Last summer, Camden Hills Regional HS junior, Elizabeth Sherfey, worked aboard the Windjammer Angelique, realized she loved sailing, and wanted to learn more. She joined Rockland Community Sailing’s high school sailing team in the fall and was encouraged by Camden HS teacher, Nell Alexander, to apply to the Ocean Classroom semester at sea program. Much to everyone’s delight, Sherfey became one of only 25 students nationwide accepted into Ocean Classroom’s challenging 17-week high school program aboard the 128-foot Schooner Harvey Gamage.
To help raise the $9,750 tuition funds needed after earning a scholarship for half of the $19,500 fee for the OC program Sherfey is organizing a “Support-a-Sailor Polar Dip” fundraiser. She contacted Rockland Community Sailing Program Director, KC Heyniger, and together they arranged to hold the dip on January 7th (snow date January 8th), on the Apprenticeshop/RCS waterfront across the street from Dunkin Donuts.
Heyniger is literally jumping at the chance to support Sherfey’s endeavor. He has pledged to take the polar dip himself. “People tell me they wouldn’t jump in the Harbor in winter, but they’ll gladly pay to watch me do it” he added with a laugh. “Learning to sail creates so many positive opportunities for local youth. RCS is thrilled to assist Elizabeth in reaching her sailing goals by providing a place for the event”, says Heyniger. In the past, RCS sailors Sam Moskowitz, Maya Fe Holzhauer, and Ryan Shay completed schooner semester at sea programs.
Sherfey will learn to sail the Harvey Gamage by standing watch, handling sails, navigating, and participating in many other shipboard duties. While underway she must also hit the books -- studying maritime science, math, literature and history. Her program will also offer the opportunity to explore firsthand the different cultures and countries of the Caribbean.
For participants in the Support a Sailor Polar Dip, a warm bonfire will be on the beach and a hot shower is available near the beach, safety personnel will be present and RCS Instructor Mike Root, now an Owls Head/Rockland firefighter among others will provide support. Hot drinks, Hole in the Wall Bagels, and other delicious refreshments will be available in the RCS Classroom directly following the dip. Thrill seekers, spectators, volunteers, and sponsors are welcome to join in the fun!
Registration for all interested swimmers begins at 9:00am for the 9:30am dip. A minimum donation of $50.00 in sponsorships per participant is suggested. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. For more information email esherfey19@gmail.com or join the “Support a Sailor Polar Dip” event on Facebook. Sponsorships and donations can be submitted to Ocean Classroom Foundation, c/o E. Sherfey, PO Box 272, West Rockport, ME 04865.
This great report was provided by Rockland Community Sailing. Please look them up if you have a Facebook or Rockland Community Sailing in your search box.
Rocky Coast News
Rockland, ME 04841
No comments:
Post a Comment