I've quoted Captain
Prosser's words below before- but today we can begin to put action to some of his ideas. We just
received word that the Sailing Foundation has been donated the 100' 1929 John Alden designed schooner
Summerwind.
Summerwind's owner had her completely rebuilt in a $8 million refit that finished in February. She is an absolutely
beautiful vessel who will travel the East Coast as the Academy's flagship and ambassador. We thank Mr. and Mrs. J. Don Williamson for
their gracious donation, and look forward to welcoming to her new home at Kings Point.
Then there are the special educational influences of being at sea under sail. Probably the most important additional quality induced is self-reliance. Life under sail is nearly always a perpetual struggle with the blind forces of nature which are no respecters of persons nor can one contract out of the struggle. It has to be waged by each individual on board with all his powers. Because sailing ships are often smaller than power vessels and always more dependent upon and susceptible to weather, special discipline must prevail. The man in charge must obey instantly under all conditions, very often conditions of extreme fatigue and discomfort. The discipline which the safety of the ship and the crew require must be accepted with willingness and alacrity. The occasional condition of danger or potential danger, while giving opportunities for the display of courage, quickly produces prudence and the habit of thinking ahead in a way that few other activities rival. And finally, if as is often the case, the crew is small there is constant scope and encouragement for unselfishness, that most truly respected of all qualities.
Posts
