Sailing and stewardship of a beautiful sailing vessel could be considered it’s own reward.
Very few things that humans do can bring as much pleasure and satisfaction as celebrating the art and science of traditional sail.
There is however another side to the story, it is a story of commitment, hard work and belief in the importance of competency in one’s actions, the pride of craftsmanship and a job well done. Those of us who are involved in Maritime Heritage have a responsibility to the young people coming up from behind and to the perpetuation of the cultural arts contained and demonstrated by seafaring.
The Schooner Martha Foundation invites young people to join the crew whether for sailing adventures and/or restoration and maintenance.
The lessons taught and learned restoring, maintaining, and sailing are a thematic experience that has deep intrinsic value beyond actual sailing and can be applied to every day life.
Young people are given the opportunity to gain hands on experience working in the marine trades, some have gone off to become professional mariners others shipwrights, sail makers and sailing instructors.
Some of these people will become deeply interested in the Maritime Culture and carry the torch to the next generation; in this way we have created the next stewards who will maintain the artifacts and also the ways and means to create, maintain and teach the future about the past.
When you enroll in Martha’s programs not only do you have a great sailing adventure , you are also taking part in funding Martha’s future and the future of the young people who are needing a place to learn these things.
Check out Martha’s schedule page for 2013 and find your adventure.