Your Survival Guy was on an afternoon walk today when I came across a ship I know all too well. The SSV Tabor Boy from Marion, MA, tied up in Newport, RI, at the Newport Shipyard for America’s Jubilee.
I know Tabor Boy because in 1988, when Your Survival Guy was a junior in high school at Tabor Academy, I had the opportunity to spend 10 days on the SSV (sailing school vessel) in the Caribbean. Yes, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. No, it was not a vacation.
As you’ll see in the video below, Tabor Boy is a working vessel run by students with the guidance of a captain. Onboard, we were up early. First thing, we hit the water to swim a lap around the boat. Then, we learned the itinerary for the day, got to work prepping, sailed to our next port of call, anchored, furled the sails, coiled lines, then dinner, and hanging out. Then to bed, ready to be awakened for a shift on anchor watch. And you know what? I liked it. It was fun.
What I remember about swimming down there was how salty the water tasted compared to up here in New England. The sailing was great with the wind blowing a steady 15-20 knots with higher gusts. When we attempted to make an overnight crossing, it was so windy and rough that we had to turn around. And I remember how cool it was to be on a ship that size, relying on the sails and us to do the work.
Note for the video: Toggle on the upper left to get a 360-degree view.
