Today was the first class of Bravo Team for 2018 – 2019!  Janet is teaching for OCEAN this year and she has much maritime experience in her life up and down the West Coast.  Many new students showed up today to learn about what Bravo Team is and how we’ll progress through the year with maritime skills, environmental education, and team building.

After an introduction and some fun get-to-know-each-other activities, we talked about what to bring in our actual backpack and also our metaphorical backpack.  Each week we share roles for students and we divvied out Coxswain and Lead Stroke to returning students.  Morale officer, bow watch and journalist were delegated as well.  Then we headed down to Townshend to do some dockside orientation.  Safety, boat parts, history, and rowing commands were covered.  Due to our low numbers today, we decided to take out motor vessel Martha J.   We were met with sunny skies and beautiful conditions for a quick trip on Port Townsend Bay.

A moment of silence after snack was peaceful and tranquil and we ended class with the questions: “A favorite moment from today?” and “Something you want to learn more about…”

Students answered the first question with answers like: got to drive Martha J, Moment of silence, being back to Bravo Team, sparkly water and watching the current.  Students answered the second questions with answers like:  Learn how to sail Townshend, tugboat hitch, sailing, tying more knots, and boat history.

So much more to learn and it’s only the beginning!  Stay tuned.  Thanks for following along.