A group of fifth graders at Peabody Charter School were among the new sailors aboard the Mystic Whaler this past week, a two-masted tall ship that is docked at Santa Barbara Harbor through November 5.
The crew and first mate put the kids to work loading the ship with cargo and raising and lowering the sail, all in an effort to inspire interest in ocean sciences like propulsion and buoyancy, navigation, and a whole bunch of other stuff. Loud shouts of “Aye!” or “Aye, Captain!” had to be the response to each order, which the students were very good about supplying.
The ship was recently repaired and upgraded in a San Diego boatyard before plying Pacific waters once again. It was built in 1967 and sailed the Northeast before relocating to Central Coast Ocean Adventures — now Mystic Ocean Adventures — which organizes maritime skills, education, and other types of voyages.
Peabody students sing pre-rehearsed old sea shanties like, “What do you do with a drunken sailor.” | Credit: Luke Stimson 
Mr. Larry teaches commands and proper responses, like “Ayyye, Mate.” | Credit: Luke Stimson 
The kids line up to walk to the ‘Mystic Whaler’ in formation. | Credit: Luke Stimson 
Boarding the ‘Mystic Whaler’ | Credit: Luke Stimson 
First Mate of the ‘Mystic Whaler’ positions the kids for a training drill. | Credit: Luke Stimson 
Aboard the ‘Mystic Whaler’ | Credit: Luke Stimson 
Students practice manning and dropping the line in preparation for cargo loading. | Credit: Luke Stimson 
Haul! Credit: Luke Stimson 
Credit: Luke Stimson 
Students raise the sail | Credit: Luke Stimson 
In formation | Credit: Luke Stimson 
Waiting on deck for the captain to come examine the newly recruited deck hands. | Credit: Luke Stimson 
The kids, parent chaperones, and Mate Larry pull up the cargo. | Credit: Luke Stimson 
Two different groups raising cargo. | Credit: Luke Stimson 
First mate allows “Mr. Richard” to lead her group to the front of the boat. | Credit: Luke Stimson 
Mate winds up rope after sail raising drill. | Credit: Luke Stimson 
The ‘Mystic Whaler’ from the water. | Credit: Luke Stimson 
‘Mystic Whaler’ | Credit: Luke Stimson
