The fall portion of the curriculum is exploring Boston Harbor aboard the SV Zephyr. Zephyr is a 22ft, traditional sharpie, typical of the small workboats of Boston Harbor in the 17th and 18th century. Students learn how to use a compass, read a chart and plot a course. They study the weather forecast and radar and learn the basics of sailing. We use the text “Where Am I” to learn the basics of navigation. Plotting a course requires math skills (geometry,   measuring, and scale). Understanding the weather prediction and how to read the   water and sky for signs of changes requires understanding our environment   (science). Keeping a log is similar to the writers’ workshop notebook.

Zephyr in Blue