The summer 2026 Boothbay Sea and Science Center (BSSC) instructors have been hard at work preparing the Center for nine fun-filled weeks of marine science, sailing, rowing, and kayaking. During the first two weeks of June, a team of eight marine science and sailing instructors focused on developing new curriculums while getting to know each other through "icebreaker" activities. Though our first day of rowing was cut short by strong winds, the energy remained high.

Safety and stewardship were at the forefront of our first week. We were honored to host Robert Jordan, a volunteer at the Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT), who spoke about the regional Water Quality Monitoring Program. We are thrilled to announce that from June through October, BSSC will serve as one of their official test sites - working side by side with BRLT volunteer John Schindler. Additionally, Dr. Patricia Phillips joined us to review first aid best practices and even lent a hand in our vegetable garden.

Between training sessions, we took to the water to sharpen our skills on the Sonar sailboats and practice our knot tying and powerboating skills. A highlight of the week was catching a Lion’s Mane jellyfish, giving us a close-up look at a creature that seems to be flocking to Linekin Bay. On Wednesday, we took the BSSC’s traditional "dock dip"—BSSC’s version of a swim test. And we finally successfully rowed all the way to Oyster Cove. We capped off the week by setting up tents, wiping down the shed, and rigging the Turnabouts. With the whiteboards up, opening day was finally in sight!

Our second week of orientation welcomed our Sailing Apprentices and an additional Sailing Instructor. The team took a trip to the Maine State Aquarium to see albino lobsters, lumpfish, and scallops sparking even more excitement for the diverse science we’ll share with our campers. And we take great pride in the seaweed hanging in the kelp exhibit – that seaweed was grown from seedlings in tanks nurtured by middle-school students and planted and harvested in Clark Cove on the Damariscotta River.  Many thanks to Dottie Yunger, DMR Education Director, for her invitation to partner. On Tuesday and Thursday, Science Instructors were guests at Bristol Consolidated School’s "Ocean Week" where we taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders about the many uses of seaweed. The students loved playing a seaweed guessing game—learning that everything from chocolate milk to clothing contains seaweed! We ended our orientation by kayaking to Perch Island.And from our lobster boat we have spotted harbor seals and porpoises inLinekin Bay. We are so ready to welcome our first group of students! 

On the sailing side of The Boothbay Sea and Science (BSSC), our staff orientation had three main tasks: fix the things that need fixing, make the floats and boats ready and safe for our summer program, and shake off the sailing rust through practice. Of course, this was much easier said than done, and only after the first few hours did, we fully comprehend how much there was to accomplish. Fortunately for us, the weather consisted of sunshine and light winds, which made the whole process easier. 

Our list of boats to launch was as follows: 9 Turnabouts, 2 P-15s, multiple power boats, two large rowboats, a Rhodes 19, and a custom Sunfish, each of which came with its own set of challenges and things to fix. Under the leadership of BSSC’s Principal Waterfront Instructor RC Chance, we slowly chipped away at the list, and by Thursday we had launched a P-15, multiple Turnabouts, and a couple of power boats. 

One thing I appreciated greatly was the team’s willingness to teach and be taught. We were all eager to learn about the nitty gritty details of how and why boats function, and RC used every turn in the road as a teaching opportunity. By Friday, the 12th of June, our boating know-how had far surpassed the level possessed at the start of orientation. (An easy feat for myself, as I had little knowledge to start with.) 

I am proud to say that by Friday, much of our to-do list had been accomplished. I believe I can speak for all my sailing colleagues when I say this: we are very excited to begin the season on Monday.