Update to Program 2010-2011
March 1st, 2010.
To the Class of 2011,
For twenty five years Class Afloat has followed a very simple ideal, that by taking children out to sea and across the world, we might build a more peaceful future for us all. Over the last 25 years, our program has sailed untold miles with more than two thousand young people. Class Afloat is about community, teamwork and a real appreciation of our role in a global age. We have been privileged to do so, we are teachers, and our classroom has become the world.
In February, as you doubtless have heard we lost our primary sailing vessel the S.V. Concordia at sea. However, a vessel, no matter how precious, does not define us, people do and all our students are home safely. Today it is clear that our first thoughts are on how we ensure the education of our present students. Many of these young people are on their way to Lunenburg over the next week to begin studies with us here at the Academy. Our campus here is one of the most unique in the world and we are fortunate that this small town, which knows sailing so well, is our home. Our present students are coming home to finish a very special education and will graduate as the Class of 2010 in June.
In taking care of the present, we must always look to the future. In September 2010, we will begin our program for your children in Lunenburg Nova Scotia at the Academy. We will be able to accommodate a maximum of 36 students in our high school full year program. These 36 students from grades 11, 12 will form the core of the Class of 2011 crew. Acadia University students will join us in the second semester. In Lunenburg, we will provide the top quality education for which Class Afloat has become known. It will be a dynamic boarding environment. As we prepare for a semester out at sea through sail training, we will also take advantage of the bounty of fall in Nova Scotia. As the leaves turn, we will hike Cape Split, explore Kejimkujik Park and perhaps even pick apples in the Annapolis Valley. Together our students will form the bonds of community that are the core of a seafaring crew.
In February, we will begin our second semester aboard one of the world’s great sail training vessels. There is much yet to do in this planning, however, the adventure Class Afloat proposes will take us to the South Pacific. On these islands, Class Afloat students will explore Polynesia and beyond. They will walk in Darwin’s steps on Galapagos and trace the voyages of Captain Cook who drew out understanding from the unknown seas. Those who join us for the fall semester will be assured a place in the Spring. We look forward to also being able to accommodate sailing semester only students as well, but as yet, the number of those places remaining has not been confirmed. We are certain, however, that if you have already registered for a single semester, we will have a place for you.
Class Afloat looks forward to beginning anew with your children. We are resolute in our commitment to the planet and to education that promotes peace in the future. We hope that you will join with us in this dream.
It is a beautiful dream.
The Class Afloat Team