Last week was an absolutely fabulous week of sailing and rowing at the Boothbay Sea and Science Center. As always with sailing, weather played an important role. We had several fantastic weather days which allowed BSSC sailors to not only sail between the White Islands but also to circumnavigate Ram Island. Both of these trips set the record for the furthest BSSC sailors have sailed in a day this third week of this summer season. High winds on Wednesday kept sailors inside the harbor, but gave them an excellent opportunity to fine-tune their rowing skills, explore the river, compete in rowing races, and practice maneuvering skills with a game of tennis ball tag.

Last Friday, BSSC sailors collaborated with the Rozalia Project at Ocean Point Marina. The Rozalia Project is an organization that works towards cleaning and protecting the oceans from their 60-foot sailing vessel, American Promise. BSSC Sailors learned about the negative effects of garbage not just on the oceans as a whole, but right here in the Gulf of Maine. Students assisted in launching a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) from the American Promise and used it to search the ocean floor for marine debris. Using the ROV’s video and SONAR they found four abandoned lobster traps as well as sunken line and hoses. There is a lot of trash in our oceans. Once the ROV was back onboard, the students performed a “dock-tow.” Using fine nets, they collected water samples from the side of the dock and then sorted through what was found. In and amongst the seaweed and kelp they discovered 1,500-plus pieces of marine debris. This was an excellent opportunity for the BSSC sailors to learn about some amazing science, and what it’s like to live and work using the sailing skills they have been developing.

The Boothbay Sea and Science Center’s Science Program is happy to share that last week the Emerging Oceanographers were busy collecting data on the marine environment in the Little River. Monday through Friday they could be found recording daily weather observations with a particular focus on parameters important to sailors such as wind direction and force, sea state, and cloud cover. In addition to becoming amateur weather forecasters, these Emerging Oceanographers are taking a closer look at the rocky shore surrounding the Boothbay Sea and Science Center. Some introductory studies of the intertidal included seaweed identification and pressing, periwinkle races, and the use of quadrats to determine the percent coverage of specific species at the shoreline. By week’s end, these Oceanographers were applying their new knowledge of the marine world - looking for solutions to some of its ailments through an inspiring visit with the Rozalia Project. During their experience with Rozalia Project’s founder Rachel Miller and her crew, the Emerging Oceanographers learned about the effects of pollution and marine debris in our oceans while working aboard the S/V American Promise. Consequently, their work with the Rozalia Project included hands-on ROV operations, a scientific “dock tow” and trash sort, as well as a good old fashioned beach clean up along the shoreline. The students’ hard work and efforts resulted in the first ever sea-to-shore trash cleanup by the Rozalia Project, as well as the highest number of trash they have ever recorded in a single day. This week, the Boothbay Sea and Science Center’s Emerging Oceanographers are enjoying their second week where they will be immersing themselves in the business of building an ROV for their very own exploration of the Little River.

BSSC is looking forward to another great week of sailing and science. Enrollment for the sailing programs is still open for the last few remaining weeks of the summer, but is filling fast.

As always, for more information about the Boothbay Sea and Science program, go to www.boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org or email info@boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org