, and then off to Volleyball Beach later today. |
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| George Town, Exumas - April 12, 2010 Geronimo arrived in George Town, making preparations to depart for the U.S. Weather will likely keep them in port through later this week, as they wait for a weather window to sail toward Fernandina Beach, Florida. Matt is the cook today, and the group is off to have some time in town after lunch. |
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New Bight, Cat Island - April 11, 2010After Hawk's Nest Point, the Geronimo crew traveled up to New Bight. They went ashore to explore and climb the highest peak in the Bahamas - Mt. Alvernia (206 feet). A small stone monastery was built by hand by Father Jerome, commanding a great view of Cat Island. Follow this link for information and photos. From here, the crew traveled back to George Town in the Exumas, to make preparations for departing for the U.S. |
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Hawk's Nest Point, Cat Island - April 9, 2010The crew sailed down from Alligator Point to Hawk's Nest Point, Cat Island yesterday. Helen took charge of setting the main and jib, as they beat down toward the south of end of Cat Island. They arrived around 1730. Today, they are planning on looking for turtles in Hawk's Nest Creek and having lunch ashore. There plan for tomorrow is to move east toward Joe's Sound Creek on Cat Island, just a about 10-12 nautical miles away. |
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| Bound for Hawk's Nest Point - April 8, 2010 Geronimo called in to report that they were able to capture the remaining turtles in Pigeon Creek yesterday afternoon - for a total of 42. The crew is bound for Hawk's Nest Point, about 25 nautical miles south of Pigeon Creek, and plan to be in there this afternoon. |
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Pigeon Creek, Cat Island - April 7, 2010When Geronimo checked in the morning, they were anchored off of Alligator Point, near Pigeon Creek, on Cat Island. They arrived yesterday at around noon - and spent the afternoon turtling. They were able to capture 26 turtles - and the student crew demonstrated some exceptional swimming. This morning, they plan to have study hall and class before lunch, then return to the creek to try to caputre the remaining turtles.
Our goal, in any of the locations that we catch turtles, is to capture all of the turtles so that we have an accurate assessment of their population. Geronimo students are on the front lines collecting data for one of the longest continuous data sets for Green Turtles in the Bahamas. Since the 1980's, St. George's students have been sending turtle data to the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research at the University of Florida. |
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Pigeon Creek, Cat Island - April 6, 2010Geronimo checked in this morning and reported that all was well. They enjoyed their day off at Fernandez Bay, and are having a lovely sail up toward Alligator Point - about 15 nautical miles north. This afternoon, they hope to go turtling. Pigeon Creek is an area where we have found many turtles in recent years - and we estimate that there may be as many as 40 or so Green Turtles in the creek.
In the morning, students were given the opportunity to call home from Fernandez Bay. |
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Fernandez Bay, Cat Island - April 5, 2010Geronimo was anchored in Fernandez Bay on Cat Island yesterday. They ventured into Bonefish Creek and were able to capture 5 turtles (Logan captured 3). Matt prepared a delicious meal of pork shoulder and biscuits, and the crew enjoyed an Easter Egg hunt. Today, the crew is enjoying a day off, having a breakfast of pancakes, omelets, croissants, etc. ashore at the Fernandez Bay resort: http://www.fernandezbayvillage.com. The students will have time to explore ashore, go swimming and just relax. |
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| Underway to Cat Island - April 3, 2010 Geronimo reported that they had a fine day of exploring and snorkeling yesterday - although they did not find, as expected, any turtles. They are bound for Cat Island - Fernandez Bay this morning and will likely arrive this afternoon. The weather continues to be quite nice, and they are enjoying the sun and relatively light breezes. |
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| Calabash Bay, Long Island - April 2, 2010 The crew tacked their way over toward Cape Santa Maria on Long Island. The crew practiced tacking, reefing (reducing sail), line handling and steering on the sail yesterday afternoon. This morning, the plan was to explore Calabash Bay and look for turtles and explore the mangroves. Class today on sail theory, as well as an introduction to mangroves and sea turtles. They will likely depart tomorrow for Cat Island. |
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| George Town, Exumas - April 1, 2010 Geronimo called in to report that all was well this morning. After a full day in George Town, the plan was to depart for Cape Santa Maria, off of the northwest corner of Long Island and about 30 nautical miles to the east. |
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First Day of Geronimo Spring 2010 - George TownBy yesterday evening, the spring crew arrived to Georgtown, Great Exuma after some airport delays. Bags finally caught up with them late last night. After settling into their bunks and a spaghetti dinner, they began their shipboard orientation aboard Geronimo.
They awoke this morning and had a pre-breakfast swim. They commenced their morning chore routine that is rotated among the students each day. This morning was Alex's turn to cook breakfast. Later today they will continue with safety orientation and are planning on snorkeling. They are currently anchored in George Town, Great Exuma - and will be this evening.
As a reminder, you can follow the ship by clicking on the link "Where is Geronimo?" on the bottom right. The position is updated every two hours. |
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| End of Winter 2010 GERONIMO arrived in Clarence Town LI where the trip will officially end. The students will do a last field day, cleaning her for the last time, take their final exam and pack. The students fly home Saturday March 6 to begin their spring break.
The next student trip begins March 30. Prior to that, GERONIMO is doing an alumni/ae trip in The Bahamas over spring break. |
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| Last day in Crooked Island, March 1, 2010 The Winter GERONIMO crew had a full day on Crooked Island. They were joined by Andy Gibson, an old friend of the program. The Gibson family has been invoved with GERONIMO for 3 decades.
They started the day in French Wells and went turteling in the local creek. They were able to tag 8 new captures (turtles that had not been tagged before). Andy joined them for the sail up to Land Rail Point, the northern tip of the island. Andy made the crew fresh conch salad and conch fritters.
That night, GERONIMO sailed over to Long Island and anchored in Middle Harbor where they will ride out yet another frontal system. They plan to turtle in that harbor before the weather turns. |
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| Crooked Island Feb. 27, 2010 GERONIMO and her crew have been busy. The last day in Rum Cay, the crew went turteling in the salt pans again and Loretta and Taylor caught a large logger head turtle (estimated at 100 lbs). They then departed for Crooked Island and anchored in Landrail Point after sailing overnight.
The weather has turned foul once again and GERONIMO moved down to Long Cay where they tucked in while another cold front passes through. After the front passes and the westerlies subside, they plan to move up to French Wells and join up with Andy Gibson, an old friend of the program and look for turtles in the local creek. |
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| Rum Cay Feb 26, 2010 GERONIMO is docked at Sumner Point Marina on Rum Cay. The crew toured the north end of the island yesterday and today they were exploring the old salina(salt pans) to look for turtles. Tomorrow they plan to sail towards Crooked Island. This will probably be the last island they visit before heading to Clarence Town where the trip will end. |
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About to Drop Anchor Feb 24, 2010GERONIMO checked in this morning just before the crew was about to drop anchor in Port Nelson, Rum Cay. The plan is to stay anchored until this afternoon when they will go alongside at Sumner Point Marina during the high tide. http://www.rumcaymarina.com/ |
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| Updated Position, Feb 23, 2010 Capt. Dawson checked in early this morning to report that GERONIMO was sailing slowly. GERONIMO is headed for Rum Cay. Their position was 24 06 N X 076 22 W making good 3 kts (nautical miles per hour) The crew were in good spirits and having a pleasant but slow trip. |
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| Moving On, Feb.22, 2010 GERONIMO spent a great day at Major Spot in the Exumas. They went ashore for a BBQ and had a chance to snorkel in an amazing cave filled with fish. Later today they were planning on moving down to Staniel Cay and then have a dawn departure for Rum Cay. |
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Exumas Exploration, Feb 20, 2010The Winter crew has been exploring a number of the cays in the Exumas. When they checked in today, they were anchored in Big Major Spot and were getting ready to go snorkeling in Thunderball Grotto. Yesterday they had been at Rocky Dundas. Brittany had been in charge of bringing GERONIMO into that anchorage.
Tomorrow the plan is to head east to either Conception Island or Rum Cay depending on the wind direction after the next cold front. |
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| Exploring Warderick Wells, Feb 19, 2010 Over the last two days, GERONIMO and her crew sailed from Orange Creek, Cat Island to Little San Salvador where they spent the afternoon exploring. Later that evening, they set sail for the Exumas. The destination was the Marine Park at Warderick Wells. This is a no-take, protected marine and land park. The park has an education center as well as trails that traverse the island.
This morning when the captain checked in, they were just about to get under way for the south end of the island. Later today, the first student entries will be posted in the student journal section of this web site. The articles were written by Loretta Bu and Lindsey MacNaught. |
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| Orange Creek, Feb. 17, 2010 Second Mate Stuart called in this morning to report that yesterday. GERONIMO sailed up to Orange Creek on the north end of Cat Island. It was upwind all the way so the crew had an active sail which required lots of tacking. Shealagh was at the helm for 4-5 tacks while the rest of the watch handled sail.
The students were ashore with Capt. Dawson giving their Marine Science oral reports on marine organisms when Stuart checked in. The crew had caught up with Stevie Connett (previous Captain and Program Director). He had dinner with the crew and filled them in on his turtle tagging activities. Shealagh had cooked a huge dinner of pasta, sausages and homemade bread for the occasion.
Later today, the crew will be going to the high school in Arthur's Town to listen to a lecture given by Stevie.
Tomorrow ,the plan is to wait and see where the wind is blowing from and then choose the next destination. The wind remains uncharacteristically out of the west, making it difficult to find a protected anchorage. Most locations in The Bahamas are protected from the prevailing trade winds that blow out of the east. |
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| Turtles and Stormy Weather Feb 16, 2010 GERONIMO is anchored off of Cat Island and spent yesterday afternoon sampling the turtle popoulation in Pigeon Creek.
The Winter crew was successful in their sampling endeavors and then returned to the boat for a hearty dinner. Today, the weather turned rainy and windy so the day was to be spent studying and then going ashore for grocery shopping. That is always an adventure in out island Bahamas. If the mailboat has not been in recently to bring supplies, the selection can be slim. |
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| Little San Salvador, Feb. 15, 2010 GERONIMO and her crew left Cape Eleuthera and sailed to Little San Salvador, a small island between Cat Island and Eleuthera. They spent the night there before moving over to Alligator Point on the northern end of Cat Island. They started the day with a big Waffle breakfast made by Randy.
They plan to go to Pigeon Creek, one of the turtling sites to do some sampling this afternoon. The wind is expected to stay out of the north west, so they are anchored in the lee of Alligator Point and plan to stay there through tomorrow. |
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| Exploring Cape Eleuthera, Feb. 14, 2010 Valentine's Day -The Winter Crew is exploring the area around Cape Eleuthera and the Island School. The weather has been unusual -a low pressure moving through as well as winds out of the west. Capt. Dawson hopes to take off tomorrow and sail to Cat island.
He has been in contact with Stevie Connett, GERONIMO Program founder and past Captain. Stevie is still very active with Sea Turtle tagging and conservation in The Bahamas. |
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| Cape Eleuthera, Feb 11, 2010 Yesterday afternoon, GERONIMO sailed through the Bight of Eleuthera until just after dark. They anchored on the bank for the night and then made their way down to Cape Eleuthera Marina, located near Powell Point on Exuma Sound. The plan is to stay there for a night or two, visit The Island School while waiting for a low pressure system to move through. |
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| Still at Royal Island, Feb. 10, 2010 Second Mate Stuart Siddons checked in this morning with the day's plans and updates from yesterdays activities. Yesterday, the crew tried turteling in the harbor but found that conditions were too windy to be able to see the turtles. The water was very turbid and the surface was rippled by a strong breeze.
They explored part of Royal Island and had a chance to go on board the schooner Liberty Clipper that was anchored near by.
This afternoon, they will try turteling again in Royal Harbor, have a Navigation class on Piloting. They then plan to get underway and sail through Current Cut, bound for Powell Point on North Eleuthera. |
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Royal Island, Feb. 9, 2010GERONIMO stayed anchored in the harbor at Royal Island while a frontal passage moved through. The students caught up with their studies and had a chance to try turteling for the first time. The east end of the harbor has a small group of Green Sea Turtles that forage there. The turteling there is very challenging because the turtles shells blend in very well with the bottom and are hard to see. Once the weather settles, the plan is to start to head south to other Bahamian islands. |
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| Anchored Feb. 8, 2010 GERONIMO arrived last night and anchored off of Meeks Patch, a small island just off of Spanish Wells, Eleuthera. This morning, the crew had a sleep in and then Captain Dawson went in to clear customs while the crew inflated the small boat and then caught up on some studies. There is a low pressure system that is supposed to pass through tonight so the plan is to move to a more protected anchorage in Royal Island after picking up the Whaler. |
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| Sailing to Spanish Wells Feb. 7, 2010 Captain Dawson said the trip across the Gulf Stream went well. It was a bit lumpy, but everyone handled themselves well on their first overnight passage. The plan is to anchor near Spanish Wells when they get in and then clear customs. The goal after that is to pick up the Whaler and get everyone in the water for their first Bahamain swim call. |
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| Bound for The Bahamas Feb. 3, 2010 When GERONIMO checked in this morning First Mate Kelly said they had just hauled back the anchor and were outbound for The Bahamas. The first anticipated stop is Spanish Wells to pick up the Whaler. The Whaler is used as a second small boat when the students are sampling the sea turtles. The distance to Spanish Wells is about 200 nm (nautical miles) so the passage will take 1 1/2 to 2 days if all goes well.
Yesterday, the crew went sailing to get everyone used to tacking and setting and striking sail. The student crew are off to a good start in the galley. Last night Randy made a big chicken stir fry with rice and Shealagh made a big batch of oatmeal for breakfast. |
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| WINTER VOYAGE 2010 Begins The Winter trip is off and running. Students Loretta Bu, Shealagh Coughlin, Oxy Nagornuka, Brittany Corso, Katie Harris, Lindsey MacNaught, Randy Reynolds and Taylor Risley escaped the stomach virus and joined GERONIMO in West Palm Beach on Thursday. The professional crew is Capt. Mike Dawson, First Mate Kelly Poole and 2nd Mate Stuart Siddons. The start of the trip had been delayed four days to determine if any of the students had the bug. Yesterday was spent doing safety drills and general orientation. Oxy made the crew a big dinner of mashed potatoes and meatballs. Today,they plan to sail around the harbor doing sail handling orientation while waiting for the weather to settle down. If all goes well, they will jump off for The Bahamas either late today or tomorrow. |
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| Fall Trip Ends, Nov. 20, 2009 The Fall 2009 Voyage officially ended yesterday in Harbour Island, Bahamas. The students left from North Eleuthera Airport headed home for Thanksgiving Break.
A new batch of photos have been added to this web page showing the students measuring Green Sea Turtles that were caught in the Harbour Island area. The information gathered by the students is sent to the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle research. The data is used in growth and migratory studies of the Green and Hawksbill turtles.
GERONIMO will be in Harbour Island for the next three days. On Sunday November 22, the Thanksgiving Trip begins. This trip sails every year with friends and alumnae/i of St George's on board. This year the trip will end in Nassau. |
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| Harbour Island, Nov. 15, 2009 GERONIMO is anchored off of Valentine's Marina in Harbour Island. This is one of the key turtle sample areas in the northern Bahamas for GERONIMO. The crew spent yesterday afternoon turteling, turtled again this morning and then will be spending the afternoon doing buoy chases. This is an exercise when an object is thrown over the side and the students work together maneuvering GERONIMO under sail to retrieve the object -a very challenging exercise and a great way to practise Man Overboard Drills. |
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| Full Circle, Nov 13, 2009 The wheel has come full circle as GERONIMO and her crew head north, back to Eleuthera. Captain Dawson checked in to report that they were approaching Spanish Wells where they would pick up Woody, the pilot who will guide them around to Harbour Island. The plan is to turlte the various sites there in the bay and then start getting ready to end the trip and fly the students home. |
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| Day at Shroud Cay, Nov 11, 2009 First Mate Sandy called in to report that GERONIMO and her crew had spent the night and morning at Shroud Cay in the Exumas. There, they had a mangrove field trip to study the life cycle of mangroves and associated wild life. The students were able to explore, snorkel and have a romp in the mangrove mud.
Following the mangrove exploration, Joe, as junior watch officer worked with his shipmates to get GERONIMO underway for Highborne Cay where they plan to spend the next two nights. |
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| Heading North to Find Turtles, Nov9, 2009 The weather has broken enough for GERONIMO to move from Big Major Spot. They are sailing in the Exumas, working their way north to Shroud Cay and then possibly on to Highborne Cay. Liz was the junior watch officer as they sailed out of Big Major Spot.
The plan is to get up to Harbour Island a little early to carry on with the turtle tagging in the large bay there. |
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| Still Hunkered Down Nov. 8, 2009 When GERONIMO checked in this afternoon, they were still anchored at Big Major Spot. The winds have been fairly strong making the passage to other anchorages rather lumpy. So... they have been catching up on studies, learning celestial navigation and visiting local spots.
Today they planned to go ashore, explore, snorkel and then have a BBQ tonight. |
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| A New Anchorage, Nov 6, 2009 First Mate Sandy called in with the GERONIMO update. They had moved from Warderick Wells after doing a drift snorkel(floating with the current). The anchorage got rolly so they moved to Big Major Spot a cay further to the south. They were about to go explore the local snorkeling spots and then get some studying done. The weather is supposed to pipe up so they plan to hunker down there for a day or two. All are in good spirits. |
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Exploring the Exuma Island Chain, Nov. 5, 2009When GERONIMO checked in, they had picked up a mooring at Warderick Wells, a Bahamas Trust island park. They had arrived on Wednesday, explored the park, snorkeled and searched for turtles. During their snorkel they saw a nurse shark and lots of rays.They are looking to move to a more protected anchorage for the weekend as the forecast is for higher winds and squally weather. Katie cooked a pork roast and mashed potatotoes for dinner. Erin was the Junior Watch Officer (JWO) yesterday sailing off the hook from Normans to the mooring. |
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| Another Bahamian Day Nov. 3, 2009 GERONIMO was anchored outside of Current Cut on Eleuthera. This is one of the cuts that allow you to enter the bight of Eleuthera, a shallow protected body of water that flows into Exuma Sound. The crew was getting ready to snorkel. The plan is to head further south tomorrow. |
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| In The Bahamas October 31, 2009 GERONIMO has cleared into The Bahamas. They arrived in Spanish Wells on Saturday, cleared customs, picked up the Whaler and had a chance to get in their first Bahamian swim call.
On Halloween, they had their first turteling experience with Erin catching the first turtle. Later that day, the crew dressed in various costumes to celebrate All Hallow's Eve. Emma and Katie arranged a "House of Horrors" treasure hunt on board GERONIMO.
The plan is to stay in the Eleuthera area for a day or so continuing the turtle research before heading further south. |
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| About to Make the Turn October 29, 2009 Position 27 07N X 80 04 W
Course 170 M
Speed 3 KTS
GERONIMO was still off of the coast of Florida when they checked in. As they work there way south, they are positioning themselves to cross the Gulf Stream.
Last night Halsey made meatball subs for dinner.
Other news -The warbler passenger they had on board was found curled up in one of the fire buckets. He was then slipped into a watery grave. The students had named him soldier because he was such a fighter.
Check the student journal portion of this web site in the upcoming days for entries from Olivia and Katie. |
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| South of Daytona, October 28, 2009 Position 29 08N X 80 56W
Course 165 M
Speed 6.5 KTS
When GERONIMO checked in today, they were sailing on a close reach under a dying breeze. They were sailing down the Florida coast and expect tp off of Canaveral by this evening. Last night, C Watch (Emma, Sadie and Olivia) had a busy watch tacking back and forth to stay off of the land and out of the Gulf Stream. |
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| Sailing Along the Coast October 27, 2009 Position 30 49 N X 81 08 W
Course 180 M
Speed 4 KTS
GERONIMO is sailing south along the coast before crossing the Gulf Stream and heading for The Bahamas. The weather is gray, overcast and rainy, but warm. The boat has two additional avian passengers aboard -a warbler and a Peregrine Falcon, one perched on the mast, the other wandering around the deck.
The plan is to keep sailing and hopefully make landfall in North Eleuthera on Friday. |
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| Headed South October 26, 2009 Captain Dawson checked in this morning as he was leaving the Customs Office. GERONIMO and her crew have cleared out of the United States and are headed for The Bahamas. That is, if the weather holds.
They might make a short stop at Cumberland Island if it looks like they need to wait for better weather before crossing the Gulf Stream.
The crew had a great visit in Charleston, with time to sight see as well as getting some homework done.
The Scavenger hunt was a great sucess with Starboard watch winning the competition. |
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| Exploring Charleston SC October 22, 2009 GERONIMO arrived last night in Charleston just after sunset. Katie was at the helm while they sailed up the channel. After they docked and got the boat squared away, Joe fed the fall crew homemade pizza.
Today the students participated in a Marine Science Jeopardy game to prepare for their upcoming quiz. After that, they were divided into teams to compete in a scavenger hunt that introduces them to Charleston.
The Captain reports that the weather is sunny and warm... finally. |
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Sailing Around Frying Pan Shoals NC October 21, 2009Position 33 45.5 N X 77 43.4 W Spd 4 kts Course 193M GERONIMO was 5 nm from Frying Pan Shoals off of Cape Fear when they checked in. Cape Fear is one of the three Capes GERONIMO has to get around before shaping for Charleston. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frying_Pan_ShoalsThey had a fair breeze and were sailing under a full main and jib. The night before, the wind had died out and they were becalmed. By 0130, the breeze had filled back in and they were able to make 5 kts -a lovely sail. They reported that before sunset, they had been surrounded by a pod of dolphins that kept them entertained for an hour. |
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| Underway again October 20, 2009 First mate Sandy checked in to report that GERONIMO had departed Beaufort NC and was headed south again. They had just exited the channel and were bound for sea. They had had a a good but busy stay at the Duke Marine Lab dock. They had their first line /pin chase. The winning watch (the Starboard watch) got to dress up the loosing team. Rumors of angels wings on Halsey... The students spent a portion of the day studying at Duke Marine Lab. They were then treated to a dinner of pork chops, baked apples and sweet potatoes by Joe followed by a viewing of the documentary " Around Cape Horn". The students stated that they felt humble watching the weather that the sailors in the film endured.
Emma and Erin opened a barber's shop and gave Halsey a hair cut getting him ready for the warmer weather to come. The next predicted stop is Charleston SC. |
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| Visiting Beaufort October 18, 2009 GERONIMO pulled into Beaufort NC and visited the Maritime Museum there. The crew also had a chance to get showers and call home. Captain Dawson reported the weather to be COLD, but it was supposed to get warmer tomorrow.
Today they moved from the town of Beaufort over to the Duke Marine Lab docks. The hope is to tour the facility, have a Marine Science class and then have a "pin chase" on board GERONIMO. A Pin Chase is an age old tradition -a contest to see who knows their lines and knots -who is fastest. Normally, one watch competes against the other for valuable prizes (frequently ice cream or candy bars).
This morning, Joe started the crew off with a breakfast of waffles, which also happened to be Captain Dawson's favorites!
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| Nearing Diamond Shoals, October 17, 2009 Position 6 nm north of Diamond Shoal 35 16 N X 75 19 W
Sailing under double reefed main and making 7 kts. GERONIMO is bound south and headed for Charleston. The Captain expects they may have to duck into Beaufort NC to avoid some weather. It was cold and rainy but GERONIMO will be entering warmer waters soon and the air temperature will rise with it.
All are reported to be in good spirits and they were having a great sail! |
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| Off to sea, October 15, 2009 GERONIMO departed St Mary's and is headed out of the Chesapeake. Yesterday the crew broke down Thunder Chief, the a boat in record time in the cold and rain. The plan is to head to Charleston with a possible stop in Beaufort NC en route. |
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| Waiting in St Mary's October 14, 2009 When Captain Dawson checked in today, GERONIMO was anchored in St Mary's waiting for the low pressure system to move up and off the coast before departing to head around the Carolina Capes. After taking PSAT's, the crew stopped to pick up pumpkins for Halloween. The students then had a study hall in the St Mary's College boathouse. Rainy weather persists and the temperature is cold, The crew is looking forward to heading further south.
The students sent in their first journal entries which should be posted on this site in the next few days. Stay tuned... |
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St Mary's and PSAT's October 12, 2009GERONIMO arrived at 0130 this morning into the anchorage at St. Mary's City - after having enjoyed a nice sail down the bay from St. Michael's. They were making 9 kts for a while. GERONIMO came alongside the dock at the college this morning and the crew had a field day(a major ship's cleaning), and then some study hall time in the boat house.
Katie made a delicious meal of burgers and potatoes for dinner. |
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| Busy Day October 11, 2009 The Fall crew has a busy day today. They are anchored at St. Michael's and when second mate Emily checked in, the students were ashore with Captain Dawson at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum on a field trip. Once they return, they will get GERONIMO underway and head to St Mary's sailing with the Easterly breeze they have today.
The day started with a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday that woke up birthday girl Olivia. Tonight Sadie and friends are planning to bake her a birthday cake.
Yesterday, Olivia did a very good job of navigating GERONIMO into St Michael's. It is a circuitous route in, so staying in good water can be very tricky.. Once they dropped the anchor, Halsey, who was cook of the day, BBQ'd steaks for his shipmates. |
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| Exploring Baltimore October 10, 2009 The GERONIMO crew has spent the last two days exploring Baltimore During their stay, they have been docked at the Pride fo Baltimore's (state tall ship of Maryland) berth right in the middle of the Inner Harbor just a stone'e throw from the Constellation, sister ship of the USS Constitution.
During their stay, they went to the Baltimore Aquarium and later,all had a chance to call home.
After leaving Baltimore, they headed out to St Michael's where they hope to visit the Maritime Museum there and spend some time preparing for the PSAT's. The plan is to be in the Annapolis area late Tuesday afternoon and the students will take their PSAT's in Annapolis Wednesday morning.
The crew just sent in some new photos. Stay tuned -they should be up on this website in the next few days. |
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| Arriving in the Chesapeake October 7, 2009 GERONIMO arrived at the head of the Chesapeake yesterday. They anchored in the Sassafras River waiting for weather to pass through. The crew got in their first swim call and "shower". While they were anchored, the crew saw a bald eagle flying above them.
The tentative plan is to continue south down the Bay with a possible stop in Baltimore before stopping in Annapolis for PSAT's. |
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| GERONIMO Arrives in Delaware Bay October 6, 2009 GERONIMO and her crew entered Delaware Bay last night around midnight. They had a beautiful sail under the full moon.
When the Captain checked in this morning, they were sailing up the bay under light Nor'easterlies making 3 kts. They plan to enter the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal (C and D Canal) tonight and anchor in the head of the Chesapeake while they wait for a cold front to gp through. |
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| Statue of Liberty October 5, 2009 First Mate Sandy Aylesworth checked in this morning. GERONIMO was abeam Sandy Hook and bound for Delaware Bay. She was sailing at 7 kts in about 20 kts of breeze under a single reefed mainsail -Course 170 magnetic.
During the trip, the ships course and speed and position will frequently be listed on this website. Speed is in nautical miles per hour or knots (kts), course is the direction they are headed measured by the ships compass, and the position will frequently be listed as degrees in latitude and longitude (Lat/Long).
Last night, GERONIMO was anchored off of the Statue of Liberty. They were treated to an evening display of fireworks over the city. Erin was in the galley for dinner and made the crew turkey burgers with all of the fixings followed by chocolate chip cookies.
When they got underway this AM, Katie was navigating and Joe was helmsman. |
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| Sailing towards New York City October 4, 2009 GERONIMO and her crew are making their way down Long Island Sound bound for New York City. They anchored in Huntington NY Saturday night and were headed for Hell's Gate in the East River when they checked in Sunday morning. The wind had died out and they were motor sailing. The trip to the city brings the crew through a series of bridges and by the United Nations building as well as Gracie Mansion and South Street Seaport so it is a thrilling sight seeing run. |
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Sailing to Fisher's Island October 2, 2009When GERONIMO checked in this morning, they were in Fisher’s Island Sound getting ready to get underway. Friday they had sailed from Wickford down West Passage to Fisher’s Island. The weather had been damp and cool, but all were in good spirits.
Last night, Emma made a steak stir fry for dinner. This morning Katie fed the crew blueberry pancakes and bacon.
GERONIMO will be doing day sails until they get through Long Island Sound and start to head out to sea.
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| FALL 09 TRIP BEGINS GERONIMO fall students Olivia Gebelein, Katie Desrosiers, Emma Garfield, Erin Hendrix, Halsey Huth, Joe Mack. Elizabeth Manning and Sadie McQuilkin joined GERONIMO at Goat Island Marina. in Newport RI. Captain Mike Dawson, First Mate Sandy Aylesworth and Second Mate Emily Gustavsen greeted the students and helped them get their gear aboard.
The students took time to unpack and get settled. The crew then had safety orientation at the dock and then headed out to anchor in the Bay.
When the Captain checked in this morning he said the crew had spent a good night at anchor and had spent the evening learning about life aboard GERONIMO. Dinner was a group effort to make Ravioli.
Emma is the cook today and started the day off making scrambled eggs.
The plan was for GERONIMO to start heading south through Long Island Sound on their way to Annapolis. The student crew is scheduled to take their PSAT's there later in the month. |
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| 7/18/2009 To Portland The Summer trip with St George's students has ended in Portland ME. The last week of the trip was spent sailing between Mount Desert Island, Vinal Haven, Port Clyde and Casco Bay. The foggy, rainy weather disappeared and the students were finally able to literally see the beauty of Maine.
On a more somber note, they were also able to see the rusty color of the coastal waters here in Maine where the worst Red Tide outbreak since 1972 has closed most of the shellfish beds. The bloom is strikingly apparent.
The students left GERONIMO on Wednesday and GERONIMO will be dockside at Sunset Marina in South Portland until July 20th. |
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| 7/5/2009 Sun! GERONIMO is anchored in Somes Sound on Mount Desert Island. The moon just rose over Sargent Mountain to the sound of loons crying. We also just had our second sunny day after more than a solid week of fog and rain. Life is good!
The sail today was from Pretty Marsh Harbor where the crew had a picnic breakfast onshore. Rosie made crepes and grilled sausages on a campfire.
Later after the boat was underway headed down Blue Hill Bay, Rosie was on the helm cried out - "Look, that's our house!!!!"
The boat was sailing right past the Putnam's summer home. Unfortunately, they were not in residence at the time to see their daughter sail by.
The plan tomorrow is to go into Acadia National Park and do some hiking. Molly is in the galley tomorrow as cook of the day and plans to make French Toast for breakfast before the crew heads out.
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| 7/2/2009 Rain in Maine Since GERONIMO arrived in Maine, the weather has been overcast, the fog has been thick and the rain intermittent.
The boat arrived at Penobscot Bay at 0400 when the morning light was just beginning to show up. There was enough light in the fog to see lobster pots that were close aboard and that was about it.
The crew dropped anchor in Southern Harbor on North Haven Island at 0700 and the crew was turned down for a morning nap until 1000. Mr Bystrom made a big breakfast of pancakes and sausage while the students slept. The anchorage was packed with Harbor Seals and Murres, Terns and gulls. Due to the uncommonly cold, foggy weather up here, the anchorage was empty and magically quiet after listening to the fog horn for two days.
Later that day the crew went into the small town of North Haven and found everything was closed except for the Community Center. All of the shops and restaurants will open on July 1. The crew sat in the community center drinking coffee, reading newspaper, catching up on emails and playing board games.
The next day – also foggy and rainy, GERONIMO sailed up to Islesboro where the crew went hiking on Warren Island.
The next day – also foggy and rainy, GERONIMO sailed to Rockland and here the crew has enjoyed the Lighthouse Museum, The Farnsworth Art Museum and a rousing Scavenger Hunt handily won by the team of Heydi and Sophie (the Lightening Captains). Haley, Molly and Rosie – Team Black Bull came in a close second. The Lightening Captains won by procuring a ship model, a red bicycle, a lobster trap and other odd paraphernalia.
Tonight the crew is heading back ashore to catch a movie after eating fresh fish prepared by Heydi. |
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| 6/26/2009 North to Maine GERONIMO has spent the last few days sailing in and around Long Island, visiting Orient and Hog Neck Bay. There, the crew went ashore for hikes and managed to find a farm stand that sold them fresh strawberries, turnips and beets. The weather has been damp and the skies overcast as a large low pressure system has sat over southern New England.
Last night was the crew's first overnight passage from Long Island to the Cape Cod Canal. The conditions were comfortable and the winds fair. The crew had a wonderful dinner of BBQ'd chicken turnips, beets and a salad made by Sabra Wilson.
As the crew sails north to Maine they hope to see whales as they sail over the various banks. |
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| 6/22/2009 To Noank, Ct. Last week, GERONIMO spent the day at Block Island anchored in Great Salt Pond. The crew went ashore to explore the island. They spent half of the day on foot and the other half on bicycle. The crew also went for their first swim of the trip.
After leaving Block Island, GERONIMO headed for Noank, CT to weather a slow moving low pressure system that was creating gale winds in South Eastern New England.
While in Noank, the crew visited Mystic Seaport Museum. They also were able to get a tour of the schooner Amistad where they climbed the rigging and got a bird's eye view of Mystic.
Tonight the crews of the Amistad and GERONIMO will be having a pot luck dinner together.
This afternoon was spent studying weather systems and studying for a Marine Science quiz as well as baking bread for tonight's dinner.
The crew is in good spirits but looking forward to some sunny weather. |
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| 6/18/2009 Getting Started We left Goat Island Marina on Wednesday morning after having spent Tuesday afternoon and evening doing orientation and safety instruction.
We spent Wednesday sailing in Narragansett Bay in East Passage doing sailing handling, tacking and gybing drills. We also did a man-overboard drill.
We met up with the schooner Brilliant, owned by Mystic Seaport Museum. The Captain, Hamilton Moore was a previous mate on GERONIMO. His deckhand/cook is SG/GERONIMO Alum, Hannah Burroughs '07.
Thursday, we sailed from the north end of Prudence Island to Block Island. We managed to anchor in Great Salt Pond before the rain started.
Sabra was the cook today. She made us wonderful berry pancakes packed with strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. She and Miss Maloney are in the galley as I write this preparing a dinner of pork chops with baked apples and potatoes.
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| 5/6/2009 - Block Island The last leg of the Spring '09 Geronimo crew's trip might have been the
hardest. They fought their way into New England waters with cold
and wind on the nose. The wind finally dropped down at 1500
yesterday afternoon. They turned on the motor and pushed their
way around Montauk to make their way to Block Island. At about
2300 they set the hook and all got an excellent night's sleep.
The plan this morning is to come into Narragansett Bay to do some
drills in preparation for tomorrow's Coast Guard inspection.
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| 5/5/2009 - Off of Long Island Position: 40°48.6' N x 72°24.8' W
Course: 030° PSC
Speed: 5 knots
Geronimo was just off of South Hampton on Long Island when she called in this morning. They have reported improving weather, from the windy, cold and rainy weather of the last few days. They are anxious to sail into the waters of New England on their way back to Newport.
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| 5/4/2009 - Approaching New England Position: 39°16.7' N x 73°24.7' W
Course: 010° PSC
Speed: 5.5 knots
Cold is the word today. Those on watch are wearing every layer of
clothes they have. And, breaks are spent in the engine room
warming up. After 36 hours of rain or fog, the crew were happy to
find an overcast but dry day on the horizon this morning. They
are beating their way into an east by north breeze of about 20-25
knots. They currently have both the main and the jib double
reefed. All are cold but fine!
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| 5/3/2009 - Fog Position: 37°45' N x 74°07' W
Course: 060° PSC
Speed: 6 knots
Fog. When the captain checked in this afternoon she reported a
day filled with fog. And, little wind. They had been
motoring since about 3 this morning. Yesterday was filled with a
lot of wind and squalls but today they waited for a northeasterly
breeze to fill in. Mr. Adams awoke this morning to birthday
banners. The crew helped him celebrate his 26th birthday with a
cake and presents.
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5/2/2009 - Off Cape HatterasPosition: Directly off Cape Hatteras, Diamond Shoals Light Tower
Course: 015°
Speed: 8 knots
Geronimo's still moving along on a southwesterly breeze. Their dolphin escort is also still around them. They caught a huge mahi mahi so fresh fish is the order of the day. They plan, at this point, to continue to steam north.
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| 5/1/2009 - Off Cape Fear Position: 33°29.4'N x 77°27.8' W
Course: 060° PSC
Speed: 5 knots
When Geronimo checked in at about 10:45 this morning they had great weather. They were just off of Cape Fear and Frying Pan Shoals. They'd had dolphins surrounding them all morning. The wind will likely fill in from the southwest later this morning. All's well!
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| 4/29/2009 - Cumberland Island On Monday Geronimo made the hop across to Cumberland Island. The kids spent some time in the morning on their studies. Then they rode bikes out to the beach and played a game of soccer on the sand. They saw wild horses as they made their way across the island. Dinner was an extra special meal: a barbecue of ribs and shrimp along with potato salad. They had crab races (each student caught a fiddler crab as their entry and the first crab to leave the circle was the winner.) Caroline's crab won. Tuesday they went to visit the Carnegie mansion called "Dungeness". They had breakfast beneath the palm trees. Saw more wild horses and some turkeys. In the afternoon the students started their marine science oral presentations.
The Geronimo Spring '09 crew have set sail again, this time headed for points much more north (and a tad cooler weather!) They were departing Cumberland Island at about 1:30 this afternoon (Wednesday).
Last night they all went on a hike to see what wildlife they could spot. They saw two armadillos and a bazillion fireflies. Phoebe cooked up a dinner of chicken and pesto. This morning, a long-time friend of Geronimo, Larry Phillips, picked them all up in his truck and took them on a tour of the island. They saw more armadillos plus some alligators.
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| 4/27/2009 - On to Cumberland Island Rachel and Abi were the winning team of yesterday's scavenger hunt. Among the list of things to find were: a pink flamingo, a cup of grits from a local restaurant (on the cup the restaurateur must have written "this ain't for Yankees"), a decal from the police station and a letterhead from the mayor's office and signed by the mayor. In the late afternoon the group took some study time and then all went out for pizza and mini-golf. This morning Geronimo has moved to Cumberland Island where they will spend at least the next 24 hours exploring.
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| 4/26/2009 - Field Day in Fernandina Yesterday was a huge "field day" for Geronimo and her crew. A field day is the term used when extra attention and elbow grease are involved in cleaning - the boat, the laundry... even the people! After time ashore to explore and make phone calls the kids returned to the boat to spend some time on their school work. They all enjoyed a sleep-in this morning. Kai served up chocolate-banana waffles for breakfast. The students spent more time on their school work this morning but in the afternoon went ashore for an annual treat: a Scavenger Hunt. Later they planned a trip to a mini-golf adventure.
Rachel and Abi have been chosen to be the official "deckhands" for the Spring '09 Geronimo crew.
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| 4/25/2009 - Fernandina Beach, Florida Geronimo cleared customs into Fernandina Beach, Florida this morning. Their trip across the Gulf Stream was flat calm and clear. Their fish lines finally connected with a mahi mahi so they were treated to fresh fish (filleted by the expert hands of Mr. Adams!) for dinner last night. As they approached the channel into Fernandina (in the wee hours of the morning) they did a dodge and weave pattern as they were met by the whole fleet of shrimp boats coming out. They dropped anchor off of the breakwater at about 3 am and got some sleep before moving into the harbor this morning. Patrick served up a "cheese-y eggs" breakfast today. The crew will spend the day cleaning - the boat and their bodies. The weather is hot and humid (85 degrees). They'll do some grocery shopping, have study time and get an extra good sleep tonight.
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| 4/24/2009 - Smooth Sailing Position: 28°59.4'N x 79°23.5' W
Course: 325° PSC
Speed: 6.5 knots
Geronimo has had a wonderfully calm and clear passage. Last night was crystal clear with shooting stars everywhere! Rachel and Mr. Adams cooked up a "restaurant quality" dinner of chicken piccata. All of the crew have been able to get ample rest and keep up with their studies despite being offshore because their passage has been so pleasant. A Bermuda longtail bird has been following them for a while this morning. Yesterday a flying fish provided entertainment when it flew high enough to get caught in a reef in the mainsail. Mr. Bystrom had to climb up into the sail to set it free.
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| 4/23/2009 - Bound for Fernandina Beach, Florida Position: 27°10.7'N x 77°21.7'W
Course: 325° PSC
Speed: 6 knots
Geronimo is motor-sailing their way north of the Bahamas and across the Gulf Stream - destination is Fernandina, Florida (on the Florida/Georgia border). They've had an unusual number of flying fish on deck in the last 24 hours. They're trolling with a couple lines as they go.
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| 4/22/2009 - Underway for the USA Geronimo checked in early today as there was much to do before an early morning departure.
After yesterday's time ashore the kids went for a long swim. Mr. Bystrom cooked up a huge and delicious stir-fry dinner. The kids spent the evening in study hall. This morning, Abi cooked up a hardy breakfast for everyone of sausage, johnny cakes and scrambled eggs. They are now headed offshore and are on their way north toward Fernandina Beach, Florida.
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| 4/21/2009 - Spanish Wells As the wind petered out Geronimo's sail turned into a motor boat ride. They had a great evening full of stars. This morning they picked up the pilot who always helps them navigate the tight channel into Spanish Wells at about 8 am. They have anchored just south of Spanish Wells for easy access to town today. They'll be going ashore for groceries and to clear customs. The kids will have time for milk shakes and phone calls. Then, this afternoon, they'll move to a sheltered anchorage for a cold front to pass through tonight. They plan, as of now, to set sail for the US tomorrow.
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| 4/20/2009 - Northbound Geronimo has now officially pointed her nose north. They weighed anchor this morning and are sailing the 135 miles north to Spanish Wells. They hope to arrive by tomorrow morning.
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| 4/19/2009 - Fernandez Bay, Cat Island The Geronimo crew all had a great afternoon, relaxing on the beach at Fernandez Bay. Lat night Phoebe served a huge batch of American Chop Suey for dinner and then a birthday cake for Rachel for dessert. After dinner they all had study hall before bed. This morning they were going ashore for a treat of an eggs benedict brunch at the Fernandez Bay Resort. Later in the morning they planned to set sail for some place south of the Bight - near Joe Sound.
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| 4/18/2009 - Bonefish Creek, Cat Island Yesterdays sail from New Bight to Fernandez Bay was a"smoking sail under the jib." The two watches executed a number of navigational exercises - piloting and radar ranges. After lunch they got into Bonefish Creek where they caught 6 turtles. Patrick managed to get his hands on the majority of turtles. Kai was in the galley and served up a chicken alfredo pasta dinner. Today is Rachel's birthday. Phoebe is in the galley and served birthday waffles with fresh fruit compote on top. The kids had a marine science quiz this morning and then will have some free time ashore to swim and chill on the beach.
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4/17/2009 - The Hermitage, Cat IslandGeronimo had an uneventful motor to New Bight on Cat Island yesterday. They were thankful to have just dropped the hook when a cold front came their way - complete with low, dark, ragged-bottom clouds, thunder and lightening. They were all snug, having set the hook and settled into a protected harbor. They put buckets out on deck to collect fresh water for doing laundry. Last evening they had a lecture on coral reef ecology and then a study hall. Phoebe and Katherine gave a lecture on Cat Island and The Hermitage. This morning the crew got up and went ashore to climb up to The Hermitage to watch the sunrise. They brought a breakfast with them and had a spectacular morning. This afternoon they will move around the point to Fernandez Bay where they will go into Bone Fish Creek to do some turtling.
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| 4/16/2009 - U/W for Cat Island Geronimo had just cast off to head for Cat Island when they checked in this morning at 10 am. It's about a 50 mile run, there's no wind, so they expect to motor -arriving at about 6 pm. Yesterday the kids had a study hall in the morning. They had a coral reef lecture for their marine science class. In the afternoon they went snorkeling. They saw many lion fish. The lion fish is an introduced species (naturally occuring in tropical Indo-Pacific waters) which is wreaking havoc on the indigenous species in the Bahamian waters.
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4/15/2009 - George Town, ExumasThe crew is happy to be in George Town. The plan was to go turtling today in an area known as Crab Cay and also go snorkeling. They are waiting for weather, and will likely head out to Cat Island next.
Geronimo's turtle tagging efforts are in cooperation with the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research
at the University of Florida. Geronimo and her students are responsible for the longest continually run data set for sea turtles in the Bahamas.
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| 4/14/2009 - George Town, Exumas It turned out all the stores were closed in George Town on Easter Monday. So the only chore they could accomplish was to clear customs which involved a drive to the airport. They took the kids across the harbor to a neat restaurant on the beach called The Chat 'n Chill. There the group engaged a number of locals in a rousing game of volleyball. Last night Katherine made a wonderful lasagna and Caroline made a birthday cake as it is Mr. Bystrom's birthday, today. When they checked in this morning (10 am) they were preparing the small boats to go on a turtling expedition.
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4/13/2009 - George Town, ExumasGeronimo arrived at George Town and had the hook down by 9:05 this morning. The kids had a terrific snorkel in "sand dollar heaven" yesterday. After their water adventure they had some study hall time before setting sail again. Their wind died, however, so they motored the route from Crooked to George Town. The stars and moon were beautiful last night. Mr Bystrom, Caroline and Rachel were the watch that brought the boat into the harbor and set anchor this morning. Today will be spent inflating the small boat, clearing customs, doing laundry, getting groceries and calling home.
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4/12/2009 - Crooked IslandAs Geronimo pressed northeast their wind died on them yesterday. They were approaching the Bahamian Islands as they turned on the motor and in the evening they were able to do some terrific navigating - using the lighthouses for taking fixes. Phoebe has become their key navigator. Rather than press for George Town the staff made the decision to tuck into Crooked Island, set anchor and let the kids take a nap. This morning Mr. Adams and Mr. Bystrom treated them all to a breakfast of pancakes and bacon. They had an Easter Brunch later in the morning. Then all were involved in egg dying, feasting on some Easter candy and then an Easter egg hunt on board. Patrick found the MOST eggs (points for the yellow team back at school ?? Those back on the hilltop had an egg hunt yesterday, earning points for their team...) Kai (on the green team) came in second. Later today they will go snorkeling and then weigh anchor to set sail for George Town. They expect to get there tomorrow at first light.
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4/10/2009 - Near Silver BankPosition: 20°38' N x 70°32' W
Course: 320° PSC
Speed: 6.5 knots
As Geronimo has made her way towards the Bahamas they've had great winds. They had to motor for a couple of hours late yesterday afternoon but otherwise it's been 5-7 knots of nice breeze. They were on the edge of Silver Bank passage when they checked in this morning. Just about 350 miles from their destination - George Town, Exumas. They crossed paths, yesterday, with the Corwith Cramer (another sail training vessel, from Sea Education Association, who is currently doing research in the Silver Bank area.) They've had a line in the water today. They nearly caught a bull Mahi Mahi but the fish had not swallowed the hook and dropped off as they hoisted it out of the water. Kai and Abi treated the crew to a delicious beef stroganoff and home made mashed potato dinner last night.
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| 4/9/2009 - Across the Puerto Rico Trench Position: 19°45' N x 68°02' W
Course: 330° PSC
Speed: 5.5 knots
The boat was 60 miles northeast of Samana Bay in the Dominican Republic, when they checked in at
0845 this morning. They were about to pass the first of three
banks that are known to be breeding grounds for humpback whales so
they have their binoculars at the ready. Yesterday they passed
the deepest part of the Puerto Rico Trench which is 8,962 meters
deep, and the deepest part of the Atlantic Ocean. Last night they enjoyed a yummy dinner of pesto on pasta
and fresh, homemade bread. they have broken into their official
watches.
PAKK Watch = Phoebe, Abi, Kai and Katherine.
Bay Watch = Caroline, Patrick and Rachel
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| 4/8/2009 - Underway North of Puerto Rico Position: 18° 54'N x 66°31'W
Course: 300° PSC
Speed: 5 knots
Geronimo checked in midday on Wednesday. They had been underway
for approximately 24 hours. Almost as soon as they set sail
yesterday they were treated to an extraordinary show: A mother
whale and her calf put on quite a show - doing three FULL breaches,
together, in front of the boat. Understandably, they are
all on whale watch - hoping for a continued show as they make their way
towards George Town, Great Exuma in the Bahamas.
As a reminder, you can keep updated on Geronimo's position by clicking
on the link to the right "Where is Geronimo?" - and selecting Winter
2009 as the voyage.
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| 4/7/2009 - Underway for Points West Another navigation class started off the Geronimo crew's day on
Monday. They then had some study hall time followed by some time
ashore to explore the town of Dewey. On their return to the boat
the kids got into the water to clean the boat's hull of seaweed and
debris. They had some fun practicing lifting crew mates aboard
with the "man overboard" sling. Rachel was in charge in the
galley. She served a steak teriyaki dinner with sauteed
veggies. After dinner the group broke down the small, inflatable
boat to prepare for their passage to the Bahamas. they ended the day
with some study hall time. Today they are doing more work on deck
to prepare for their departure later this afternoon.
Geronimo called in to report that they are underway this afternoon -
bound for the Bahamas. They have a favorable weather forecast and
approximately 700 nautical miles to George Town, Great Exuma.
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| 4/6/2009 - Ensenada Honda, Culebra Sunday morning, after breakfast and cleanup, the kids first had a
navigation class. They then went for a snorkel in the Luis Pena
marine park. Geronimo does not tag turtles while in the Puerto
Rico area but they did see two green turtles while snorkeling. It
was a great opportunity to learn a little about turtle habits. They
swam along with the turtles for a while. After lunch they had an
active sail which involved tacking, reefing and Man Overboard
drills. The kids did exceptionally well with all the sail
handling. They stopped to anchor for the night in Ensenada
Honda. Had a quick swim, dinner [Kai served up burgers and oven
fried potatoes] and an evening study hall.
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| 4/5/2009 - Culebra Saturday Geronimo had a glorious sail from Esperanza to Culebra.
It was a long enough sail that they broke into watches. The wind
was shifty too which meant they did a lot of sail handling. They
did some sail reefing drills along the way which came in handy as a
squall (with a water spout) passed them a good distance off. They
got to Cayo Luis Pena ( a marine sanctuary) early enough that all got
into the water for a swim. Patrick was in charge in the galley
and cooked up a pork roast with beans, rice and plantains on the side.
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| 4/3/2009 - Esperanza, Vieques The Spring crew could hardly ask for better weather to start their
program. Yesterday they did some practice MOB (Man Over Board)
and Abandon Ship drills before setting sail for the island of Vieques,
part of the Spanish Virgin Islands. They had a perfect, 10 knot
breeze for their 22 nautical mile sail. Each of the kids took a
turn at the helm and at the end of their sail they did a lot of tacking
as they beat their way into the harbor at Esperanza. They arrived
at 5 pm - just in time for the kids to get into the water for their
first Caribbean swim. This morning, after morning cleanup, they
were all trying on snorkeling gear to prepare for a snorkeling trip to
a nearby reef.
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| 4/2/2009 - Fajardo, Puerto Rico The Geronimo crew were all aboard by 6:00 last night. As they
settle in one of the first events is always choosing bunks and
unpacking. Kai won first pick of bunks as he got the highest
score on a quiz of: name 10 US rivers + give the first and last
names of all three adults on the boat. Having unpacked, dinner
preparation was pretty much an all-hands event. They had a
Mexican version of chicken. After dinner they did some boat
orientation and then all were in bed by 10:30. Caroline is the
student on for the first day in the galley. For breakfast she
made pancakes and bacon. After morning cleanup the crew will do
some drills walk-throughs. Later this morning they will get
underway for an anchorage at a small island just north of Fajardo or to
the island of Vieques.
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| First Day of Spring '09 Geronimo The Spring '09 Geronimo trip is officially underway. At about
6:30 this morning the students climbed aboard an SG mini-bus to make
their way to the Providence airport. It was some time soon after
4:00 this afternoon that Captain Hayes checked in with school to report
that, despite their half hour change in one airport along their trip to
meet Geronimo, the kids and ALL of their luggage had made it safely and
were in a car with the mates, on their way to join the boat.
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| Winter Voyage ends in Fajardo March 5, 2009 Today marked the end of the Winter 09 Voyage. The boat docked at Marina Puerto del Rey outside of Fajardo, P.R.
In three days, six students from advanced Spanish classes at St George's will be joining the vessel. While in Puerto Rico, they will be learning about the art, history and politics of the region while speaking only Spanish.
The trip is lead by Senora Mafalda Nula. She will be assisted by SG and GERONIMO Alum Emily McGinnis.
Visit the "Student Journal" portion of this site to read Kelty O'Brien journal entry.
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| Sail to Fajardo March 3, 2009 The GERONIMO crew had a busy time while they were on the island of Culebra, exploring, bike riding, snorkeling and enjoying local food.
They sailed today from Culebra to Fajardo where they will end their trip. It is time to do a final "Field Day" , pack the bags, empty the bunk room and start thinking about colder weather.
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Culebra March 1, 2009
The Winter Geronimo trip must be approaching the end of their stay aboard the boat. Today the crew are taking their final exam in Marine Science. They enjoyed a snorkeling expedition yesterday along with some studying and some beach time.
Today is Suzie's birthday. As goes the tradition, she was treated to an early morning swim before breakfast. The group will have some time today to explore Flamenco Beach on Culebra. Nearly all of the students have completed their school work. They plan to go to Juanita Banana for dinner tonight which is run by SG Alum Jennifer Daubon.
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Culebra P.R. Feb. 25, 2009
It was towards the end of the afternoon, yesterday, that Geronimo sailed into the harbor on Culebra - under watchful JWO, Suzie's hand. Paula completed her day in the galley with a dinner of barbecued chicken. This morning, depending on whether they are caught up on their school work, the students will either go on a bike ride around the island or stay aboard to work on school assignments.
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| Barefoot, Feb. 24, 2009 After a nice stay at Marine Island, Geronimo weighed anchor this morning with Sam in charge. Charlotte had baked up a breakfast of fresh, homemade muffins. They are currently anchored off of Jost van Dyke Island ('the "barefoot" island'). They'll likely go on a snorkel this afternoon and also check out the beach. It's great, sunny weather.
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| The Bath, February 23, 2009 Katie was in charge, yesterday, as Geronimo sailed off of Peter Island and headed towards The Bath. They anchored off The Bath (which is an area of boulders, caves and nooks that were fun to explore). Later in the day Max took over the JWO duty and managed the boat as they departed. Graham was in charge as they sailed in to Marina Cay. Last night was Sam's night in the galley and he whipped up some delicious chicken parmigiana. Chicken appeared in the menu again today as Suzie made a chicken caesar wraps lunch. The boat is currently anchored off of Marina Cay. They had a marine science class and then were going ashore to explore town.
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Spirit of Massachusetts feb. 20, 2009
Yesterday afternoon the Geronimo kids visited another sail training vessel - The Spirit of Massachusetts which was anchored nearby. They had a tour of the boat and helped the crew hoist the main. Another highlight of yesterday's outing in Road Town was a delicious dinner at Roti Palace. Spirit and Geronimo are sailing in tandem this morning. Paula was JWO as they cast off and set sail for a new island. Max served a coffee cake for breakfast - complete with birthday candles in honor of Kelty's birthday. They are headed for Peter Island which is not a long sail. There they will have a nearly day-long study hall. The weather is overcast.
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Spy Glass Hill Hike Feb.18, 2009
Yesterday Charlotte was JWO as Geronimo sailed off the anchor and headed for Norman Island. They had a glorious sail and Suzie was in charge as they sailed through Norman Bight to anchor. The kids did a hike up Spy Glass Hill in the afternoon. Today's plan was to explore some caves in the area.
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Norman Island Feb. 17, 2009
After clearing customs into the BVI yesterday, the crew enjoyed a "Swim call" in wonderfully warm water. Paula served up delicious pasta alfredo with chicken and broccoli for dinner. They had a nice evening in a crowded harbor, enjoying a spectacular view. The group arose to a huge batch of Kelty's pancakes. The plan, today, is to head for Norman Island midday.
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Mid Morning Arrival Feb. 16, 2009
Midmorning this morning, Graham (as JWO) sailed Geronimo the last half mile into Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. Once "the hook" was set, the kids went to work inflating the dinghy and cleaning Geronimo's deck. The captain went ashore to clear customs. It's a beautiful day in the BVI!
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Sailing Over the Puerto Rican Trench Feb.15,2009
- position: 1967 N / 6710 W
- course: 135
- speed: 7 knots
After a pleasant, clear night of sail, Geronimo was motor-sailing when they checked in this afternoon. They were approaching the deepest part of the Atlantic Ocean : the Puerto Rican Trench, which is 26,000 feet deep. They have not seen any boats since yesterday morning. This morning, at dawn, Charlotte's watch spotted a frigate bird! The students will have a marine science quiz today
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We're having Fish for Dinner! Feb. 14, 2009
position: 2118 N / 6924 W
course: 090
speed: 6.5 knots
Sunday's check-in call from Geronimo came at about 1230. The skies were blue and they were trucking along, heading east. Their butter knife lure DID connect, finally, with two mahi mahi. So the crew had fresh, baked fish for dinner that night. They spotted a cruise ship and a couple of other smaller boats today but little else on the wide open ocean this morning. The water they are currently in is approximately 16,000 feet deep.
All's well!
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Another Good Day of Sailing Feb 13, 2009
- position: 2158 N / 7150 W
- course: 155
- speed: 8.5 knots
- Another romping day of sailing for Geronimo. Their wind is pushing them along at a good speed but the forecast is for the breeze to lighten this afternoon and evening. They were just north of the Turks and Caicos when they checked in this afternoon. The crew all have their eyes peeled - on the lookout for whales as they pass some banks this afternoon that are common grounds for whale activity.
All's fine!
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Great Sailing! Feb. 12, 2009
- position2307 N / 7330 W
- course: 100
- speed: 9 knots
Geronimo had a nice sail through the evening last night and were "trucking" right along when the captain checked in this morning. They have officially crossed into the tropics having crossed the Tropic of Cancer in the last 24 hours. The kids are getting used to the three watch system. They are in a "lonely/quiet" part of the ocean right now but were just passing Samana Cay. The weather is somewhat overcast and they are passing through light rain showers. They had a global weather patterns marine science class and also had time, this afternoon, to be working on school work.
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Feb 11, 2009 Bound for Sea
- position: 2332N / 7538 W
- course: 065
- speed: 5 knots
- It's a beautiful day in Geronimo's neighborhood! They have a light breeze with sunny and warm weather. They cast off this morning to head east. It is uncertain whether they'll stop to anchor tonight or keep pushing on.
- The group has been divided into watches. Sam and Charlotte are on "A" watch, Katie, Max and Paula are on "B" watch and Kelty, Graham and Suzy are on "C" watch. "A" watch is starting out on duty this morning with Sam on the helm.
Meanwhile, Mr. Adams is busily preparing a butterknife lure and he guarantees a fish in less than 5 hours. They will have a marine science class while underway this afternoon - it's that calm and clear.
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Windy Day Feb. 9, 2009
- position: 2414 N / 7532 W
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It was a windy day yesterday. The group did get ashore for some land-time. They walked into town, to the grocery store, and back. Much of the day was spent on school work. Last night Max whipped up a whole lot of yummy pizza from scratch. This morning they set sail and are currently headed for George Town. They expect to arrive this afternoon. In George Town they plan to drop off the Whaler, clear customs and head SE to the Caribbean.
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Fernandez Bay Feb. 8, 2009
By the end of Saturday, Geronimo had made her way to anchor just south of Fernandez Bay on Cat Island. They did some exploring of Bonefish Creek and managed to catch 6 turtles. This trip has had more than its share of blustery wind - Saturday was one of the few days that snorkeling has made sense. They moved to New Bight yesterday. All went ashore to explore a local landmark called "The Hermitage." Later in the day a few returned to shore to search for land crabs but were unsuccessful. Others spent some relaxing time on the beach. Today the wind is cranking. They are going to stay put (the kids have some time to catch up on school work.) They will likely move to Georgetown, Great Exuma tomorrow.
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A Sucessful Day of Turtle Sampling Feb 6, 2009
position: 2429
course: 150
speed: 8 knots undersail
Yesterday was quite a successful day of turtle research. The crew caught a total of 27 turtles (10-11 new captures rather and the rest already tagged) and Captain Dawson somehow managed to capture two at once! Every member of the crew had a capture. It was a long and chilly day but all were productively engaged and pushed through the cold. Once back on Geronimo, Kelty cooked up a dinner of pork chops and mashed potatoes. This morning the students were given the challenge of sailing the boat off the hook and navigating their way down the west side of Cat Island. Their destination was the Fernandez Bay area towards the south end of the island. They had a brisk, east/northeasterly wind. Katie served up a mound of pancakes and bacon for breakfast!
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Heading out to Turtle Feb.5, 2009
As February progresses, Geronimo is making her way south. They made it to their next Bahamian Island - arriving at Alligator Point, on Cat Island, mid-afternoon yesterday. Paul served up a popular, Spanish tortilla for dinner (accompanied by some of Ms. Helfret's cinnamon buns.) This morning was Kelty's day to be in the galley. She made a huge batch of grits and muffins for the crew. They were leaving soon after breakfast to go into Pigeon Creek to search for turtles. They will likely stay in the same place for the night and then head south tomorrow morning.
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Visiting the Island School Feb 4, 2009
- position: 2435 N / 7610 W
- course: 115 M
- speed: 7.5 knots
Yesterday the crew went ashore to visit The Island School on Eleuthera. School was not currently in session so there were no students there but our crew was treated to a tour of the campus. Some of the people who work at the school joined Geronimo for dinner last night. Charlotte was in charge in the galley yesterday and served up barbecued chicken, burgers, potato salad and all the fixings. Yesterday afternoon the kids had a chance to get in the water - they swam through a sluice that connects the marina to the ocean and saw some sting rays along their way. Today they were undersail and headed for Alligator Point on Cat Island. They had a pretty stiff, following breeze this morning. They will probably be at anchor by early afternoon.
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Tucked in out of the Weather Feb 2, 2009
Sam Peterson steered Geronimo into the dock in Cape Eleuthera at about 1800 last night. Kelty and Katie had done some triangulation on a navigational fix as they navigated their course down Eleuthera Island. This morning the crew was treated to a frontal passage which has left some 30 knot winds and rain with them for the bulk of the day. Suzy served the group eggs and bagels for breakfast this morning and was working on hotdogs, mac + cheese for lunch when the captain called in to check-in. The kids will have a study hall as they wait for the weather to pass. There's a chance they'll be in Cape Eleuthera through tomorrow. If schedules allow they hope to touch base with the community at The Island School.
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Sailing in the Bight of Eleuthera Feb 1, 2009
It's a sunny day in the Bahamas. Geronimo hauled anchor and set sail for points south yesterday. Charlotte was at the wheel as they navigated their way through Current Cut. Max and Sam served up a big dinner of pasta, sausage, bread and broccoli. They did a number of tacking drills along the way - honing their sail handling skills. They finally dropped anchor in Alabaster Bay at about midnight last night. Sam is in charge of the galley today and made a pancake breakfast. They will likely get into the water for a snorkel sometime today. They plan to explore a local spot called "Boiling Hole". They will probably move to Cape Eleuthera later this afternoon or evening.
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First Turtling Trip Jan. 31, 2009
Yesterday's first turtling expedition did not have the best of conditions. Visibility was low due to cloudy and windy weather which meant the crew was challenged. The crew did see 4 turtles and successfully caught one. It was a new capture (rather than a RE-capture) green turtle which was measured, weighed, tagged and released. It was a good training run.
Last night Graham treated the group to a dinner of cheeseburgers. This morning Max served up a breakfast of oatmeal and fruit. Mr. Dawson led a Marine Science class. The plan was to get underway for points south by about 11 am. They'll likely stay inside the island of Eleuthera - looking for a harbor on the west side to anchor in tonight. The weather is a little chillier today - in the 60's.
To learn more about Sea Turtles and the researchorganization GERONIMO works with go to -
http://accstr.ufl.edu/
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Royal Island Jan. 30, 2009
Last night's weather included the passage of a frontal system. This morning it was breezy and sunny. Katie's fajitas were a hit at dinner last night. This morning Graham served up breakfast sandwiches. The crew had a Marine Science class after breakfast and chores. They're starting out with some focus on navigation. This afternoon they will likely head out on their first turtling expedition. Rather than move today, they will stay anchored off of Royal Island tonight.
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GERONIMO Arrives in Bahamas
When the captain checked in this morning, GERONIMO had just arrived and set anchor at Spanish Wells. In the course of their two night passage the crew had all managed to get their sea legs, but they were happy to settle in this morning and catch up on some rest. The first order of business is to clear customs and immigration. Later today they will get started on some of their school work, get into the water for a swim and some will go along to help retrieve the program's small boat (used for transport and turtling) that was stored at Spanish Wells.
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| GERONIMO Crosses Gulf Stream bound for Bahamas The Winter 2009 Geronimo crew cast off from the Rybovich slip in West
Palm Beach, Wednesday evening at about 5 pm. They set sail with a
nice breeze - nose pointed towards Spanish Wells, on the north end of
Eleuthera Island. They had a smooth crossing of the Gulf
Stream. They had a southerly breeze of about 20 knots Thursday
morning. All are fine spirits as they gradually get their sea
legs!
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| WINTER '09 Program Begins GERONIMO finished up with her Winter Yard Period last week in West Palm Beach at Rybovich Boatyard. First Mate Alex Adems, 2nd Mate Meredith Helfrich and Captain Mike Dawson began getting the boat ready for the Winter Program.
Yesterday, the student crew arrived. The student group is a mixture of 4th, 5th and 6th Formers.
Charlotte Deavers, Sam Peterson, Graham Anderson, Katie McCormack, Kelty O'Brien, Max Kirkwood, Paula Pimental and Suzy Reynolds settled in, chose their bunks, unpacked and began their orientation to life aboard GERONIMO.
Today the crew did more orientation as well as getting the boat ready for sea.
The plan is to depart after lunch today and head for The Bahamas after the Captain clears Customs. Kelty prepared a nice lunch of sandwiches.
The First Mate sent the following message-"The students have all moved in and have stowed for sea and are eager to depart for points west. All agree that they had a nice night sleep their first night aboard."
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| Thanksgiving Trip 08 The Fall 08 trip has ended and all of the student crew arrived home safely.
Capt. Dawson, First Mate Ian Bystrom and 2nd Mate Ashley Maloney took some time after the students left to explore Harbour Island and then got the boat ready for the Thanksgiving Alumnae Trip.
The trip began on Monday in Harbour Island and will end this weekend in Nassau with St George's Alum Shawen Williams '79 and family sailing on board.
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Nov. 20, 2008
When Captain Dawson checked in this morning at 9:45, all but one of the students were on an early flight and had already departed. Everett's flight would leave at little later in the day.
Yesterday the group took their final exam for marine science. The conditions were not great for turtling but they did have a chance to go for one more snorkeling adventure. They did see one turtle but did not pursue it. They had showers and then went out to dinner. The evening ended with some end-of-trip sharing last night. This morning Julia fixed a yummy final breakfast of cinnamon buns.
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Nov.18, 2008
After a long day of turtling, Everett and crew brought Geronimo in to the dock at Harbour Island. They're now hooked up to electricity and water. The students all have completed their school work. Julia started today with a breakfast of crepes. The kids have done a thorough "field day" of cleaning on deck. This afternoon they plan to go to Pink Sand Beach where they'll have a review marine science class. Their weather today is puffy white clouds,with a blue, blue sky and light northerly breeze.
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| Nov. 17, 2008 Last night was a study night. Chad cooked up burgers for dinner while Julia and Kaye baked delicious cheese cakes for dessert. Everett treated the crew to chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast this morning. The group went turtling south of Harbour Island today and actually caught 14 turtles. Every single student caught one. There were 9 new captures out of the 14.
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| Nov. 16, 2008 Geronimo had just arrived at Harbour Island when they checked in today at 1148. Yesterday's turtle search was done in tough conditions. The weather was overcast and windy so seeing the turtles was challenging. Kaye was the one crew member who managed to capture a turtle. "T" served up a tasty dinner of lemon chicken, pesto pasta and a salad. They had a great night at anchor. This morning, with a frontal system headed their way, the decision was made to move into Harbour Island's protected anchorage. Katie sailed the boat off the anchor from Royal Island. The pilot who normally brings Geronimo through Harbour Island's tricky cut was away. He connected our captain with another local named "Bandit" who successfully piloted the boat into the anchorage while also sharing some helpful "local knowledge." The crew hope to get a couple more days of turtling in, if today's frontal system passes and the weather lays down, before the Fall '08 kids head home for Thanksgiving.
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| Nov. 15, 2008 position: 2522 N / 7644 W
course: 275
speed: 5 knots
Celestial navigation skills were in full glory at noon yesterday when all of the students did a "noon sight." Last evening Geronimo sailed into Rainbow Cay (Julia as the JWO) after dark. Taylor had cooked up rolls made from scratch and the crew enjoyed BLT's as their dinner. Last night's full moon was gorgeous. This morning T made chocolate chip muffins from scratch. It was a breakfast of muffins and grits. The students are finishing up their school work as the boat makes her way towards Royal Island. They hope to do some turtle research this afternoon- in the Royal Island area.
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| Nov. 14, 2008 position: 2428 N / 7636 W
course: 030
speed: 7.5
The Geronimo crew had a great day, yesterday, on and around Warderick Wells. They did some snorkeling as well as spending some time on the beach. They explored into the island - both hiking and poking around in the mangroves. Yesterday's marine science class was focused on mangrove ecology. This morning Chad was the JWO who sailed the boat off the anchor. They have a perfect, 15 knot breeze out of the east this morning. Both the water temperature and the air were close to 80 when the captain checked in at 9 am. They are headed for the Cape Eleuthera area.
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Nov. 12, 2008
position: 2437 N / 7651 W
Geronimo spent the night anchored off of Norman's Cay last night. They had a dinner that was an Asian noodles and tofu mix made by Julia and followed up with outstanding brownies made by Kaye. This morning the plan was to make a quick move to the Wax Cay Cut end of Norman's Cay which is on the northern boundary of the Exuma Park system. There they will go snorkeling. They also plan to take the small boats into the interior of Norman's Cay to explore the mangroves and a plane wreck rumored to be in the area.
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Nov. 11, 2008
position: 2503 N / 7713 W
course: 140
speed 5 knots
With the storm past, Geronimo is back on track. They set sail this morning, heading for the northern Exuma Islands. They have nice weather and 1-2 foot seas.
They visited the aquarium yesterday and also had some fun playing some water games in the marina's pool. Kaye cooked up a scrumptious meatloaf for dinner. This morning Julia treated the crew to smoothies for breakfast.
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Nov 10, 2008
Paloma seems to have done what she was going to do and moved along. After a morning of study, yesterday, the Geronimo group did a foray into the town of Nassau (off Paradise Island.) They saw quite a sight when a Dutch submarine cruised into the harbor. Later in the afternoon, the Geronimo group got into the Whaler and did a water tour past the sub. Everett fixed up a hearty dinner of steak, sweet potatoes and stir fried veggies last night. Today they hoped to get to the aquarium at the Atlantis. It's likely they'll depart tomorrow morning.
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Nov 9, 2008
Here is an update of what the crew has been up to during the last three days -Friday, GERONIMO anchored near the Glass Window in the Bight of Eleuthera - and Katie sailed the boat up to the anchor just after a really nice sunset - There was a group effort for dinner, Julia and Chad made pork chops, while Taylor and Katie made fried plantains.
Saturday Everett sailed GERONIMO out of the anchorage, past a vew of the Glass Window connecting North and South Eleuthera - and they enjoyed a fine sail down to Nassau, with Kaye taking over after lunch and guiding ithe boat into Nassau.They were escorted by four dolphins for a while on the way in. Last night, the crew ate out at a small restaurant at the marina and wandered into Atlantis for ice cream.
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| Nov 8, 2008 When GERONIMO checked in this morning they were bound for Nassau with an ETA of early this afternoon. They were having a good sail with East winds 15-20 kts with slightly overcast skies. Once the boat gets secured at Hurricane Hole marina, the students will have a chance to catch up on some studies and then begin to explore the area.
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Nov 7, 2008The Captain checked in late this afternoon with an update of where GERONIMO is headed to weather Tropical System Paloma. GERONIMO is headed to Nassau and is planning on docking at Hurricane Hole Marina on Paradise Island. She should be in port by tomorrow early afternoon. Once the crew has gotten the vessel all secured, the students will have a chance to call home. The plan is to stay there until the system is well clear.
http://www.hurricaneholemarina.com/index.html
The latest weather update with Paloma has the storm still on track to enter the central Bahamas Monday afternoon. By that time the system is predicted to have weakened to a tropical storm then into a low pressure system. What that means for GERONIMO and her crew is less threatening weather, but a fair amount of rainy and cloudy weather for the next few days.
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Nov. 6, 2008
- position: 2350 N / 7508 W
Geronimo's sail across from Georgetown to Conception Island was a nice one. Chad was JWO and sailed the boat in to anchor. They arrived at about 1500 and found NO other boats on the island. Today they will spend the morning snorkeling on some reefs and checking on the turtles in the creek before setting sail, this afternoon, for points north.
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Nov. 5, 2008
position: 2339 N / 7537 W'
course: 070
speed: 5 knots
The Geronimo crew had a successful turtling expedition yesterday. The group managed to make three new captures (as opposed to re-captures.) They were all green turtles, caught off of Crab Cay. This morning they got underway early with Julia acting as JWO as they hauled anchor and Everett taking over later in the morning. Their destination will be Conception Island which is a Bahamian National Park.
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Nov 4, 2008
Monday's transit was primarily a motoring passage. The wind did pick up so that Geronimo did sail the last miles of their move to Georgetown, Great Exuma. They put down their anchor mid-afternoon, yesterday. The staff went ashore to retrieve the Whaler (which has been named by this crew as "Liquid Hoss"). The Whaler has been stored in Georgetown since Geronimo came north last spring. The staff returned to the big boat with an ice cream treat for the crew. The mates served up a juicy rump roast for dinner last night. Today the kids had a celestial navigation class. Later in the morning (overcast weather was beginning to clear) they hoped to go to an area near Crab Cay for their first turtle researching day.
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Nov 3, 2008
position: 2403 N / 7618 W
Course: 130
speed: 7 knots.
After exploring Shroud Cay yesterday, the Geronimo moved further south. Kaye was the JWO as they sailed off the anchor and headed for Big Major's Spot. They anchored off of Pig Beach and did some exploring. They did find evidence of pigs (footprints in the sand) but did not see any critters. They also explored Thunderball Grotto. This is an underwater cave system where the 007 movie:, "Thunderball" (and maybe come of "Splash") was filmed. They saw great tropical fish as well as spotting a nurse shark. Taylor was the JWO sailing off the anchor this morning. They hope to reach Georgetown this afternoon. There, they will pick up the Whaler that they use for turteling while in The Bahamas.
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Nov 2, 2008
position: 2432 N / 7648 W
just about to weigh anchor
Yesterday's sail was a fast and beautiful one. They traveled approximately 90 miles in 11 hours. Katie sailed the boat into the anchorage to set anchor on Shroud Cay. They arrived close to dinner, had a quick swim and then cooked up fish tacos from their morning's mahi mahi catch. They've had a chance to swim a couple more times and have been ashore to explore. Shroud Cay is in the Exuma Park system. They were just about to get underway when they called in at 10:45 (daylight savings time) and will likely set anchor tonight, a bit short of Georgetown. They are aiming to get to Georgetown tomorrow afternoon.
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Nov 1, 2008
position: 2459 N / 7737
course: 150
speed: 10 knots
The Geronimo is speeding south today. They have a nice breeze as they make their way past New Providence and into the Tongue of the Ocean. The have caught a mahi mahi and will have great, fresh fish for dinner. The plan is to anchor off of one of the Berry Islands tonight and then continue to Georgetown, Great Exuma tomorrow. They had a fun Halloween yesterday at the Chub Cay Marina. Some bobbing for apples and fun games aboard the boat followed by a swim at the marina pool.
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Oct 31, 2008Happy Halloween!
Yesterday's path brought Geronimo across the Northwest Providence Channel and into Chub Cay by 9 last night. Chad was JWO as they had an exciting channel crossing and then Taylor brought the boat in to the Chub Cay Marina. The "A Watch" treated the crew to a roast pork dinner with fresh cookies for dessert. The plan is to clear through Bahamian customs this morning. The weather is a bit overcast. They'll stay at the dock overnight (giving the kids some time to catch up on school work) and then depart early tomorrow morning for Georgetown, Great Exuma.
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Oct. 30, 2008
position: 2630 N / 7050 W
Course: 120
Speed: 7.5
Recently the Geronimo crew's view has included mostly a lot of water... However, yesterday big loggerheads started showing up on the surface. By the end of the afternoon the boat must have passed at least a dozen loggerhead turtles!
Everett was the JWO (Junior Watch Officer) last night as they began to cross the Gulf Stream. Later in the night Katie took over as JWO. When they called in this morning the boat was off of Grand Bahama. Kaye treated the whole group to bread, made from scratch, for breakfast this morning.
The plan is to aim for clearing through customs into the Bahamas at Chub Cay sometime in the next 24 hours or so.
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Oct 29, 2008
postilion: 2821 N / 8020 W
course: 180
speed: 6.5
The weather is warming, life at sea is settling into a pattern, the kids might even be able to get some school work done as they've acclimated... Geronimo left the Fernandina Beach dock at close to lunch time yesterday. They had a "romping sail" through the night. The winds have moderated and the seas are close to 4 foot this morning. As they've moved south they've passed a number of shrimp boats. In the dark, last night, they were able to see the spooky strobe lights aimed into the sky by Cape Canaveral. There are loads of pelicans watching Geronimo's progress south. The kids have started the routine of "junior watch officer". They'll likely move further south along the Florida coast before hanging a left to head towards the Bahamas tonight.
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Oct 28, 2008
It seems the temperature in Florida is really not that different from that in southern New England. The kids woke up to a chilly, Northwest wind this morning. That soon will change. They will cast off mid-morning, after clearing customs, and point their nose south - staying somewhat inside the Gulf Stream until they get closer to the Bahamas. Julia started this morning by serving up a huge round of French toast for the group.
MAKE SURE TO VISIT THE STUDENT JOURNAL SECTION TO READ EVERETT MUZZY'S ARTICLE
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Oct. 27, 2008
GERONIMO is docked in Fernandina FL. The crew spent the weekend exploring Fernandina and getting provisions before leaving the United States. They also traveled to Gainesville to visit the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Rserach. There, they met with Scientists Karen Bjorndal and Alan Bolten who oversee the research the boat does on sea turtle migrations and growth patterns.
The plan is to depart Fernandina tomorrow and head for the Bahamas. The Captain cleared customs today in preparation for their departure.
Be sure to check the website tomorrow under"Student Journals" for new student articles.
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Oct. 24, 2008
The crew had fun yesterday, exploring St. Simons Island on wheels. They rented bikes and hit the road. Actually they hit the beaches. They had a great time swimming and body surfing. Today is a rainy day. They still plan to do more exploring. The forecast is for the weather to improve this afternoon. The library is this morning's destination. The hope is to set sail tomorrow for Cumberland Island.
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Oct. 23, 2008
Yesterday was a "romping sail" on board GERONIMO as she made her way down the coast. With the sails set like wings the Geronimo averaged a speed over 8 knots. They even had some gusts that increased their speed as they pulled into St Simons Island shortly after midnight. The kids had a sleep-in this morning and arose to yummy, raspberry pancakes served up by Taylor. The plan was for them to have some study time this morning and then Mr. Bystrom will take the group on a tour of his home stomping grounds.
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Oct. 22, 2008
position: 32 32 N / 79 05 W
course: 225
speed: 7.5 knots
They're off again! Geronimo set sail very early this morning and are now headed towards St. Simons. They're traveling on a fresh, northeast breeze. Yesterday the kids and crew visited Ft. Sumter. Later in the day they did some work on the boat. Last night Everett served up a hearty dinner of Alfredo sauce on chicken and pasta.
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Oct. 20, 2008GERONIMO is docked at City Marina in Charleston, SC. Yesterday was dedicated to Marine Science - Marine Science Jeopardy to review for a quiz, followed by a trip to the aquarium in the afternoon. In the evening the crew came back for a delicious leg of lamb prepared by Chad & Mr. B - then watched a movie on-board after dinner.
Today was the famous Mike Dawson Scavenger Hunt. The winners will be announced tomorrow.
The crew will be in Charleston through tomorrow afternoon and then the plan is to move down to St. Simons GA- hometown of First Mate Ian Bystrom.
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Oct. 18, 2008
GERONIMO made it into Charleston early this morning ahead of the front and developing low. They tied up at City Marina just minutes before the rain started. "T" was at the helm coming up to the dock.
All is well. The crew caught a Little Tunny (type of Tuna) on the way south - and had it for dinner Thursday. They also saw lots of dolphins enroute.
The crew is excited to be in warmer water and the south. Tied up to the dock minutes before the rain started to fall.
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Oct. 16, 2008The crew left Norfolk yesterday afternoon and is settling back into the watch system.Geronimo rounded Cape Hatteras this morning. This is the first of three Capes they need to round before shaping for Charleston, SC. The wind and seas were calm so GERONIMO was motorsailing.
Last night the crew got to see some Naval warships undertaking exercises. They were also entertained by large pods of dolphins and spectacular bioluminescence in the water.
"T" was in the galley and had cooked them a big steak dinner. All is well on board and the students are excited about exploring Charleston when they reach their destination.
To find out what weather conditions GERONIMO is expecting, click on the following National Weather Service link.
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/zone/east/mhxmz.htm
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| Oct. 15, 2008 The first of seven student articles was posted today on the "Student Journal" portion of this website. Click on that tab to read the entry written by Katie Rodriguez.
GERONIMO was docked in Norfolk VA when the Captain checked in this morning. He had just dropped the students off at Norfolk Academy bright and early to take their PSAT's. It is always quite the mind shift for the student who have been living on GERONIMO to move back into the standard school mode for this day including wearing "dress code" attire!
Yesterday, the crew toured different sights in Norfolk including Nauticus and the battleship USS Wisconsin. For dinner, they all went out for pizza.
Due to some upcoming weather, the plan was to leave this afternoon and head south towards Charleston. The hope is to be there by Saturday.
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Oct 12, 2008
Beautiful weather has continued to carry Geronimo on her sail south. Last night they made their way through the Delaware Bay, sailing until late afternoon when they switched over to motoring. They enjoyed a barbecue dinner as they made their way along. Once into the Chesapeake they continued far enough to finally set anchor in the Sassafras River at about 1 am. They continue to have great weather. The students have been heavily involved in learning to navigate and run the boat. Today they plan to make their way to the Chester River area where they will stop to do some exploring of that river area. They plan to head to Norfolk tomorrow - arriving by Tuesday morning.
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Oct 11, 2008
speed: 7.5-8 knots
course 205 M
Friday night was the fall crew's first overnight sail. They had a glorious sail on the East River and past The Statue of Liberty. When they called in Saturday morning they were fixing to turn into the Delaware Bay and head for the Chesapeake. They'll likely be stopping next in Norfolk, VA.
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Oct. 10, 2008
4056 / 7339
speed: 8 knots
course: 245
The Geronimo crew had a lovely sail across to Stamford CT last night. Julia whipped up a tasty stir-fry supper for the crew. This morning "T" started the day off with a delicious scrambled egg extravaganza. They were underway, motor-sailing, when they checked in mid-morning today. They are officially headed for "points south." They'll go through Hell's Gate, head out the East River and through the Verrazano Narrows.
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Oct. 9. 2008
The Fall Geronimo crew had a busy day of sailing down Long Island Sound. They only motored for a short stint at the beginning of the day. The kids were involved in the navigation, the plotting of positions and designing their courses as they moved down the sound. The sailed into Cold Spring Harbor at about 9 pm, so their pasta dinner was their first dinner prepared while underway. This morning Julia was in charge of the galley and served up a breakfast of bagels and fresh fruit. The whole group got into the water this morning for a quick "scrub before grub."
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| Oct. 8, 2008 Geronimo was motor-sailing when they checked in early this
morning. They'd had a nice sail (with a small amount of motoring
at the end) yesterday and had a good chance to settle into their
watches. They put down the hook just after sunset yesterday and
had a yummy dinner of quesadilla's. This morning Taylor started
everyone's day with a delicious batch of pancakes. They were
headed west out of Fisher's Island Sound towards Long Island
Sound. They expected to do a man-overboard drill this morning and
to have a marine science class later this afternoon.
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| Oct. 7, 2008 When Captain Dawson called in today, GERONIMO was in Dutch Harbor. The
crew had spent a chilly night at anchor last night studying and
learning more about life aboard GERONIMO.
Everett was the cook of the today day and the crew had just finished a
big breakfast of eggs, sausage and bagels. Monday had been spent doing
safety drills, tacking and gybing then some time was devoted to
studying and meeting with First Mate Ian Bystrom to go over the student
syllibi.
The students have been split into watches with Julia, Chad and Katie
making up one watch and Katherine, Everett, Taylor and Timon making up
the other watch..
The plan for the week is for GERONIMO to start making their way to the
west towards Connecticut and then jump off for points south at the end
of the week.
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| Fall 08 GERONIMO Trip Begins The Fall GERONIMO Trip started yesterday. The crew consists of Capt. Mike Dawson, First Mate Ian Bystrom, Second Mate Ashley Maloney, student crew Timon Watkins, Everett Muzzy, Chad Larcom, Taylor Williams, Katherine Shek, Katie Rodriguez and Julia Oak. The students joined the boat at 1300 on Sunday at Goat Island Marina in Newport. They chose their bunks, unpacked and settled in for orientation.
For the next few days, GERONIMO will be sailing in and around Narragansett Bay doing Safety Drills and sailhandling before heading south.
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| 7-14-2008 The Summer GERONIMO trip ended in Portland, Maine on Monday. Students Findlay Bowditch, Hank Myers, Merrill Pierce, Henry Peterson and Sarah Harrison departed GERONIMO and headed for home or other destinations. During the last leg of the voyage, the crew explored coastal Maine sailing in Penobscot, Muscongus and Casco Bays. |
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| 7-6-08 GERONIMO had a two day sail from Martha's Vineyard up to Maine. The crew departed Menemsha, MV on Friday afternoon, transited Buzzard's Bay and the Cape Cod Canal. The sail through Cape Cod Bay was memorable -it was the Fourth of July and it seemed like every town lining the bay was having a fireworks display. It all started about 8:45 and it was still going on at 10:00 as different towns celebrated. At one point we could count as many as 16 different firework shows going on at once. What a great way to celebrate the Fourth!
GERONIMO then had a 36 hours of light winds as she sailed to Maine. The boat arrived in Rockland in thick fog late Sunday afternoon. The crew had their first swim in the invigorating Maine water after putting the boat to bed.
The plan is to sail in Penobscot Bay tomorrow and then slowly work their way west to Portland. |
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| 6-30-08 GERONIMO left the Chesapeake yesterday and headed into the Delaware via the C and D Canal. Prior to getting underway for the day, the students participated in a double elimination Navigation Competition. It was a close match up and the last round found Merrill and Findlay in a head to head "plot-off". Findlay was the victor.
This morning the students took a Marine Science test and then got GERONIMO ready to head to sea. The plan is to head down the Delaware and head to Buzzards Bay and then out the Cape Cod Canal and on to Maine. |
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| 6-28-08 GERONIMO and her crew left Annapolis Thursday and headed to St. Michaels MD. There the students visited the Maritime Museum, feasted on blue crabs and swam. The weather is hot, hazy and humid.
Saturday they hauled back the anchor and headed north up the Bay. The plan is to anchor near Worton Point and look at the weather before going back to the Delaware and heading out to sea.
Please check out the new student journal entries from Henry Peterson and Merrill Pierce. More will follow next week. |
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| 6-24-08 GERONIMO and her crew entered the Chesapeake Monday and anchored in the Sassafras River where they went for a long swim. They were delighted to find that the water was fresh and not brackish - their first fresh water "shower" since they left Newport. They also took this opportunity to do some laundry in buckets on deck.
The next day they sailed 35 miles to Annapolis where they will stay for two days. The plan while they are there is to tour the city and the US Naval Academy.The crew just missed SG and GERONIMO alum Alana Ahern. who attends the Naval Academy.
The student crew continues to be great cooks in the galley. Findlay made a wonderful dinner of enchiladas, Hank made stir fry and Sarah made chicken curry. |
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| 6-23-08 GERONIMO sailed from Narragannsett Bay to Block Island last week after sailing in local waters for the first 3 days to do sail handling and safety drills.
They departed Block Island Friday June 20th bound for the Delaware Bay. They arrived in the Bay yesterday afternoon and after gybing halfway up the Bay spent last night at anchor catching up on sleep. Today the crew got underway after morning chores bound for the C and D Canal and the northern part of the Chesapeake. They are planning on anchoring in the Sassafras River tonight.
The crew has been eating well on this trip with all of the student crew (under the tutelage of First Mate Paul and 2nd Mate Allison) turning out to be talented chefs.
This morning Findlay was in the galley and turned out a huge breakfast of grits, eggs and bagels. He topped this when he made homemade pizza for lunch.
The crew is looking forward to getting anchored early enough this evening to get a swim call in. |
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| 6-16-08: Summer '08 Crew arrives The summer Geronimo crew boarded yesterday (Monday, June 16).
Jenny Chung ('09) was on galley duty last night, and made a wonderful pork roast. Geronimo is alongside at Goat Island Marina, and will be out sailing on Narragansett Bay this afternoon, when the crew will go through mandatory safety drills.
The Crew:
Merrill Pierce
Hank Myers
Henry Peterson
Jenny Chung
Sarah Harrison
Findlay Bowditch
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| 5-15-2008 Alongside in Newport Geronimo will be open for visits as part of Reunion Weekend from 1:30
pm to 3:30 pm. She is berthed at Goat Island Marina in Newport.
The summer Geronimo program will begin on June 16th.
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| 5-8-2008 Yesterday's Coast Guard inspection on Geronimo went very
smoothly. Having completed that task the crew all went out to get
celebratory ice cream cones. The crew spent the end of the
afternoon starting the task of cleaning up the boat and gear.
They cleaned and stowed the snorkel gear, wet suits, safety harnesses
and fanny packs. They also had some time to check in, by phone,
with home. Today they will take their final marine science
exam. Tonight they'll have their final dinner together - a big,
end of trip party. If the weather allows it will be a
barbecue. This morning Steph treated the crew to a breakfast of
fresh, home made muffins- a batch of banana and a batch of
walnut/carrot.
The boat will be open for visitors tomorrow, Saturday, from noon until 1:30. All are welcome!
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| 5-7-2008 Geronimo had a "majestically slow" sail up Narragansett Bay yesterday
afternoon. Casey was PIC. She was at the helm and she and her
watch sailed the boat onto the hook near Quonset Air Base last
night. Before anchoring the two watches each took a turn at
chasing a buoy. A mark was thrown overboard and then, under sail
- not motoring- the watch maneuvered the boat back to pick up the
mark. Elizabeth prepared a terrific lasagna dinner last
night. For the first night in 6 the crew had an evening of
quality study time and then sleep at anchor. This morning they
had a small sleep-in and 8:30 breakfast. They'll spend part of
the day cleaning and preparing for tomorrow's Coast Guard
inspection. Their marine science class is discussing maritime
collisions. The crew are divided into three groups and are
representing two boats or the admiralty court as they discuss an
historic collision that happened between two boats in the Chesapeake
years ago.
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| 5-6-2008 Position: 41°21' N x 71°27' W
Course: 030°
Speed: 2 knots
The Geronimo crew are finally warm again. The sun is out and the
crew has stripped off two of their three outer layers and removed their
sea boots for the first time in three days. They are sailing
slowly up the coast, practicing their sail handling and safety drills
in preparation for the impending Coast Guard inspection. Max is
PIC this morning which means Casey, Elizabeth and Sophie are taking
care of navigation. They'll have a class on rules of the road and
right of way this afternoon. The plan is to anchor in
Narragansett Bay tonight.
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| 5-5-2008 Position: 3926.8' N x 73°08.4' W
Course: 350°
Speed: 5 knots
Last night was a calm, foggy, chilly night. The dolphin show
continued but what made is special was the presence of lots of
bioluminescence so the dolphins' paths were light up - making them look
like torpedoes. This morning they spotted a number of gannets in the
sky and realized beneath the birds there was a humpback whale.
They were able to get close enough to get a great view of the
whale. They also have been seeing a lot of fishing boats, most of
which have been scallopers. Interestingly they've been aware of
many Coast Guard boardings of the fishing boats. It has been
chilly. Casey is the PIC today. The crew is drinking a lot
of hot chocolate and doing non-stop aerobic exercises like shadow
boxing to stay warm. As of today this crew has traveled 1,700
miles together!
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| 5-4-2008 Position: 38°04.9' N x74°34.6' W
Course: 075°
Speed: 6.7 knots.
Life on Geronimo's a tad cooler now that they are out of the Gulf
Stream. The dolphin show has been continuous, however. They
think the dolphins are doing lots of leaping and cavorting.
They've also seen more mola mola (5-6 total). When they checked in at
1630 today they were sailing under a reefed main and jib in the fog and
wearing quite a few more layers of clothing than they were before
yesterday's left turn out of the stream. Sophie and Polly made a
fresh batch of cupcakes with buttercream frosting. The crew's
eating a lot more since the temperature drop!
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5-3-2008Position: 35°35'N x 74°47' W
Course: 035°
Speed: 7 knot
At about 0700 this morning Geronimo stepped out of the Gulf Stream. Having passed the Cape Hatteras and now headed towards Newport, the crew is bit less comfortable. Their water temperature dropped 9 degrees and their speed went from about 12 knots to 7. They had sun at 1020 this morning but were anticipating some rain later in the day. They have continued to have pods of dolphins on their bow. They passed a couple of Mola Mola (ocean sunfish) this morning. All are fine! |
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| 5-2-2008 Position: 32°50' N x 77°28.7' W
Course: 060°
Speed: 8.8 knots
Geronimo is sailing along under sunny skies, happily propelled by both
a fair, southerly wind and the Gulf Stream. They had JUST caught
a mahi mahi when they called to check in at 0845. They've been
sailing with large pods of dolphin and have been regularly bombarded by
flying fish. They're weather is great and looks fine for the next
48 hours.
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| 5-1-2008 Position: 31°26' N x 79°49' W
Course: 055°
Speed: 5 knots
Geronimo was under sail when they checked in at 1020 this
morning. They had an easy going southeasterly breeze and gorgeous
sun. The weather window looks good for the next 2-3 days as they
round Cape Hatteras. All are well.
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| 4-30-2008 On Wednesday the students all had time to go ashore to walk, to study,
to read or to bike on Cumberland Island. Polly was in the galley
and prepared great pizzas for lunch. All spent the afternoon
preparing to get underway, pointed north.
Casey was in charge of preparing a navigation plan. Elizabeth
will take charge as Geronimo moves away from the dock and heads to
sea.
They have a pleasant, southeasterly breeze to start their leg north. She is bound for Newport, but may stop along the way
as weather dictates. Their cruise track will take them out to the Gulf
Stream some time in the morning, where they hope to get a lift from the
approx. 2 knot current.
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| 4-29-2008 After moving the boat, early yesterday morning, the crew squared things
away, had lunch and then went ashore. They borrowed some bikes
from the Greyfield Inn and rode out to the beach. There they had
fun swimming and body surfing. They played a big game of soccer
as an afternoon rain squall settled in. Later in the afternoon,
and back on the boat, the students began giving their oral reports-
each on a marine topic of the student's choice and lasting about 10
minutes. Sophie was in the galley last night and served shrimp,
beef and vegetable shish kabob for dinner. They had and evening
of "Saturday night at the movies". Last night was the
Spring Geronimo crew's chilliest night yet. The temperature got
down into the 50's and today, midday, the crew are still wearing their
fleecy tops. Casey was in the galley this morning and served
quiche and coffee cake. They did the rest of the marine science
reports. Some of the kids went ashore to walk or jog and they
spotted their first wild armadillo. As they were working on some
ship maintenance, in preparation for heading out to sea to head north
tomorrow, a family of wild horses (with a three day old colt) were
grazing near the end of Geronimo's dock. An alligator was spotted
swimming around at the end of the dock. The crew have wisely
decided swimming at the Greyfield Inn might not be a good idea.
It's a glorious sunny day in Georgia.
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| 4-28-2008 Geronimo moved early this morning to Cumberland Island where they are
tucked in for a frontal system to pass them this afternoon.
Sophie is in the galley today and was cooking a homemade potato and
broccoli soup, grilled cheese sandwiches and a big tossed salad for
lunch. After lunch the kids will give their marine science oral
reports and then will be going to the beach or for a bike ride before
the rain.
Yesterday Team Avengers (Max, Casey and Sophie) were the winners of the
Mike Dawson Scavenger Hunt. The other two teams were Team Varsity
(Polly and Lara) and Team Dominators (Steph and Elizabeth.) After
yesterday's hunt they played a round of mini-golf and all were in good
standing for the homework so they all got to go out to an Italian
restaurant with Mr. Barnes for dinner.
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4-27-2008Today was a great day for a sleep-in. Later this morning the kids were all to participate in some "mandatory fun." The plan was for some mini-golf as well as this spring's version of the famous/infamous, Mike Dawson scavenger hunt ashore. Mr Beebe-Center has joined the boat for a few days. Also, this afternoon, guest crew and former first mate Jen Haddock will join the boat and will stay aboard to help sail up the coast. Mr. B-C will depart on Tuesday. If the students all feel they are on top of their studies this afternoon they will be allowed to go ashore for dinner in town. The plan is to move to Cumberland Island tomorrow morning. |
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4-26-2208Geronimo cleared customs into the US this morning at 1030. Before arriving, the crew had a fresh fruit and veggie feast in order to avoid any problems bringing those items into the country.Once through customs they settled in alongside the dock and started a serious clean-up. First the boat. Because he has consistently been the first one on deck each day, Max was rewarded with the luxury of being the very first crew member to enjoy the first, real live shower in a loooonngg time. All eventually had showers, laundry was done and some went grocery shopping. It is a hot and sunny day. Being alongside a dock meant another shot at the coveted ice cream treat. The students all had time ashore to get cones and then were back on the boat to study in the evening. |
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4-25-2008Position: 30°14.5'N x 80°32.9' W
Course: 320° PSC
Speed: 7.1 knots
Geronimo's trek north continues to be smooth sailing. When they
checked in midday they were approximately 75 nautical miles from their
destination: Fernandina Harbor, Florida and crossing through a wide
part of the Gulf Stream. They will soon depart the deep blue waters of
the open ocean and into the more nutrient rich, green coastal waters as
the cross the western wall of the Gulf Stream. They will likely
drop the hook tonight just outside Fernandina Beach and then go in to a
dock to clear customs in the morning. Fernandina lies on the
Florida/Georgia border, and is just about 6 nautical miles away from Cumberland Island National Seashore.
|
|
| 4-24-2008 Position: 27°54'N x 78°11' W
Course: 325°
Speed: 9.5 knots
Last night was a beautiful, moonlit night. The wind has come
around to being a "fair wind" so Geronimo is moving along like a
freight train, with a double reefed main. They hope to be in
Fernandina Beach by tomorrow night or Saturday morning.
|
|
| 4-23-2008 Position: 25°57' N x 76°19' W
Course: 000°
Speed: 7-8 knots
Yesterday Geronimo motored all day long. This morning the wind
came up and when they checked in, at about 0930, they were under a
double reefed main and single reefed jib. Their wind was at about
15-20 knots. They have been making good time and have passed
through quite a bit of Sargassum weed. Last night there was a lot
of bioluminescence in the water. All are well and it's a sunny
day.
Yesterday they were boarded by
Bahamian and U.S. officials, in a routine boarding situation. They then
continued on their way, with the highlight being the low-flying
helicopter making close passes. The weather was calm and clear for most
of the day.
|
|
| 4-22-2008 Position: 23°30' N x 75°40' W
Course: 350°
Speed: 6.6 knots
Yesterday was spent doing many final chores on the boat as the crew
prepared to start their journey north. Groceries, laundry,
storing the whaler and collapsing the Avon all were done by early
afternoon. The students were given some time ashore to
explore the town a little more and make final calls home before
heading out to sea. They departed Georgetown this morning at
0730. Lara was in the galley for breakfast and served oatmeal and
bagels. It's a beautiful, sunny, flat calm day so they were
motoring.
|
|
| 4-19-2008 The crew on Geronimo got up early this morning to return to Pigeon
Creek. They did, in fact, catch more turtles. 16, in
fact. Which makes the total number tagged in Pigeon Creek up to
be 37. They then set sail and were enjoying a glorious sail under
full main and were headed for Fernandez Bay. They'll anchor there
for the night. Once settled in, they will all snorkel on a nearby
reef that is occasionally inhabited by a hawksbill turtle. Casey
was in the galley and was preparing a chicken caesar salad for
dinner. They'll head back to Georgetown tomorrow morning. |
|
4-18-2008Geronimo had a great sail up from New Bight to Alligator Point
Thursday. Sophie was the PIC [Person In Charge.] They had
dolphins accompanying them for a good part of their trip. Once
they'd arrived and set the anchor they all got into the water for a
swim. Today they were up very early, for tide reasons, and into
Pigeon Creek to search for turtles. They successfully caught and
tagged 21 turtles: Max caught 5, Steph 4, the Second Mate 3 and
the rest were caught by various individuals. They returned to the
boat but 1400 and had two marine science lectures for the
afternoon. One on turtles and one on mangroves. Sophie was
in the galley and was preparing chicken parmigiana for supper.
The schooner Mystic, which is carrying a crew from the Lord's Point
part of Connecticut, was also anchored in the Alligator Point
anchorage. The plan for tomorrow is to get up early again and
return to the creek to catch the remaining turtles they'd not gotten
today and then to sail to Fernandez Bay.
Take a look at this
link to see the winding, mangrove and turtle grass-lined creeks that offer such great Green Turtle habitat. |
|
| 4-17-2008 After yesterday's venture to The Hermitage and then a late breakfast,
the students had some study time and a snorkeling adventure. In
the afternoon they had a marine science test, spent some time doing
some passage planning and then had more study time. Ms. Hayes met
former Geronimo captain Stephen Connett and Barbara Crouchly for a
lunch meeting. Connett and Crouchly continue to do turtle
conservation work in the Bahamas for both the Archie Carr Center and
the Bahamian National Trust.
Max was in the galley last night and served a dinner of canneloni and
sauce. Steph put together a breakfast of crepes with fresh mango,
apples and bananas this morning. When they called in this
morning (close to 0900) they were preparing to set sail for points
north - either Fernandez Bay or Pigeon Creek.
|
|
| 4-16-2008 Yesterday's sail across from Georgetown to Cat Island went
smoothly. The crew got a lot of practice in sail handling -
primarily changing the reefs in the sail along the way. They
arrived at New Bight, on the southern end of Cat just before
dinner. They anchored, had dinner and then had enough time for
some studying. This morning all arose early and went on a hike in
to a local historical point called "The Hermitage." They got back
to the boat in time for a late breakfast. Later in the day the
students will go on a snorkel in a mangrove area and then have a marine
science lecture.
|
|
| 4-15-2008 Geronimo has headed north to Cat Island this morning. They had a
nice afternoon ashore yesterday. The students all went in to
Georgetown where they had all the modern conveniences: phones, internet
and ice cream. Last night Elizabeth cooked up a yummy, vegetarian
chili and Casey made some rich brownies. They had a decadent
"brownies and milk" breakfast this morning. They were 2 miles
east of North Channel Rock, motoring along at 6 knots on a course of
000.
|
|
4-14-2008Sunday the crew had their first day of turtling. They'd retrieved the whaler so with the two small boats they went to Crab Cay. In recent trips to Georgetown, the Geronimo crew had realized that Crab Cay was about to be developed. A bridge, marina and condos are being built. New and different shoaling is happening as the construction crews dredge the area. Geronimo started recording turtle data for that area - creating a baseline as the development takes over. Sunday's endeavor was terrifically well executed for a team new to the challenge. In an place where past crews normally have caught 4-6 turtles, this group caught 9. All were Green turtles and all were new captures (which would indicate all of the previously tagged turtles have either moved on or been poached.) They spent 4 hours at Crab Cay. A schooner called "The Mystic" which is from Mystic, CT and crewed by staff who have also crewed on Geronimo in the past is anchored nearby. Casey and Polly were cooking up a huge batch of quesedillas for a hungry crew. All enjoyed a stunningly beautiful sunset. |
|
4-12-2008Geronimo
is happily at anchor in Elizabeth Harbor, off of Georgegtown, as of
8:30 this morning. They had a glorious sail yesterday.
Clear skies. MORE flying fish. The a cappella singers
have become a real fixture in this crew. They have a name: "Here
Comes Treble" and they spent yesterday perfecting their parts for
"Build Me Up Buttercup" and "For The Longest Time." Polly was the
"PIC" [Person In Charge]for bringing the boat in to anchor. She
led the navigation, the radio contact, the sail evolution and the
anchoring. Casey is in the galley for the rest of the day but
they were still on watch rotation at breakfast time. The plan for
the rest of the day is to inflate the Avon, Ms Hayes to go into town to
clear customs, retrieve the whaler that has been stored in Georgetown,
to execute a major "field day" [boat cleanup in a major way!], some
refreshing swimming and study hall this afternoon. Saturdays are
the end of each week's syllabus so the students must each complete this
week's work by the end of the day. |
|
| 4-11-2008 Position: 22°34.4' N x 74°33.4' W
Course: 350°
Speed: 7 knots
Geronimo has entered Bahamian waters this morning. They were just
west of Crooked Island when they called in at 9:20am. They had an
active day yesterday. They passed through a lot of Sargassum - a
type of floating seaweed. They caught a sizeable Mahi Mahi and
had a tasty dinner of fresh fish with mango salsa. In the course
of the day they had a contest between the two watches to see which was
faster and most efficient at striking the sails. The Benny + the
Jets watch won. At sunrise this morning they crossed paths with
two, beautiful Bahamian sloops.
They hope to be in George Town, Great Exuma tomorrow and will likely
cross the Tropic of Cancer (23°27'N latitude) and officially depart the
tropics in the evening or early morning.
|
|
| 4-10-2008 Position: 21°14.3'N x 72°20.4'W
Course: 310°
Speed: 7 knots
Until midnight last night, Geronimo
was enjoying an easy sail toward the Bahamas. Last night,
however, the breeze died and now it's flat calm and scorching
hot. The boat was about 16 nautical miles south of the Caicos
Bank at 9:30 this morning. They've had spectacular, clear and
cool nights - filled with shooting stars. There are many choir
and a cappella members in this crew. Yesterday, the "Benny and
the Jets" watch [the group of 4] awoke the "Lost Salmon" watch [the
threesome] with Max solo'ing in an a cappella song.
|
|
| 4-9-2008 Position: 20°16'N x 70°10'W
Course: 305°
Speed: 4 knots
When Geronimo called in mid-morning they were just abeam of Silver Bank
which is a common whale calving area. None had been sighted yet
but they were on the lookout. They're enjoying beautiful, sunny
skies. Last night was a terrific night of shooting stars in clear
skies.
|
|
| 4-8-2008 Position: 19°17.9' N x 68°32.1' W
Course: 305°
Xpeed 5 knots
Geronimo is sailing along, down wind with hot and sunny weather.
They were about 25 miles northeast of the Dominican Republic when they
checked in close to 2:00 this afternoon. They plan to sail close
to Navidad and Silver Banks in hopes of spotting some whales. The
a cappella members of the crew have been serenading the group, happily,
on a regular basis.
|
|
| 4-7-2008 Position: 17°50'N x 66°52'W
Course: 270°
Speed: 7 knots
Geronimo cleared US Customs this morning and left the dock by about
10:30. Lara was in charge of setting the main sail and Elizabeth
the jib. The students have divided into watches: Casey, Lara and
Stephanie on one and Elizabeth, Polly, Max and Sophie on the
other. For the next 4 days or until they get to George Town,
Exuma they will be rotating watches. Yesterday was a day for
laundry, shopping, phone calls and one last shower. Today the
weather is as beautiful as it gets. The flying fish continue to
be everywhere. They were hailed on the radio by another yacht
this morning whose name is "Satori". It turns out Satori is from
Newport and is also headed for the Bahamas so they are sailing parallel
courses and will have a companion to talk on the radio with while at
sea.
|
|
| 4-6-2008 aving set sail early yesterday morning, the Geronimo had
a "romping sail" to Ponce, Puerto Rico. They had following winds and seas and
their speed was always between 7 and 11 knots. There was a lot of
sail handling to be done and the steering was challenging. The
students all had a chance to take the wheel and had all gotten the hang
of it by the time they arrived at their destination (just before sunset
last night.) Along the way they continued to see many Boobies and
flying fish. They managed to catch two tuna and Max served sushi
and fresh cooked tuna for supper last night. They are at a dock
at the Ponce Fishing and Yacht Club as of last night. Upon
arrival two students were put on the dock to catch the lines and handle
their first docking. They will remain at the Ponce dock until
they are able to clear out with US Customs and head for the
Bahamas.
|
|
| 4-5-2008 position: 17° 54·N x 66°00' W
course: 290° PSC
speed: 8.9 knots, under sail
Yesterday the crew had a wonderful snorkel off of Vieques. They
had dinner on the boat. This morning Max is in charge of the
galley. They set sail at about 7:00 this morning and are headed for
Ponce. There were many Brown Boobies swooping around as they set
sail and once underway they've encountered many, may flying fish. |
|
| 4-4-2008 Esperanza, Vieques
Geronimo checked in at about 1300 today. After scrambled eggs,
black beans and fresh fruit salad prepared by Lara, the students
prepared the boat to go for a day sail. The wind is still brisk
so they spent the morning practicing reefing the main sail. They
were just back at anchor when they called to check in. Lara was
preparing lunch while the rest of the crew furled the sails.
After lunch they were going to hop into the water for a snorkel.
They also planned to start their marine science journals this afternoon
and to have another navigation class. The hope is that they can
spend the night "on the hook" [at anchor] and then set sail, in the
morning, for Culebra.
|
|
| 4-3-2008 Esperanza, Vieques The weather is not on the Spring crew's side this week. It's
raining cats and dogs today. The crew got up and did quick swim
before breakfast followed by a fresh, rain-water rinse to start their
day. Elizabeth is in the galley today and served oatmeal and
fresh fruit salad for breakfast. They are taking advantage of the
rainy weather to dig in academically. This morning they will have
study time as well as a navigation class. This afternoon the crew
will go ashore to do some research. Their assigned task will be
to interview locals to ask about two topics: The changes the islanders
have seen since the US military has withdrawn. And, the current
turmoil in their leadership. The Puerto Rican governor turned
himself in to the FBI, last week, for misappropriation of funds.
Last night, while out to dinner, the group was entertained by a young
juggler who was juggling batons with fire at each end. Many Kodak
moments!
|
|
| 4-02-08 The
Geronimo crew slept soundly last night after a long day. Today's focus
is primarily academic. This morning they will be working on their
correspondence work as well as having a class on Puerto Rico and
Vieques Island. After lunch they will have a nautical science class in
which they'll go over tacking and jibing as well as handling the lines.
Later in the afternoon they'll all have time to explore ashore before
meeting up at a restaurant for supper. Their temperature is a mix of
sun and rain squalls today with a temperature in the 70's. |
|
4-01-08Geronimo
checked in at close to supper time tonight. They'd had a busy day.
After finishing up the orientations this morning, the boat cast off
and headed for the island of Vieques ahead of some weather due later
this week. They had a great day of learning the ropes, sailing all
points of sail with a combination of sun and squalls. Casey is the
crew member in charge of the galley today. They had eggs and toast for
breakfast. Once they got settled in at anchor, tonight, the plan was
to go for a swim before a chicken supper. They are in Esperanza on
Vieques.
Tomorrow
they expect to spend some time getting settled into their academics.
They'll open up their homework packets and start into this week's
to-do list. They did a great job today and have earned a night out for
supper tomorrow night. |
|
| 3-31-08
Puerto Del Rey Marina, Puerto Rico
Geronimo
checked in this afternoon at about 1445 yo say the Spring '08 crew had
arrived safely. Their trip was uneventful. The Spanish speakers in
the group had a chance to practice their skills as they made certain
their Puerto Rican cab driver brought them, not the the dock for the
ferry but to the "dock for small boats." The students were having a
snack and unpacking and then were moving right into orientation
classes. They'll spend the next 24 hours getting to know their new
environment (the boat) before setting sail.
|
|
| 3-06-08 The Winter 08 trip officially ended today. The students made it safely to the airport after a brief passport mishap.
Yesterday was spent doing a final Field Day followed by Trip - end celebratory activities. GERONIMO will be docked in Fajardo during her turn around between trips.
The Spring Break Faculty Trip begins March 18. Captain Dawson will be returning to St George's after break and will be manning the office until June. |
|
3-4--08
The Geronimo crew had a terrific day of exploring yesterday. The port they are in has a couple of bike rental businesses so it was easy to rent bikes for all. They quickly realized the island of Culebra is not flat. Biking through the hilly island on a hot day was fun and exhausting. By the time they made it back to the boat, all were ready for a treat: dinner in town at Juanita Banana. The restaurant is owned and operated by S. G. alum Jennifer Daubon('98) and her family. It was sushi night at the Banana!
This morning they had a sleep-in. Later this morning the students will take their final exam in Marine Science. They plan to set sail for Isla Palominos which is just off of Fajardo this afternoon. |
|
3-03-08
Yesterday was a wonderfully easy going day for the Geronimo crew. They hiked to a beach called Playa Flamenco where they spent a good chunk of the day. They swam, played some games and explored old tanks that were abandoned there years ago. In the afternoon they set sail, moving to the other side of Culebra, for Ensenada Honda. This morning the plan was to rent some bikes and do a tour of the island. |
|
2-29-08
18 09N x65 32 W
Geronimo set sail, again, last night. They had a night of squalls and rain but the weather has settled down and is currently sunny and a nice breeze. They were just off of Vieques when they checked in mid-morning. They hope to arrive at Culebra by mid-afternoon. |
|
2-28-08
Geronimo is gradually making her way east along the Puerto Rican shore. They departed last night before dinner, choosing to stop this morning to anchor and give the students some quality time to catch up on their school work. They'll likely weigh anchor late this afternoon or early evening to head further east - perhaps towards Culebra. |
|
2-27-08
The Geronimo crew spent a good part of the day, yesterday, ashore in La Parguera. They explored the town. Also, they'd met a person from the University of Puerto Rico's marine lab who gave them a tour of their marine science lab. Tori cooked a great lasagna for supper and the same man who had toured them earlier came by to visit the boat after supper last night. This morning JiHee made a delicious breakfast of French toast. They were going to have a class on mangroves and spend some time actually snorkeling within a grove this morning. Later this afternoon they will be departing and heading further east. |
|
2-25-08
Geronimo checked in at about noon today. They were just rounding the southwestern point of Puerto Rico and approaching the city of Guanica. They'll stop there to check through customs. The plan, then, is to move about 8 miles east to anchor near a place called "Bioluminescence Bay". |
|
2-24-08
position: 19 19N / 68 48 W
course: 070
speed: 6 knots
Geronimo set sail early this morning (0300) in response to local land and sea breezes. They had a wonderful time on Saturday, exploring the national park's caves and mangroves - spotting many egrets, herons and crabs along their path. They saw dolphins as the sun came up. The crew also spotted flukes and tails of diving whales. They had light, East southeasterly winds and a warm and sunny day.
MAKE SURE TO VISIT THE STUDENT JOURNALs LINK FOR NEW ENTRIES |
|
2-23-08
When they checked in this morning, Geronimo had weighed anchor and were moving just about 10 miles from Samana. Their destination was a national park called Los Haitises(see below for park description). They look forward to exploring some caves and the mangroves of the park. Last night was a great dinner out at a Dominican Republic style restaurant. They enjoyed an ice cream treat on their way back to the boat. Caroline and Katherine's Spanish speaking skills were key in helping the crew navigate the Spanish speaking town.
Los Haitises National Park
Across the bay at Samana, Los Haitises is known for its delicate and ecologically diverse mangrove coast, the largest in the Dominican Republic. Throughout the 83-square mile park, rock formations, pictographs and petroglyphs can be discovered in its three cave systems. The average temperature is 77 F with a humid climate and frequent rainfall in the two major life zones of wet forest and subtropical rainforest. Hispaniola parrots, owls and gannets can be spotted along with solenodonte and hutia.
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|
2-22-08
The Geronimo crew had a terrific day of exploring ashore today. They hiked in to a neat waterfall. Later in the day they had fun on a beach. In between they explored the countryside. Tonight they are going ashore again to go out to a restaurant for dinner. |
|
2-21-08
Geronimo had a great sail around the northeast corner of the Dominican Republic. The change in landscape from sandy, low islands to "verdant, towering cliffs" has been dramatic. JiHee was the junior watch officer yesterday afternoon. Harriet took over after dinner and brought them in to anchor off of Samana just before the lunar eclipse. This morning Harriet made a fresh coffee cake for breakfast. Tori was the junior watch officer on duty and was in charge as they sailed off the anchor- moving to a mooring in the harbor. The students were studying this morning and plan to go ashore to explore this afternoon. |
|
2-20-08
19 27 N / 69 46 W
120 Magnetic
Geronimo set sail again last night. They weighed anchor after sunset and have been sailing along the Dominican Republic with a light breeze since then. Their destination is Samana, DR. They should be in a great position to watch the Lunar Eclipse tonight! |
|
2-19-08
position: 19 50 N / 70 44 W
Geronimo had a "romping sail" yesterday. They spotted more whales along their route.This is the time of year when humpbacks are prolific in the area having migrated down to the waters surrounding the Hispaniola to mate and give birth to their young.
They pulled into a small town in the Dominican Republic to let some heavy wind go by. They're docked close to a place called Ocean World Marina. They hope to set sail once again later this evening and start making their way to the east. |
|
2-18-08
Geronimo checked in this morning soon after Ms. Ducharme had departed for the airport and just an hour or so before they, Geronimo, were to depart for points east. Their hope is to aim for Big Sand Cay. They may sail through the night tonight or possibly they'll put down the anchor at a smaller island along their path. |
|
2-17-08
Yesterday Geronimo moved from Providenciales to South Caicos. Along their way they were joined by three humpback whales- two adults and a calf. They traveled together for at least an hour. The boat arrived and had set anchor before dinner last night. They are anchored off of the School for Field Studies' campus. The students were given some time in the early evening to go ashore and explore the small town. Along their walk they discovered some amazingly PINK flamingoes.
This morning there were some who were going to attend church in town. In the afternoon the hope was to do some snorkeling. |
|
2-16-08
position: 21 29N / 72 11 W
course: 150
speed: 7.5
Geronimo is headed south and east today. They are moving into the wind (wind speed is about 15 knots) so they are motor sailing.
Yesterday Geronimo cleared customs at after arriving in Turks and Caicos. The crew then had a chance to swim, to study, to take a marine science quiz and to hang out on the beach for a while. Anna put together a delicious tortellini and Italian sausage dinner.
This morning Ms. Ducharme and Katherine served up a great, French toast breakfast. They had a brief snorkel off of French Cay. Kelsey spotted a cowfish which the rest of the crew got a kick out of seeing.
They hope to arrive on South Caicos by mid-afternoon today. |
|
2-14 -08
position: 23 14N / 73 15 W
course: 130 magnetic
speed: 7 knots
Geronimo continues on their passage to the Turks and Caicos. Yesterday's sail was uneventful. They had a little roll in their movement which has abated today. There is little wind so they are motor sailing. |
|
2-13-08
Position: 2331N / 7538 W
course: 060
speed: 8.5 knots
The Winter '08 Geronimo crew are back under way. Ms. Ducharme successfully dodged the storms as she made her way from Rhode Island to George Town. While she was in the air, the Geronimo kids were in the water. After a morning "field day", the group went turtling. They saw many. However, the conditions on the water were choppy and the turtles eluded the swimmers. They had a fun night at a beach-side restaurant called "The Chat 'n Chill" last night. Today the students are broken down into their watch system again. As they got underway, Anna was the first junior watch leader. That meant she was in charge of setting the main sail, navigating the boat out of the harbor and setting their course for points east. This position will rotate through all of the crew members as they make their way towards the Turks and Caicos. Right now their weather is sunny, about 75 degrees and about 18 knots of wind abeam so they are happily cruising! |
|
2-12-08
Geronimo is currently still in George Town. They are in a holding pattern as they await the arrival of SG science teacher- Ms. Ducharme. She is scheduled to fly into George Town this evening. The weather has cleared out and is pretty sunny today. All have enjoyed their time in a popular Bahamian town. They plan to go to town for supper this evening as their next leg of the trip might not include restaurants. They hope to depart for points east tomorrow morning. Caroline made delicious waffles for the crew for breakfast this morning. |
|
2-11-08
The boat is in George Town, Exumas. The last couple of hours of their transit to George Town, yesterday, was under sail. They happily arrived early afternoon.
Last night Kelsey made the crew pizza for dinner.
Today the weather is rainy with occasional windy squalls. The students had a chance to get ashore and hopefully connect with families back at home via phone calls. The crew is also having lunch ashore and a chance to explore town.
This afternoon they'll all be back on the boat for a major cleaning exercise. In Geronimo lingo it's called a "field day". The crew will basically take the whole boat apart and clean every crevice. After their time at sea there's a general, untidy feel to a boat that needs to be spiffed up. All are in good spirits. They await the arrival of SG faculty member, Ms. Ducharme. They plan to head west on either Wednesday or Thursday. |
|
2-10-08
GERONIMO left Warderick Wells today and arrived in Georgetown, Exumas late this afternoon. When the captain checked in, he said that the snorkeling had been wonderful in Warderick Wells. The crew had explored the local creeks and mangroves at Shroud Cay for a turtle population, but found none.
Physics teacher, Devon Ducharme will be joining GERONIMO in Georgetown on Tuesday. She will sail with the crew for a week to help the students with their science and math work and to get a flavor for the GERONIMO program
|
|
2-09-2008
The boat arrived at Wardrick Wells in the Exuma Island chain yesterday afternoon. They are in an area that is a part of the Exuma Cay Land and Sea Park. After settling in at anchor the group had a chance to go snorkeling. Parrot fish, hog fish, barracuda, grouper... they spotted all sorts of tropical fish! They hope to snorkel again this morning. Also planned is a trip ashore to the park headquarters. One of their displays includes a skeleton of a sperm whale. They plan to do their turtle research tomorrow. Last night Katherine put together a big supper of chicken and mashed potatoes for the hungry crew. This morning started with omelets a la Tori. |
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2-7-08
Geronimo was at a dock in Cape Eleuthera when they checked in at 9 this morning. They'd had a nice sail yesterday, arriving in the afternoon. The students spent some quality time catching up on school work and later in the day going for a swim. Today's plan is to sail across to the Exuma Islands. There's a National Trust park on one of the small islands that they hope to snorkel off of. If time and conditions allow they'll also do some turtling. Anna cooked a terrific lasagna for the hungry crew last night. Although they were switching off duties in the galley as they switched watches, yesterday seems to have been largely Anna's day for cooking. |
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2-6-2008
position: 25 05 N / 76 16 W
course: 090
speed: 7 knots
Last night the Geronimo pulled in and set anchor in Governor's Harbour, part way down the island of Eleuthera. They have been lucky, with a nice wind and sunny weather. They will continue to tack their way down the Bight of Eleuthera today and are aiming to arrive on the northern end of Cat Island some time tomorrow morning. Anna treated the group to a fresh batch (from scratch!) of chocolate chip muffins for breakfast this morning. |
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2-3-2008
position: 25 31 N / 76 51 W
When Geronimo checked in this morning they were anchored off of Royal Island in the Spanish Wells area. Yesterday they spent a good chunk of the afternoon exploring the town of Spanish Wells. They had supper at a small restaurant in town and actually were able to watch the Super Bowl last night at a small gathering. They hoped to do some turtling around Royal Island today. Weather allowing, they plan to head down the west side of Eleuthera tomorrow for points south. |
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2-2-2008
position: 25 50 N / 75 50 W
course: 105 magnetic
speed: 7.5
Happy Groundhog Day!! The Geronimo crew have cleared customs into the Bahamas. They actually did so yesterday. They docked at the Great Harbour Cay Marina. The kids went for a swim and spotted a sea turtle. Later, after clearing customs, they went ashore for a quick explore. Great Harbour Cay is a relatively small community of about 500 people. They found a market where they all enjoyed a cold drink and then headed back to the boat. Today's sail was much more comfortable than the first day's. They expect to get into the Spanish Wells area after dark tonight. |
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2-1-2008
25 47 N / 77 57 W
at anchor
The Geronimo had a nice sail yesterday. They arrived at an anchorage off of Great Harbor Cay in the Berry Island chain late last night. They set anchor and are letting a weather system pass before continuing to Spanish Wells. |
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1-31-2008
position: 26 22 N X 78 45 W
course: 190 magnetic
speed: 7 knots under sail
The Winter '08 crew's first night at sea went relatively smoothly. The students are gradually getting their sea legs. They are learning to steer a compass course as well as the managing of their new, 70' long seagoing home away from home. They have split into two watches. Harriet, Anna and Kelsey are on one watch and JiHee, Katherine, Caroline and Tori are on the other. The watches rotate through the day and night. This morning the weather was sunny and warm (high 70's) with a southeasterly wind. The crew had already had the excitement of catching a large skip jack tuna which they ate for supper last night and will eat the remainder of today!
They hope to be in Spanish Wells on Eleuthera sometime tomorrow. |
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| 1-30-2008 The Winter GERONIMO crew all arrived at the boat safely. The first of many orientation sessions started last night.
This morning after a breakfast of pancakes and bacon cooked by Katherine, the crew went over safety procedures. They also did tacking and gybing drills in protected waters before heading out into the Gulf Stream and their first overnight passage. Harriet was at the helm as GERONIMO undocked and and maneuvered out of Lake Worth Inlet.
Be sure to click on the "Where's GERONIMO" icon on this site to track her progress. |
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| 1-29-2008 GERONIMO is docked at Riviera Beach Yacht Center awaiting the arrival of the Winter GERONIMO students Kelsey Crowther, Caroline Rindlaub, Victoria Curtis, JiHee Jun, Harriet Manice, Annalise Mascarenhas and Katherine Pryor.
The professional crew is made up of Captain Mike Dawson, First Mate Brian Barnes and Second Mate Meredith Helfrich.
Once the students are all on board Captain Dawson plans to anchor out for the evening and conduct orientation and drills. As of today here is a good weather window for them to leave for The Bahamas sometime tomorrow. |
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| 11-16-2007
Today is the Fall '07 Geronimo crew's last day aboard. Their last events in the program have included, naturally, a final exam in the marine science course they have been studying with the captain and mates. They also were able to get into the water. They went just south of their anchorage to a turtle feeding ground. There they caught 6 turtles- 4 new and 2 recaptures. One of the turtles was exceptionally small which might be of interest as turtle biologist continue to puzzle over the question of where adolescent turtles spend those early years. The crew had dinner ashore and then some final bonding time last night. This morning Nont departed early. The rest of the student group will fly home this afternoon. They hope to have one last trip to the beach this morning and perhaps to go on one more turtle expedition.
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| 11-14-2007
position: 2529.6 N / 7638.3 W
anchored at Harbor Island
Wednesday's weather proved less comfortable than most of the Geronimo's Bahamian Days have been- windy and rainy.
They did explore a mangrove as they made their way to their final destination. By mid-afternoon they were tucked in, at anchor, riding out the rainy day.
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11-13-2007
position: 25 14 N / 76 22 W
course: 300
speed: 7.5 knots motor sailing
Sunday afternoon the boat made a stop at the Island School's campus on Eleuthera Island. SG student Meredith Kaufman was there to greet her fellow schoolmates. The Geronimo crew provided those interested a tour of the boat and then the Island School people treated our crew to dinner in their dining hall. Monday morning the Geronimo crew had breakfast ashore with the Island School kids and then had a tour of their facilities. Later in the morning they set sail for north. Lauren and her watch were in charge as they got underway. Later in the day Tutti and her watch took over. They anchored in the Governor's Harbor area for the night. This morning at dawn they went on a spelunking adventure ashore. They spotted an owl while exploring the cave. Tonight they plan to anchor off of Royal Island and then be piloted into Harbor Island's anchorage tomorrow morning with the tide. |
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11-11-2007
Geronimo sailed up from Cat Island to Little San Salvador. They had an exciting snorkeling adventure while there. They moved to the southern end of Cape Eleuthera. Anna cooked up a huge order of waffles for supper. Today they planned to check some local creeks for turtles. Later in the day they were to move to the Island School's area. They hope to meet up with members of the Fall '07 term of students, one of whom is a Dragon! Meredith Kaufman has been studying there on Eleuthera with the Island School. A tropical reunion for our adventurous Dragons! |
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| 11-09-2007
position: 2431.5 N / 7537.8 W
at anchor
Geronimo had a nice sail across from Georgetown. They were under sail until lunch time when the wind died. They motored the rest of the trip across, anchoring off of Fernandez Bay on Cat Island just at sunset last night. Anna actually had the fun of catching an Atlantic Needle Fish in a net as they motored yesterday. Nont served a delicious supper of pasta and sausage. Today Lauren was the junior office in charge as they sailed from Cat Island to their current location. They plan to search for turtles, this afternoon, in Pigeon Creek. They did catch a barracuda as they sailed this morning.
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| 11-08-2007
position: 2330 N / 7540 W
speed: 5.5 knots
course: 060
Yesterday was a good dose of Bahamian marine science. They students had their first snorkeling adventure. They explored some rocky intertidal pools, waded through some fresh water sloughs and swam in some surf. They also had some time ashore to explore Georgetown. Thomas cooked up supper for a hungry group. This morning Maddie and Anna (one from each of the watches) tag teamed as they guided the boat off the anchor and out of Georgetown Harbor. They are headed north to Cat Island.
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| 11-07-2007
Geronimo officially cleared customs yesterday. Their second order of business was for everyone to get into the tropical water for a swim. They also did a major "field day" clean-up of the boat. Their onshore time included a burying of Maddie (they DID dig her back up) and a supper out at The Chat 'n Chill. Everyone devoured their burgers and/or fresh fish. Today they hope to pick up the whaler as well as get ashore on Stocking Island for a hike. Interesting tidbit: Their current location is just barely 3 miles north of the Tropic of Cancer! They'll stay there one more night and then head north to some out islands tomorrow.
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11-06-2007
The Fall 07 Geronimo crew are officially IN the BAHAMAS. They sailed into Georgetown this morning, setting the anchor at about 10 am.
They had a great sail. The wee hours of the morning were punctuated with Anna and Tutti shrieks when a flying fish smacked Nont in the leg (seemingly coming out of nowhere in the dark of the night!) This morning Tutti was the "junior watch officer" which meant she was in charge of giving the crew orders as they sailed in, set the anchor and struck the sails.
Later today they will get the Avon inflated and go ashore for some Bahamian beach time. The captain will check in on the Whaler that's been stored at a boatyard through the summer. The two smaller boats are necessary, not only for getting ashore, but also for them to do their sea turtle research. To learn more about sea turtle research and the scientists GERONIMO works with, see the following link. Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research |
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11-05-2007
position: 25 42 N / 76 57 W
speed: 7.5 knots
course: 100
Geronimo had a nice evening sail. They moved out of the Gulf Stream just at sunset last night. They were just north of Eleuthera when they checked in and are bound for Georgetown on Great Exuma. They should arrive tomorrow. |
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11-04-2007
position: 26 44 N / 79 52 W
course: 125 M
speed: 7 knots undersail
The Fall Geronimo crew are underway for the Bahamas. They left West Palm Beach at about 7:30 this morning. They had clear skies with a north/northwest breeze. They'd just entered the Gulf Stream when they checked in at 9:45 EST. Dolphins leaping around them as they got underway pretty much reflected the way the crew felt to finally be leaving Florida. |
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11-03-2007
The weather is clear, sunny and 80 degrees in West Palm Beach this morning. Apparently the water offshore is still as tall as 15 foot seas, so they're waiting one more day before pushing off for The Bahamas. Yesterday's coastal erosion class was followed by a trip to the beach to swim in the surf. Anna's family very kindly hosted the crew for supper last night where there was yummy food! This was a nice change from the daily routine. Today the students were to take their marine science quiz and then spend the balance of the day gearing up for their transit to the Bahamas. |
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11-02-2007
Yesterday the Geronimo kids went on a field trip to a center that rescues and rehabilitates loggerhead sea turtles.(see link below) A good dose of what's to come once they get to the Bahamas. They moved to a private dock in Palm Beach. Today they'll have a coastal erosion class and maybe a science quiz. They hope to go ashore again today to explore a beach and mangrove area north of where they are docked. They may head out to The Bahamas tomorrow or Sunday depending on the seas offshore. http://www.marinelife.org |
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11-1-2007
Yesterday's events included some shore time for the crew. They spent some time in a library working on school assignments. They also went to a real movie theater! Marine Science Jeopardy was a lively afternoon event back on the boat.
They are moving to a dock this afternoon. They hope to visit a sea turtle center today.
It's looking like maybe Saturday is the target for moving towards the islands, having let the seas that TS Noel is currently stirring up settle back down.
For more detailed information on tropical storm Noel visit www.nhc.noaa.gov. |
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10-31-2007
The boat remains in the Palm Beach area, safely tucked in until the stormy weather passes. Yesterday the kids' celestial navigational skills were tested. They did a "noon sight". They all did very well- Maddie coming the closest to their location (being 1.5 nautical miles off.) Thomas cooked up a luscious pasta salad and hotdogs with all the fixings. Nont served breakfast of bagels, grits and fresh fruit. Last night a neighbor hosted the group for a barbecue. All are fine. Happy Halloween! |
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10-30-2007
With bad weather between Geronimo and The Bahamas, the plan has become one of waiting until the ocean settles. Yesterday the crew had a fun barbecue on the beach. They had a celestial navigation class. When they checked in today it was still early - the day's plans (beyond some time set aside for study hall) had not yet been laid. They will be at the same location for at least the next two days. |
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10-29-2007
The Geronimo crew chose to sail into the Palm Beach area and set an anchor last night. Along their way they spotted what they believe was a basking shark. They'd sailed nearly the whole 27 hours since departing Jacksonville arriving just before dinner. Anna and Lauren served a supper of chicken quesadilla's. They were able to wire their ship TV such that they had reception and watched the Red Sox take the final best of 7 game for the World Series. They expect to stay in the Palm beach area long enough to watch the storm that is coming up from the Bahamas go by and the seas to settle down. |
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| 10-28-2007 Saturday morning was spent getting the boat ready and saying good-bye to Ms. Butler. Geronimo left Jacksonvilee late in the afternoon bound for sea and points south. |
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| 10-25-2007 Geronimo and her crew is in Jacksonville Fl. Today the students spent time doing laundry, catching up on studies and studying Math with St George's math instructor Julie Butler. Tomorrow, the crew and students will be headed to the Okeefenoke Swamp for a field trip. |
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10-23-2007
Yesterday was a terrific day of exploring Cumberland Island. The crew rented bikes and rode out to the Dungeoness Estate (an old, abandoned Carnegie mansion) and then on to the beach. Their trip back to the boat (about 3-4 miles) was through a deluge/ a fresh water shower for salty kids! Miss Butler successfully caught up with the boat in the afternoon. Last night Maddie served a big supper of rib eye steak, rice, corn and asparagus. The bunkroom was invaded by no see'ums in the night so they were a sleepy crew this morning. When they checked in at midday they were headed for Jacksonville, FL. |
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| 10-22-2007 Geronimo arrived at Cumberland Island GA yesterday morning after sailing from Savannah. They are docked at Greyfield Inn, one of the former Carnegie summer homes. The island has a large population of wild horses, armadillos and wonderful bird life as well as alligators. The crew will have a chance to explore the island today. |
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10-19-07
Geronimo made their way in to a dock in Savannah, GA last night at about 11:30. They are all in great spirits. They've slowed down to let some weather pass through. Once it's moved along they will get back on course for Fernandina Beach, FL. |
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10-17-2007
When Geronimo checked in at 8:30 this morning they were just getting under way for points south.
The students survived their PSAT exercise in the morning. Later in the day they went to the beach where they had class and then had some fun relaxing. They did some last minute grocery shopping and Lauren whipped up some taco's for supper last night. |
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| 10-16-2007 When Captain Dawson called in today he reported the crew had had a busy day in Charleston. They had study hall and a scavenger hunt that led them all over the city. This was followed by "Gym" and then the crew was going out to dinner in town. Tomorrow the students will get up early to go take their PSAT's.
Make sure to visit the "student journal" portion of this site to read Lauren O'Halloran's article about her impressions of GERONIMO and thoughts about her family, both on board and back at home. |
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10-15-2007
Geronimo sailed all the way into Charleston Harbor very early this morning. As they came in there also was a huge cruise ship entering which was an impressive experience for the crew. Now that they have had a number of days of working together on watches the groups are coming together and have their responsibilities on deck down so that they are very effective teams.
While underway, yesterday, they were followed by schools of both mahi mahi and remora (in the boat's shadow) but were not able to hook any fresh fish for supper. Word has it Anna had put together some delicious chili for supper on Saturday and yesterday, Nont made a great batch of fried rice and chicken. They've had great weather with fair breezes. Today the students were allowed to sleep late. They'd have a brunch late morning and then have time for studying and preparing for the PSAT which they will take on Wednesday. They are docked at the Charleston Maritime Center for the next two days. |
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10-13-2007
Geronimo moved to Cape Lookout Bight yesterday afternoon. The kids got ashore to explore the salt marsh and local area. They also had some quality study time. Thomas cooked up a yummy batch of pancakes for breakfast.
This morning, the Geronimo crew was treated to a delicious apple coffee cake served up by Nont for breakfast. They were preparing to set sail with fair/light breezes today. Their destination is Charleston, SC. During their stop in Charleston, the students will be taking their PSAT's as well as taking some time to explore the historic city.
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10-11-2007
location: Beaufort, N. Carolina
Geronimo arrived in Beaufort last night. They had sailed nearly the whole trip (since Block Island). But in the last 24 hours their wind died for part of the time (leading to their motoring) and then they had some pounding seas towards the last segment of this leg. Once in, they spent some time cleaning the boat AND their own bodies! They were excited to have real pizza for supper. They slept-in this morning but once up were going to spend a good part of the morning on a Geronimo version of "field day." On the boat a field day is an intense cleaning of the boat throughout. The rest of the day will likely be spent catching up on homework. Their weather is sunny and temperatures (despite a cold front having just come through) were in the 80's this morning. As they rounded the Cape they did spot a number of sea turtles. Also, they came close enough to the Gulf Stream that they were able to see the dramatic color difference in the water as well as temperature. They will be spending the next two days there in Beaufort- probably doing one or two field trips but primarily catching up on school work. |
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10-9-2007
position: 35 45 N / 75 00 W
course: 195 M
speed: 6 kts
When Geronimo checked in this morning they were just about 35 miles north of Cape Hatteras. Yesterday was a great day- favorable winds for nearly the whole 24 hours. They did not have to motor at all. They had a fish on the line for a brief moment but it managed to shake loose. They expect to spot their first land since departing Block Island! They'll likely be in the Cape Lookout area tomorrow when they check in. |
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10/8/2007GERONIMO left Block Island and pushed through the fog. The fog cleared just before midnight when the wind veered to the NW and GERONIMO was able to steer the rhumb line (straight line) for Cape Hatteras.
The students are getting their sea legs and getting used to the watch system. They have been divided into two working groups called watches - Tutti, Anna, Nont and Allie make up one watch and Maddie, Thomas and Lauren make up the other watch. The Captain reports all are in good spirits. |
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10-6-2007
The boat is now officially headed south. While in Great Salt Pond on Block Island, GERONIMO had the fun of docking near the sail training vessel BRILLIANT (out of Mystic, CT). BRILLIANT is captained by ex-GERONIMO mate, Hamilton Moore.
GERONIMO cast off this morning, sailed out Great Salt Pond and were beating their way south when the captain checked in at 10 am. Yesterday the crew had a rocky shore, intertidal zone class. Later in the day they explored the island, had ice cream and had what might be their last real shower in a few days. Last night they enjoyed a barbecue ashore. |
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10-5-2007
GERONIMO had a great sail across to Block Island. They encountered varying weather along the way including: light wind which lifted to a nice breeze and eventually some fog. They pulled into Great Salt Pond just in time for a great dinner put on by Thomas and Anna. They plan to set sail for points south in the next 24-48 hours. |
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10-4-2007
The Fall 07 trip is underway! The crew, consisting of Captain Mike Dawson, First Mate Paul Bostrum, 2nd Mate Rachel Bahm and students Tutti Davis, Maddie Carrellas, Thomas Growney, Nont Jiarthanakul, Allie Barrows, Lauren O' Halloran and Anna Schroeder, set sail yesterday afternoon. This year's fall trip has two students whose siblings have preceded them on GERONIMO. Nick Carrellas and Darcy O'Halloran are GERONIMO alumnae.
GERONIMO sailed up the bay to go around the north tip of Conanicut (Jamestown) Island. Enroute, the students all took the wheel to practice tacking. The crew also executed a man-overboard drill. They pulled into Dutch Harbor at supper time.
Maddie was in the galley. They had chicken soup for lunch and yummy fajitas for supper. After supper there was a final orientation session before bed. Today they plan to sail to Block Island.
Remember, if you would like to follow GERONIMO's voyage - click on "Where is GERONIMO".on this web page A satellite uplink system is installed on board and an updated position is posted every 5-7 hours. |
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| 10/2/2007 The Fall '07 crew have moved aboard Geronimo. Their first full day aboard involved a couple of sailing exercises. The new crew of students had multiple opportunities to take the wheel, to handle the lines that control the sails and practice jibes and tacks in Narragansett Bay. The school admission office had photographers join the boat for a photo shoot while under sail. The students will rotate on a pretty regular routine of galley duty. Yesterday was Thomas' day. He, with the help of Mr. Bostrom, served up a delicious dinner of mashed potatoes and roast pork. They crew continue with orientation exercises today. After some last minute boat work they hope to get underway late this afternoon and anchor in the bay.
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| 6/1/2007 GERONIMO is docked at Goat Island Marina in Newport preparing for her summer season. First Mate Rick Ramos and 2nd mate Rachel Bahm joined the vessel last week and will be working through the summer. If you would like to visit GERONIMO please call 401-935-9486. |
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5/19/2007With the completion of the Spring Trip, GERONIMO is docked at Goat Island Marina getting ready for Alumnae Weekend. The boat will be hosting an Open House on May 19th from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM for St George's Alums.
GERONIMO will remain at Goat Island doing maintenance and preparing for her summer season until June 11. If you are interested in a tour of GERONIMO, please call 401-935-9486. |
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| 5/12/2007 Last night's weather was foggy and wet so the crew opted to go to the Mexican restaurant called "Loca" in Newport. They were joined by all of the various adults who had spent parts of this trip on Geronimo: Mr. Elias, Miss Haddock, Mr. Beebe-Center and Mr.Dawson. The kids had some homework to wrap up before their return to campus today so the end of the evening was focused on their books. This morning they were all cleaning and polishing (as well as packing) in preparation for their open house at 12:30. The boarding students will be returning to their dorms tonight. |
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5/11/2007Geronimo slipped into Newport Harbor last night after motoring through three days of fog. They got up to a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, bagels and bacon, served by Eleanor. Their main order of business this morning was to work with the Coast Guard as the officers put the staff and kids through their paces. They took the boat out into the bay to do a man-overboard drill. The Coast Guard officers also talked them through a firedrill (rather than making them actually do the drill.) The kids helped with the inspection of the boat's PFD's and survival suits. The Coast Guard felt Geronimo did an excellent job overall!
This afternoon the whole crew will do an extra thorough "field day" on the boat. With showers in the forecast, rather than the traditional barbecue the crew will all go out for a final, celebratory supper together. Tonight will be set aside for study time and catch up on lost sleep. |
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5/10/2007position: 40°45.5' N x 72°08.2' W course: 055° PSC speed: 6.8 knots
Geronimo's not so very far from home port this morning. They're powering their way through pea soup fog. Hopefully by this afternoon the visibility will have lifted and they'll be warmed up. They will be in port sometime this evening. Due to heavy offshore weather, Geronimo is arriving in Newport later than expected.
The crew has a great deal of work to do to complete the program, get the boat clean and ready for the USCG Inspection tomorrow. In addition they also need to do homework, get ready for the Marine Science Final and steal some fun time to enjoy each others company their last 36 hrs together before the program ends.
They are looking forward to parents visiting the vessel on Saturday at 1300 at Goat Island Marina in Newport to tour the boat and appreciate their understanding for not stopping by the boat before then. |
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5/9/2007Position: 38°52.4'N x 75°04.6' W
Course: 175° PSC but this will change soon as they leave the Delaware River Speed: 8.8 knots
The Geronimo crew had a quiet night. They managed to get into the C+D Canal just in time to avoid a closing due to fog. The canal closed soon after they entered but those in the canal were allowed to continue through. If caught by the closing it would have delayed them by about 8 hours. All was quiet as they motored towards the mouth of the river at 8 am this morning. |
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5/8/2007Position: 38°24.8'N x 76°19.7' W Course: 000° PSC Speed: 7 knots
After a big supper of pasta primavera the Geronimo crew hauled back the anchor and headed north. They sailed through the night (chilly temperatures - in the 40's) and were off of Cove Point when they checked in at 11:20 this morning. They were motoring straight into the wind which they hope will shift to easterly so they can use their sails later today. They'll move through the C+D Canal and down the Delaware River tonight. Once at the mouth of the river they'll see how the seas lie and make the decision whether to wait part of the day(to let the seas settle some) or to venture back out onto the ocean and head for Newport. |
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5/7/2007Although the weather last night did call for an anchor watch, the crew are all feeling much rested after their previous 48 hours of challenging seas. They had a great supper of chicken curry (complements of Alex.) The evening's entertainment was "mandatory fun" which translated was a game of "Take Two" which is a variation of scrabble that all 11 aboard could play together around the table in the salon. This morning Margaret started the day for all with creamy grits, sausage and homemade blueberry muffins. They plan to stay at anchor until about 3:00 this afternoon. They have had some good quality time for catching up on their studies. This morning they are working on some boat maintenance. Some have worked on downloading chart corrections from online or checking any and all places that might leak in the hull of the boat. They have a routine exercise of working those (through-holes) to make sure all is snug. Their plan, as they set sail this afternoon, is to sail up the bay, go out the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, down the Delaware River and then point their nose north for New England. |
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5/6/2007Geronimo is safe and sound - tucked in at anchor in the Chesapeake Bay. They are anchored off of Beach Channel which is on the eastern shore of the bay and near Cape Charles. They motored in and set their hook early this morning- 3:30. Having set the hook they then prepared the boat for weather which means they did such chores as spirally wrapping the sails and added extra lashings to the lines on deck. All were in bed by 5:00 am. When they called to check in (11:30) they were in the midst of a huge brunch prepared by the captain and Alex. Included were home fries, scrambled eggs, sauteed honey ham, Spam, cornbread and fresh, Florida grapefruit. The plan for today is to stay hunkered down while the high and low pressures that are combining off shore (with stiff winds and high seas) blow out to sea. They will work on some boat maintenance, their studies and games later this afternoon. |
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| 5/5/2007 Position: 34 56.5 N x 75 42.1 W
Course: 060 PSC
speed: 9 knots under power & sail
Geronimo was 20 miles off of Cape Hatteras when they checked in this morning. The seas are lumpy but the weather is fine. The plan is to round the Cape and then head into the Chesapeake Bay later today. There is a weather system headed towards the east coast so they are going to hunker down in the bay until it passes. All are fine. They had a pod of spotted dolphin leaping and cavorting alongside the boat yesterday to everyone's delight. Their meals today are all Mexican in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. |
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5/3/2007Position: 31 26 N x 79 09 W
Course: 052 PSC
Speed: 11.4 knots
Looking at the forecast, the decision was made yesterday afternoon that Geronimo's departure time should be moved up. There is a front coming along and last night's departure would allow for the best weather conditions for the rounding of Cape Hatteras. Mr. Elias departed and spent the night in a motel. He'll fly back to RI today. The boat sailed away from Cumberland Island at approximately 6 pm. The students had had 4 hours ashore in the afternoon and had a wonderful time exploring, fishing or biking the island. They had a great sail until about 3 am today when the wind completely died. Their speed this morning is partially due to the fact that they are being carried along by the Gulf Stream. They had flying fish but did not catch any edible fish last night. The setting of a full moon at the same time that the sun rose to a clear day was spectacular this morning. Clay's watch fixed up a great breakfast of blueberry muffins, oatmeal and fresh strawberries. |
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5/2/2007Yesterday was a great day of touring Cumberland Island. Larry Phillips picked up everyone in his pick up truck and took them on a 3.4 hour tour of the island. The tide was so low that they were able to drive to the north end of the island where there's a fresh water lake. All along their tour they saw wildlife including 3 raccoons, 3 alligators, 7 armadillos and a bald eagle. They saw many of the indigenous wild horses and many, very young foals. Drew cooked up a big pot of spaghetti for supper. This morning Hannah is in the galley and made a fresh, big coffee cake for breakfast. The plan is to barbecue tonight and head north in the morning. |
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5/1/2007Yesterday was a terrifically busy day for the Geronimo crew. Once they had cleared customs they got down to "business." Having not had access to lots of fresh water for a while, a huge field day was in order yesterday morning. The boat got her first fresh water bath since they left Fajardo. Some went shopping to load in enough food to feed a hungry crew for the next two weeks. Others did three weeks' worth of laundry. Once all the clean up and stowing of food had finished the crew went ashore for supper. The students enjoyed a huge dinner at a local Italian restaurant. Today, Drew is in the galley and served eggs and homemade biscuits for breakfast. They were going to fuel up and then move over to Cumberland Island this morning. This afternoon, friend of the program - Larry Phillips will pick the kids up in his truck and take them on a tour of the beautiful, Cumberland Island. The weather has been chilly in the evenings (in the 60's) and then sunny and in the 70's during the day. |
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4/30/2007The spring crew had a relatively uneventful sail across from the Bahamas to Florida. The wind did change to a northerly direction so that waves lumped up overnight, giving the crew a very small reminder that the ocean is not always as docile as they've experienced recently. As they approached the mainland they saw smoke for miles and miles. They settled in on the hook last night and then had a late supper. Anticipating customs this morning, their supper was a huge feast of all the veggies and fruits they had on board. As they sailed yesterday they had more inter-watch matches. The competitions were setting the staysail and donning their survival suits. The "Chelonia Rastas" (this is the name, made up by watch members: Hannah, Drew and Vianca) were the winners. They awoke this morning to gray skies (despite the sunny day) and ash on deck. Clearly the fires in Georgia are effecting a broader area than simply that which has been burning! They were alongside this morning to clear customs and load on fresh water. The kids will have some free time ashore this afternoon. They are gearing up to make the short trip across the Florida-Georgia border to Cumberland Island National Seashore. |
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4/29/2007Position: 30 20 N / 80 36 W
Course: 305PSC
speed: 7.5 knots
When Geronimo checked in on Sunday at 2:30 pm they were motoring. They were approximately 48 miles from Fernandina Beach. They expected to arrive and settle in at anchor by 10 pm. They'll move alongside the dock on Monday morning to clear customs. They've had a mostly pleasant sail across from the Bahamas but it's been punctuated with long monotonous motoring sessions. They'll be glad to get to Fernandina Beach! |
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4/27/2007Position: 26 16.1 N x 76 14.9 W
Course: 345 PSC
Speed: 7 knots under power
Last night was a glorious sail under a beautiful half moon. They had a lovely breeze and were moving along at about 8-9 knots until about 6 am when they dropped down to about 4-5 knots. By noon the wind had died and they'd struck the sails to power up. All was fine. They've already made 125 miles of the 550 mile passage. |
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| 4/26/2007 The Spring '07 Geronimo crew have officially hauled back the anchor for their last time in the Bahamian islands and pointed the boat's nose north. They hoped to be under sail, at least for the first 36 hours of their passage to the US. The forecast looks like they'll have some flat calm between here and there after their initially fair wind. Yesterday the students did their marine science oral reports. They had a broad range of topics which included, Bahamian economy, the reproductive strategies of bony fish and pirates and privateers. The annual "Family Regatta" event is going on in George Town this week. The harbor is filled with activity including the beautiful Bahamian sloops coming and going. The students had a chance to join the festivities ashore yesterday afternoon. Great music and island food. Today Eleanor was in the galley. She served some terrific crepes on which the crew slathered a whole, huge jar of nutella. |
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4/25/2007Geronimo had a nice sail across from Conception to George Town yesterday. They did some drills along the way and then everyone got into the water once they were settled at anchor. They had a marine science class on turtles. Margaret was in the galley and served a wonderful lamb dinner with "lots of fixings." Stevie Connett, former skipper/original developer of the Geronimo Program at SG, contacted the boat yesterday. He has been surveying turtle populations on Long Island and expected to be in George Town today. Hopefully he'll catch up with the boat. Clay is in the galley this morning and made tasty homemade muffins as well as hash for breakfast. The kids are doing their marine science oral reports. They'll have some time ashore and then go turtling this afternoon (depending on the wind which has been gusty this morning.) They plan to clear customs tomorrow in preparation to head north. |
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4/24/2007The somewhat changeable weather we are seeing here in New England is also the trend in the Bahamas this spring. The Geronimo crew did go into the creek on Conception Island yesterday afternoon. As the day progressed they had rain, sun, overcast, sun, rain... Tough conditions to spot and successfully swim after turtles. The students did an excellent job of both spotting and swimming and successfully caught, measured and tagged 7 green turtles. All of the turtles they saw or caught were new (no previously tagged turtles despite Geronimo's having regularly researched that area.)
Today they were hauling back at about 0900 and setting sail for George Town, Exuma. It's a 37 mile passage. They hope the weather will permit more turtling tomorrow. They plan,at this point, to set sail to head for the US on the 26th. |
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| 4/23/2007 Geronimo arrived at Conception Island at about 5:30 yesterday evening in rain and squalls. Their plan is to do some turtling on the island (which is a protected national park area and contains prime habitat for the green turtles). Tomorrow morning they will head across to Long Island. |
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4/22/2007position: 2418 N / 7531 W
Geronimo had just barely sailed off the hook at Fernandez Bay when they called to check in at about 10 am. They were 4 miles into their 45-mile passage to Conception Island. Yesterday the students had breakfast ashore at the Fernandez Bay Villas and then were given the morning to explore the beach or relax in hammocks under the palm trees. They had an afternoon class, then some time to snorkel the rocks nearby. Later they spent some time studying and some working with Mr. Elias on their math. This morning they had 85-degree weather with sunny skies and a light 10-15 knot breeze for their sail to Conception. |
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4/21/2007Last night Geronimo arrived at Fernandez Bay. The kids went to the Hermitage in New Bight and climbed up Mt. Elvernia to see Father Jerome's monastic home. Later that day they motored to Fernandez Bay. Having spent the night rebuilding the clew on the jib, they bent it back on in Fernandez Bay. Mr. Elias has been holding math tutoring sessions and has been a great help to the students. The kids had a marine science test yesterday as well. Then there was some small boat cleaning and polishing and a scrubbing on GERONIMO's water line because she was developing an algae petticoat. |
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4/20/2007The weather was great but part way across (from Long Island to Cat Island) the clew of the jib (the part that holds the bottom of the sail to the bow of the boat) tore out. So, they struck the jib. They should have the sail rebuilt by this afternoon. Mr. Elias flew into Cat Island's airport yesterday and had a cab drop him off on a beach at the southern end of the island. Geronimo came along a half hour later and scooped him up. This morning the kids went ashore and hiked up to The Hermitage built by a monk by the name of Father Jerome. Later this morning they planned to move north along the west coast of the island to anchor off of Fernandez Bay Resort/Villas. If the tide allows they hoped to do some turtling in that area this afternoon. |
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| 4/19/2007 The Geronimo crew had a flat ride across from Elizabeth Harbor to Calabash Bay on Long Island yesterday. The wind never rose above 1.7 knots. Once there the crew were able to do a terrific snorkel on nearby reefs. They spotted a number of squid and the coral was beautiful. Once back on the boat the students all spent time drawing and identifying the corals and fish they'd seen. Clay was in the galley last night and cooked a scrumptious chicken sauce. Today the weather is beautiful -- high, thin clouds but mostly sunny. They will sail across (the wind is 10-15 today) to Cat Island. SG faculty member, Mr. Elias, has flown down today and will meet up with the boat in New Bight. The plan is that he will take a cab from the tiny local airport to the beach in New Bight. He'll wait on the beach until the boat's arrival and they can get the small boat in to the beach to pick him up. He'll be there as a tutor for the next few days, will sail across to Florida with them and then fly back to the hilltop. |
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4/18/2007The Bahamian weather was nice enough that the crew's choice yesterday was to snorkel a reef nearby in Elizabeth Harbor. Later in the afternoon the whole crew went to the Chat n' Chill for supper. This restaurant is a favorite given its beach location as well as the beach volleyball nets set up beside the restaurant. They had a rousing game of volleyball and a delicious Bahamian supper. Later in the evening the kids settled in to watch a movie on board the boat. This morning they are getting ready to set sail for Long Island. Margaret is in charge of the crew--being sure that the deck is carefully stowed and the main sail is ready to hoist. They planned to depart by about 10 am. They are having fun, along their sails, testing their boat knowledge. The watches are competing in a "watch olympics." Once per week, at least, they have some sort of boat-related competition. Today the plan is for a "line chase" (a "rope" on the boat will be named and the contestants will race to that "rope's" location, point it out and name is function) and a knots tying contest. The winning watch, accumulating wins along the trip, will be treated to an ice cream extravaganza when they get back to Newport. |
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4/17/2007Yesterday life on Geronimo included a number of different activities. They cleared customs and did a major grocery trip bringing back tons of fresh vegetables and fruit. They also picked up the whaler (which is stored in George Town when Geronimo goes to Puerto Rico or comes north). The kids had a study hall in which they caught up on loose ends. They had a swim as well as some time ashore. Alex and Vianca stayed on board and did not get to make phone calls so will therefore have access to the ship's phone to call home today. Last night Clay crafted an impressive 4-layer checkerboard cake. Because it wasn't actually finished until 9:30 pm, the crew were treated to cake with breakfast (as well as Margaret's French toast). Today they planned, depending on the weather, either to snorkel or go on a hike up a nearby hill to a monument and then across the narrow island to the ocean. Tonight they'll go to the beach restaurant Chat 'n Chill for supper. Mr. Dawson's leg of the voyage ended today with his flying out early this morning. The SG campus looks forward to his joining the faculty ashore in the next week. |
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4/16/2007Yesterday on Geronimo was a major field day. There was much that needed cleaning after the boat's long time at sea. The kids got into the water for a swim late in the day and Vianca fixed a luscious dinner. The students did their first night of anchor watch. With anchor watch schedule each student takes an hour to be on deck, watching to see that they do not drag anchor. Interestingly the crew in general enjoyed the chance to have a whole hour when they were completely alone on deck. Alone is not a condition that happens often on a boat! The cold front did come through their area at about 6 this morning. This morning the crew had a sleep-in and breakfast at 9 am. Alex is in the galley. Because it is blowing hard (poor conditions for doing anything on or in the water) and because the students got behind on their schoolwork while sailing from Puerto Rico, the bulk of the day will be spent catching up on schoolwork. They will have a marine science lecture this morning. The skipper will go ashore when the wind has moderated somewhat to clear customs and then the kids will be given some time later this afternoon to go ashore and make phone calls. |
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4/15/2007Geronimo had a nice last day of their passage from Puerto Rico to the Bahamas. The wind piped up to its highest last night which was about 18 knots. It was an excellent wind to practice in for their next big passage up the east coast. They passed through more "herds" of mahi mahi, and Bermuda long tails and flying fish are becoming "old news." They did one last drill (man overboard) to keep everyone on their toes, and then they made their way into George Town, Great Exuma. They dropped anchor in Elizabeth Harbor and are tucked in to weather the frontal system that is hitting the whole east coast. It was still sunny there but they expected some southeasterly winds by tomorrow. They're safely set to see this system pass by! |
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4/14/2007position: 2310.9 N / 7332 W
course: 300 mag
speed: 5 knots under sail
At 9:30 this morning Geronimo was just 123 miles out of George Town, Exuma. They were under sail again. Yesterday included an amazing experience as they passed through what the skipper described as two "herds" of mahi mahi! The fish were leaping out of the air at the boat's lures. They caught and kept 2 out of the herds - one of which was about 4 feet long and another that was 3. They'll be living on fresh fish for the next couple of days! There continue to be many tropical birds and flying fish accompanying them. Part way through the day they stopped for a "swim call." The crew all got into the water to refresh -- water that was 10,000 feet deep! They will be in George Town sometime tomorrow. |
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4/13/2007position: 2214.17 N / 7159.6 W
course: 315 magnetic
speed: 7 knots under power
The wind has settled into a flat calm day so they've taken down the sails and Geronimo is powering along. They saw a humpback whale yesterday off of Silver Bank. They've also had many Bermuda long tails flying alongside and many flying fish. All's well. |
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4/12/2007position: 2049.2 N / 6927.8 W
course: 300 mag
speed: 7.5 knots
Geronimo left a very short message having checked in through the offshore marine operator. They were under sail having sailed through nearly the whole night (just one hour under power in the middle of the night). The crew are doing well. They were just abeam of Silver Bank when they checked in this morning. |
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4/11/2007Position: 1951.2 N / 6709.7 W
Course: 305 magnetic
speed: 5.3 knots
Geronimo cast off at 9:30 yesterday. Barely fifteen minutes after getting underway the wind filled in and they set sail. They've been on a broad reach and varied in speed between 7-3 knots. The earlier part of the day had a fuller wind, yesterday. They passed over the Puerto Rican Trench last night which is 8,000 meters deep! They've had many flying fish accompanying them. They caught a mahi mahi yesterday which meant fresh fish for supper. Also accompanying them have been many brown boobies and terns. They have no ETA in the Bahamas right now, given how variable the wind has been so far. |
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| 4/10/2007 The weather is sunny and nearly windless on Geronimo this morning. They plan to cast off for the Bahamas by 9:30 this morning. At least the first part of the voyage will be under power. Mr. Mike Dawson, who is a candidate for our second captain position, joined the boat yesterday and will make the trip across to George Town, Great Exuma with the crew. Hannah was in the galley this morning and served a stack of yummy pancakes. The deckhand positions have been filled. The students chosen to take these two places are the ones who have proven steady and ready to step up under pressure. The students are divided into two watches and one deckhand leads each watch. The kids chosen are Drew Miller and Margaret Hawkins. |
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4/9/2007The spring crew are all STILL glowing from the amazing snorkel adventure they had yesterday! Once they got underway they settled into a great sail training exercise. It was their first day that they had light enough winds that they could put up the whole main sail (without and reefs.) They had the wind on the nose all day so they had great practice in tacking. They spent the night in Encinada Honda. Today they will be preparing for their 700-mile passage to the Bahamas. This morning was a "field day" (translate that to "a very thorough cleaning above and below decks"). The students are all caught up on their work so this afternoon they are being given time to go ashore and call home as well as explore the area a little. They will clear customs this afternoon. |
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4/8/2007When the boat checked in today they were anchored in Bahia Tamarindo which is on the west side of Culebra. As they sailed to this location they did a number of drills including man overboard, abandon ship and some tacking and jibing exercises. They had a nice swim at the end of the day. They spent three hours in the water seeing amazing coral reefs. They saw an oscar fish and a green turtle. There were more kinds of fish than can be listed here. At one point they came across circles of chicken wire that had staghorn and elkhorn coral tied to it- apparently someone's attempt to support growth of two endangered coral species. There were thousands of sea urchins and tons of different kinds of sponges as well. They colored Easter eggs last night. This morning the staff hid the eggs as well as delivered Easter baskets they'd made last night for the crew. They were having a late lunch of deviled eggs when the skipper called in at 2 today. They'll move to Encinada Honda tomorrow to pick up Mr. Dawson and to clear customs. |
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4/7/2007Friday the crew had a navigation lecture in which they learned how to plot a course and then a marine science lecture on mangroves. They followed that lecture up with a snorkel in a nearby mangrove area. They saw lots of baby fish tucked into little nooks in the roots, some damsel fish and some feathery tube worms. They also came upon a wreck of a 25-foot sailboat that had obviously been there for quite a while and was heavily encrusted with coral and growth. By the end of the day they moved the boat to the other side of their anchorage. That night they hiked up a long hill to a restaurant owned by an SG alum, Jennifer Daubon '98, and her husband, called "Juanita Banana." On the way back they stopped for some ice cream. Today they have a marine science quiz. Later in the day they will move to another anchorage. |
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4/6/2007The Geronimo had a glorious sail across to Encinada Honda on the island of Culebra. They were sailing into the wind the whole way so the students learned about sailing close hauled. All of the students took the helm so all have had a dose of steering undersail. They caught a tuna along the way. They arrived and were at anchor by about 4- in time for a quick swim. Margaret is in the galley today. She put together homemade sticky buns for breakfast this morning. They are anchored near mangroves so they will do a mangrove snorkel later this morning. It's a gorgeous sunny day on Culebra! Easter is a very big holiday in Culebra and there are lots of boats around them in the harbor. |
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4/5/2007Yesterday the crew had a perfect shakedown sail. The wind was just 10-15 knots and the seas were calm. The students learned to tack and to reef the sails. They set up watches so that they were learning these drills as a smaller watch team rather than as the larger crowd. They returned to anchor and Vianca served up a pizza lunch. After lunch they all went ashore. The students went to interview local residents who had been on the island during the US occupation to get some sense of the effect the military had on the island and what's different now that they are gone. The whole group met at a restaurant called "Bananas" for supper. It was close to 8:45 as they went back to Geronimo. The eagle rays continued to leap from the water as they motored out to Geronimo and the moon was lovely. There was fantastic bioluminescence in the water last night as well. |
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4/4/2007The Geronimo crew had an amazing day in the natural world yesterday. Business first: Hannah was in the galley. After breakfast and morning chores the students had a two-hour study hall. They then were issued their snorkels and had their swim and snorkel test in the water by the boat. They had an early lunch right in the cockpit so they could stay in their bathing suits. After some time to digest they all got into the Avon and went to a nearby cay to snorkel around its periphery. The list of what they saw goes on and on... There were eagle rays around them and leaping out of the water. They swam for a long time with a school of squid that were changing color as they passed over various colored surfaces and instantly changing direction to swim forward and backwards. They saw the biggest crab ever sighted. As they got to the ocean side of the cay they came across thousands of big yellow, green and purple sea fans waving in the underwater currents. As a final piece to their spectacular first snorkel, they spotted a giant hawksbill turtle. They had a late dinner after showering and cleaning up and all were ready for bed early last night. Today Vianca is in the galley. They plan to do a day sail and get more practice with tacking the boat. They will have a navigation class and another snorkeling adventure this afternoon. |
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4/3/2007Yesterday's sail was a lively romp, down wind, from Fajardo to Vieques. They were traveling with a double reef in the main and the jib. They jibed a couple of times along the way and then tacked their way into the harbor. The seas were large enough (3-4 feet) that no one felt like eating along the way, so Drew (who was in the galley yesterday) fixed a huge supper of spaghetti last night. They are in the harbor of Esperanza on Vieques. Late in the afternoon they had their first swim. Today they were to spend some time on their first snorkeling outing. |
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4/2/2007Yesterday afternoon the spring crew spent some time learning to work the pumps on Geronimo. They did more work familiarizing themselves with working the lines under stress as well as throwing the life rings in the water in man-overboard drills. Later in the afternoon they had some time to go to town. Last night Eleanor made peanut butter cookies for the group to munch on while watching the safety film on life rafts. This morning they were preparing to get underway, hopefully by midday. |
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4/1/2007The spring '07 crew are rapidly settling into life on the boat. Yesterday Clay was the crew member in the galley and she served up chicken fajitas for supper. They'd had a full day of drills (fire, abandon ship and man overboard). They practiced putting on immersion suits and their PFDs. They learned three knots: a clove, a round turn (double half hitch) and a bowline. They were introduced to the sheets and halyards. Alex Layton amazed the crew by figuring out the ringing system of a ship's bell (that often takes a new crew member up to four days to figure out.) Vianca is the "knot queen." Eleanor was in the galley today. She served French toast and lots of fresh fruit for breakfast. They were learning how to take weather notes in the ship's log this morning (observing the wind, clouds and seas). Today was to be their first chance to spend some time on schoolwork, having been busy with orientation until now. Their marine science class included a discussion of handling lines under stress as well as some Puerto Rican history. The seas were rough enough that the skipper has delayed their departure for Vieques. |
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| 3/31/2007 The Spring '07 crew made it to Puerto Rico without a hitch yesterday. They'd arrived and unpacked by late afternoon. Each trip one of the first exercises is to choose bunks. This year they had a fastest bowline (knot) contest. Five of the seven were able to make a knot. The other two did a rock paper scissors game. By suppertime they were all pitching in to make supper. They had an orientation session after supper and then were sound asleep by 10pm. This morning they will have more orientation as well as safety drills. They'll likely move along the coast to Vieques sometime tomorrow.
Each of the kids will be calling their parents sometime this morning to check in and just let them know all's well. |
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3/28/2007Geronimo is docked in Fajardo, Puerto Rico at Puerto Del Rey Marina preparing for the upcoming Spring trip. The professional crew, Captain Deborah Hayes, First Mate Brian Barnes and 2nd Mate Nathaniel Deknatel, are busy doing safety inspections, inventories of food stores and maintenance equipment, as well as cleaning and polishing Geronimo. The seven Spring Crew members, all fourth formers (Vianca Masucci, Clay Davis, Margaret Hawkins, Alex Layton, Drew Miller, Hannah McQuilkin and Eleanor Smith), will fly down to Puerto Rico on Friday and should be on board by late afternoon.
The plan once they arrive is to visit the islands of Vieques and Culebra before sailing north to the Bahamas. |
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3/11/2007The winter students have left GERONIMO and flown home for Spring Break and the Spanish Immersion Trip has begun. Faculty members Catherine Rodero and Anthony Perry joined the boat on Thursday to confer with Captain Beebe-Center regarding fieldtrips and the cruise track for the trip. The students arrived the next day.
The boat sailed to Culebra the following day to meet up with St. Geroge's alum, Jennifer Daubin who is hosting them on Culebra.
The plan is to sail from Culebra to Vieques, visit the bioluminescent Bay there and then end the trip in Fajardo. The trip will also include a field trip to Old San Juan where the students will explore the city and the forts there. |
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3/5/2007This is the Winter '07 crew's last full day aboard Geronimo. They spent yesterday doing a super-duper field day/clean-up job on the boat. They nearly tore the boat apart and put her back together - all sparkling and clean. Today they were to have their marine science final exam. They'll have some time to finish up on some school work as well, but this afternoon they look forward to their last trip to the beach as a group. Tomorrow Mr. Herzog will join the crew at 7:30 in their van ride to the airport as they disperse to each's spring break destinations. |
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3/3/2007Saturday aboard Geronimo began with Paige's cooking up a batch of pancakes from scratch. (The crew have launched an anti-all-things-Bisquik revolt and are pressing into new horizons.) They are docked in Fajardo.
Today the group was going to load into rented vans and go on a trip into a nearby rainforest where there is purported to be an exotic waterfall. They'll hike through the forest to the falls, enjoy a picnic and swim and eventually make their way back to the boat late this afternoon. |
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3/2/2007Yesterday's events aboard Geronimo included a particularly scenic circumnavigation of 3/4's of the island of Culebra. Along their way they spotted many large green turtles. They made their way to a lovely bay called Tamarind Bay. There they went for a snorkel on a reef. The most notable creatures spotted were two big nurse sharks. This morning Leslie prepared a breakfast of eggs, sausage and cereal. They were preparing to set sail with their destination being Puerto del Ray which is near the town of Fajardo. They should arrive by early afternoon, today. |
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3/1/2007The students were taking their last Marine Science quiz when the skipper checked in this morning. Charlie had cooked up a tasty breakfast of coffee cake and French toast (plus fresh tropical fruit!) Once the crew finished up their test the plan was to get underway for the west side of Culebra. It was uncertain whether they would drop anchor at Cayo Luis Real or Cayo Luis Penia. |
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2/28/2007Geronimo checked in early today as they had a busy day ahead of them. They started early with a snorkel in local mangroves. Megan served a great grits and eggs breakfast. The rest of the day was to be spent on a day sail. Anna was chosen to be captain of the day. Anna chose Bennett as first mate, Paige as second and Charlie as navigator. Megan was in the galley and Leslie and Hannah were deckhands. The new crew instated, their plan was to sail off the anchor and out for the rest of the day.
The captain called in later to add that during the daysail,they tacked a few times, jibed once and put up and took down sails all under student power and leadership. Mr. Beebe-Center brought the boat back in over the reef and they were back at anchor for study time by afternoon. |
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| 2/27/2007 The GERONIMO crew is taking a day off today. The crew spent time this morning cleaning the boat and then were run ashore in the inflatible so they can explore the island. |
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2/26/2007This morning began with Bennett in the galley. After morning cleanup the students were to have a marine science class. They planned to meet up with SG alum, Jen Daubon, by midmorning. Jennifer offered to take the group on a tour of the island in her truck. Later in the afternoon they would return for some study time. Then, at supper time, they planned to go to Jennifer's resort for a truly Puerto Rican supper.
Having had a busy last few days, the plan tomorrow is for the crew to do a big clean up in the morning and then to have some free time ashore. |
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2/25/2007The Winter '07 crew have had a terrific weekend of marine treats! Friday night the crew made their way to Mosquito Bay as they knew that area is famous for its bioluminescence. They had a fantastic experience with perfect weather. Having been up late Friday, they had a bit of a sleep-in on Saturday. They also had some time to catch up on their school studies.
Sunday morning surprised the crew with another marine treat. It was a quiet morning at anchor when Mr. Barnes noticed dolphins off their bow. He alerted the rest of the crew and all donned bathing suits, hoping to at least get a glimpse of the dolphins in the water. It turned out that the male, female and adolescent dolphin were all quite curious and rather than darting away, actually spent about an hour swimming with the crew. They managed to get some video as well as some pictures. It was a most unusual opportunity. The skipper, in his 25 years on ships, has never had such a long and close encounter with these extraordinary creatures! Breakfast was a little delayed. The dolphins eventually departed and Hannah organized a great breakfast of steak and eggs. The plan is to haul back the anchor midday today and to head for Encinada Honda on Culebra. Jen Daubon, SG alum, owns and runs a resort in Culebra. The Geronimo crew look forward to visiting with our Culebran connection! |
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2/23/2007Geronimo's path took a detour yesterday. Rather than sail directly to Esperanza they chose to stop at Coffin Island to take some time to get in the water and do some snorkeling. Apparently they discovered the area had recently experienced some weather and was showing signs of wave wear. They continued on through the night to arrive in Esperanza on Vieques this morning at about 7 am. They had a bit of a sleep-in to recover from their offshore travel this morning. They got up and all went for a swim before breakfast. Leslie is in the galley today. Her chore this morning is to clear out the refrigerator of all the leftovers so breakfast will be quite a mix of things. The weather is beautiful. Geronimo will likely stay in Esperanza for 3 nights. |
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2/21/2007Geronimo checked in bright and early this morning. Megan had cooked up a delightful breakfast of French toast and sausage accompanied by some fresh papaya. The kids were involved in a serious "field day" [cleaning] this morning. They were going to have some study time and then would have a culturally-based scavenger hunt in Ponce (in the Plaza las Delicias). Tomorrow they will move further along the Puerto Rican coast. |
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| 2/20/2007 The crew hauled back the anchor early this morning (before breakfast) this morning and moved into Ponce, Puerto Rico. They were at anchor again by 9 am. The students were all to take their mid-session marine science exam. Then, later today they will move the boat in dockside at the Ponce Yacht and Sailing Club. They'll take on fuel, do a major cleaning after their passage and stay at the dock to ride out a weather system that's passing through. |
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2/19/2007When GERONIMO called in today, they were anchored in Guanica, PR. (see note below on Guanica) On the way there, the crew had sailed through a large pod of Sperm Whales AND Humpbacks. The crew was very excited to see this large gathering of megafauna!!
The trip from the Bahamas which took about 4 1/2 days, was a mixture of great sailing and some motoring when the wind died out.
This afternoon, they are taking a Marine Science Test then getting a good night sleep before moving 15 miles to Ponce tomorrow. The plan is to stay in Ponce for two days and then move on to the island of Vieques.
"Guánica is known as "El Pueblo de las Doce Calles" (the town of the twelve streets). Guánica was founded in 1508. Guánica derives its name from the Taíno Indian term, which means "here is a place with water".
Guánica is the place where most historians concur Christopher Columbus landed during his second voyage to the New World in 1493, and later in 1898 became the site where General Miles and the U.S. troops landed to take Puerto Rico from the Spanish, during the Spanish-American War.
Guánica is located in southern coast, bordering the Caribbean Sea, south of Sabana Grande, east of Lajas, and west of Yauco. Its only river is Loco River, which rises in Yauco and flows into Guánica by the northeast and ends at the Guánica Bay. " welcome.to puertorico.org |
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2/17/200721 56 N X 70 25 W course: 135 mag speed: 7.5 knots The Geronimo crew are enjoying a spectacular window of weather as they make their passage to Puerto Rico. They had a glorious sail yesterday. Midday they actually hooked a swordfish. They hauled it up to the boat but were unable to get a gaff into it's gills and it flipped off the hook. Instead they then successfully caught 2 Mahi Mahi so last night's supper was a feast of fresh fish! They were just about 45 miles east, northeast of Grand Turk Island when they checked in at 9 am. Looking ahead at the weather they are dodging a frontal system forecast for Monday night. It looks like they will make a direct line for Puerto Rico and be safely at anchor before the weather turns wet. |
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| 2/15/2007 The Geronimo crew cleared customs yesterday afternoon. They then moved to the Emerald Bay Resort to fuel up before pointing their nose south and east for Puerto Rico. The students luxuriated in their last real shower. Anna was in the galley today and served up great banana pancakes and heaps of bacon. The forecast is for great westerly winds which ought to push Geronimo comfortably along towards Puerto Rico. |
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2/14/2007The Geronimo crew awoke this morning to find the Valentine Bunny had delivered chocolate treats in the night. Paige is in the galley today and cooked up a great biscuits and gravy breakfast.
The plan for turtling yesterday got rained out. Instead, the students had four hours to do as they pleased ashore. At suppertime they all climbed into the smaller boats and popped over to the beach restaurant, "Chat 'n Chill," where they had fish fritters or ribs for supper. While waiting for supper they had a rousing game of volleyball on the beach. Great evening! |
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2/13/2007Geronimo moved across to GeorgeTown, Great Exuma yesterday. They got there in time to be settled in before a cold front came through last night. It rained constantly from midnight until sunrise this morning. It was clearing when the skipper checked in with school. Leslie had made a delicious batch of grits (heaped with butter) and sausage for breakfast. The students were studying this morning. They will take their second marine science test this afternoon and then, depending on the tides, go to search a neighboring bay for turtles. They will stay in GeorgeTown for the next two nights. |
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2/12/2007After a perfect Bahamian breakfast ashore at the Fernandez Bay Resort on Sunday, the boat hauled anchor and headed south. There was no wind so they motored their way down to the northern tip of Long Island. They anchored off of Galliot Cay. This morning, puffy clouds, blue sky, gentle southeasterly breeze... Charlie served a breakfast of corn muffins, eggs and sausage. After cleanup they will get into the small boats and head out to snorkel on a nearby reef. Later today, after the breeze freshens, they will set sail for George Town, Exuma. |
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Fresh water rinse! Feb. 19, 2009
Kelty was the JWO, today, who sailed Geronimo off the hook at Norman Island, through the 1.5 hour sail and to anchor at Road Town, Tortola. The kids went snorkeling this morning after a study hall. Mr. Adams generously gave each student 10 seconds of fresh water this afternoon. They plan to go ashore to explore town this afternoon and to dinner at a Caribbean restaurant by the name of Roti Palace tonight. They're enjoying easterly trade winds and generally sunny weather.
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Oct 14,2008
position: 3859 N / 7623 W
course: 215
speed: 9.8 knots
Sunday morning the students had an estuary focused marine science class. They arrived at the Chester River after lunch and went ashore to explore the island and have a chance to stretch their legs. They also went for a swim (keeping an eye out for the stinging nettles!) For dinner they enjoyed a steak fajitas special - cooked up by Kaye. When they checked in on Monday they had just passed under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge - headed for Norfolk.
Tuesday -update
Geronimo had a smooth sail through the Chesapeake - a very colorful sunset and then a beautiful full moon last night. They made it to Norfolk this morning and are currently docked alongside the USS Wisconsin. Their dock is near the Maritime Museum which they plan to visit this afternoon. Showers, however, were the first order of business.
Tomorrow the students will be up at the crack of dawn to head to Norfolk Academy to take their PSAT's. The plan after that is to get underway and work their way around the Carlolina capes while they have a good weather window.
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