Personal Narrative: The Mystic Whaler

As I walk down the dock, duffle bag in hand, I see the Mystic Whaler, my home for the next six weeks. I board the schooner and instantly relax, leaving the stresses of everyday life on the dock. For the past three years, tall ship sailing has been an escape for me, a place to meet engaging people, visit unlikely ports and learn more about the sea than I ever could have imagined. It has connected my with a diverse group of people that has lead me to see the world with less judgment and work effectively with people from all walks of life. Sailing has also allowed me to satisfy my sense of adventure and connect with nature, which has always been important to me. Going forward, I cannot see myself uninvolved in the tall ship community, and plan