Finishing its fourth week of youth sailing, it was full steam ahead at the Boothbay Sea and Science Center with three Mizzen sailors that included Georgie Szele, age 5. Paddling around Mill Cove in rowing dinghies and sailing the harbor in a Turnabout, these sailors not only circumnavigated Harbor islands but also took in sights that included massive trawlers at moorings. On the big boat side of sailing, they enjoyed dockside conversation with sailors preparing to race in the Shipyard Cup.

When the weather took a turn for wet on Thursday, they ventured to the Maine State Aquarium to see and touch the wide variety of sea creatures that make their home there as well as participating in a hands on learning program introducing them to the fine art of lobstering.

The preteen and teen afternoon Keelboat sailors (a mix of new and old faces) included Nathan Graves, Chris Campbell, Emma Paterson, Emma and Abigail Suplicki, Adam Sirois and Waylon Armstrong. The wind was up and spirits were high as these sailors worked together to not only strengthen their sailing and rowing skills but also to gain a more thorough appreciation of weather systems and a better understanding of navigation.

As the rain poured down on Friday afternoon, they were treated to a guided tour of Bigelow Lab. A very special thank you to Dr. Nicole Poulton for giving these sailors an opportunity to hear about projects underway at the lab and an up close glimpse at the inner workings of this most incredible facility.

BSSC’s program is currently offering weekday instruction in sailing and seamanship for students age 5 to 55-plus in rowboats, Turnabout sailing dinghies and a Sonar keelboat out of Wotton’s Wharf. Boats are also available for private instruction on some weekends depending on availability. For more information about the Boothbay Sea and Science Center’s unique and exciting programs, please contact Gray Ferris, BSSC Sailing Director/Instructor at 207-350-5357 or visit boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org. Classes at BSSC are filled on first-come, first-served basis.