During the second week at Boothbay Sea and Science Center, students dove into the science of the sea through hands on learning and exploration. Our budding scientists investigated the rocky intertidal zone, identifying a variety of marine species and recording quantitative data to understand how scientists collect and interpret ocean observations. They also worked collaboratively to design and test their own model boats, using creativity and critical thinking to explore the principles of buoyancy. 

Interactive games brought marine food webs to life, helping students understand how each organism plays a role in ocean ecosystems—and how even a small disruption can ripple throughout the system. 

This week also featured two exciting guest visits. A local art instructor, Kim Despres-Villard, led a beautiful woodblock printing workshop using hand-carved blocks made by her and her husband Philippe. Students created a wide range of prints such as nautical scenes, pine trees, horseshoe crabs, and more. A special highlight was the use of triptychs, allowing students to design a series of three connected prints that built on a single theme. 

Our second guest was the returning crew from the Schooner Tyrone, fresh off a four-day expedition. Led by instructor Amelia Lang, the crew delivered a fascinating presentation on their recent water sampling findings. Students learned that salinity levels increased farther out in Linekin Bay and saw how pH levels can vary depending on sample location—highlighting the real-world impact of oceanographic data collection. 

With science, creativity, and adventure all wrapped into one, it was another unforgettable week by the sea! 

The weather was slightly more favorable this week on Linekin Bay as we returned to BSSC for week 2 and got out on a variety of boats. In times of lighter wind, we had sailors in rowboats and kayaks exploring the bay while others on land spent time learning about different types of sailboats and their different hulls, masts, and rigging. We also spent time teaching about how to rig the turnabouts using our simulator. When we did have wind, we got out in turnabouts and sailed around the bay. Our sailors in the Stay’s’l and Top’s’l programs sailed over to Perch Island before anchoring and jumping into the water to cool down. We made sure we had plenty of time for swimming to keep cool in the heat wave that hit us this week.   

We were lucky enough to have a good steady breeze one morning that allowed our sailors in the Mizzen program to get out on our Sonars, our largest boats, and go for a sail out to Cabbage Island. Sailors in this programdon’t always get to experience this due to light wind in the morning when they are sailing, so when we can do it’s always something they very much enjoy.   

Our older Sailors in the Stay’s’l I, Stay’s’l II, and Top’s’l programs also spent time on the Sonars this week, going for a lovely long sail to the mouth of Linekin Bay and around the point of Oak Island before turning around. Sailors also spent time learning and practicing different sailing and boating skills in hopes of earning their skill beads. They spent time practicing rigging and derigging of boats, honing their rowing skills, and perfecting their knots. Once sailors master the different knots, the knot-tying relay race is always a fan favorite. Campers could be heard cheering their teammates on as they raced across the lawn to tie their bowlines, cleats, and square knots as quickly as they could.   

Additionally, led by Captain Rayford Chew and first mate Carolyn Corbin the students aboardTyrone spent 4days experiencing tall ship sailing -learning seamanship skills like sail handling and navigation along with the lifelong skills of communication and caring for the ship.