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A
group of 4th and 5th graders from Newport's Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. Community Center Summer Camp joined ASTA and Congressman
Patrick J. Kennedy for a short cruise aboard the tall ship
Aurora on Tuesday, June 29, 2004. Today's sail was
generously donated by IDC Corporation, a great supporter of
education under sail and the owner of the Schooner Aurora,
the Goat Island Marina, and the host of Tall Ships Rhode Island
2004. In a matter of weeks this space will be filled with
thousands of people exploring tall ships from countries across
the globe. Our trip with the summer camp group was merely
a small taste of what is to take place in Newport this summer.
After arriving on Goat Island,
the children, a majority of which had never been on the water
before, received a safety talk from First Mate Mark Andrews.
Concerns about falling overboard or an attack by pirates or
sharks were calmed by the First Mates secure assurance. Once
aboard, the children took a tour of the ship as it departed
Newport Harbor to enter the Narragansett Bay.
The crew of Aurora,
a 101-foot schooner built in 1947, along with ASTA Education
Coordinator Adria Lande and Executive Director Peter Mello,
answered questions and shared information as the group absorbed
the exciting experience. All hands were on deck when it was
time to hoist the sails, as the children shouted with loud
cheers of “2-6-heave!” Congressman Kennedy worked at their
sides, encouraging them on every pull. After raising the first
two, the group was excited to discover there was yet another
sail for them to set. The engine was shut off and nature took
control as the wind filled the sails and the children enjoyed
the sights, helping to coil the lines. Captain Ron Duprey
gave direction as the children were able to steer the ship
back to Newport Harbor.
A beautiful and exciting day
for all, the children departed, anxious to return to their
parents with stories of sailing aboard Aurora.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center Executive Director,
Amanda Frye Leinhos commented that it was only the second
day of camp, and it would be hard to top such a wonderful
experience for the children.
Brooke James
ASTA 2004 Summer Intern
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