Last week on Monday, students from Canada, the United States, Denmark, Ireland and Germany arrived in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada for the start of the summer session of Bosun School. Between them, they’ve sailed in vessels including Pelican of London, Lewis R. French, Appledore II, Friendship of Salem, Brian Boru, Maybe, Atyla, Alvei, Danmark, Spike Africa, and Adventuress, plus some who have small boat sailing experience, and experience with boatbuilding or sailmaking.
They reason they’ve come to Bosun School is to expand their technical marine skills. While they’re here with us in Lunenburg, they’ll get plenty of hands-on practice with those skills. They’ll also learn about organization, cleanliness, and tidiness. On the first full day of class, Captain Moreland explained that while most people think a Bosun’s main job is working in the rigging or splicing rope and wire, it’s really mostly about keeping the vessel clean and in good order.
We started last week by preparing the spaces the students will use as workshops and classrooms, getting them set up for learning and projects. We also began a review of knots, splices and whippings in rope. We moved boats around and assessed their condition so we know what’s needed to get them into the water so we can start on small boat handling practice. The weather has been good and we’re itching to get out on the waters of Lunenburg Harbour.
This group of students will be with us at Bosun School until the end of August. We’re keen to see them grow and progress over the next two months!
