About Us and Our Project

I teach high school English at Andrews Academy, a small private school in SW Michigan. About a year ago, I dreamed up the idea of teaching a course in nautical literature, but I wasn’t satisfied with simply reading a few classic sea stories. I wanted the course to offer a practical, hands-on component that would appeal to students of varying learning styles and provide an opportunity for students to learn new skills – all the while falling deeply and madly in love with sailing! Beyond that, however, I knew that all of our fun needed to serve a larger purpose.

My original plan was to construct a small sailing dinghy, teach the kids how to sail it, then auction it to raise money for outreach and mission projects sponsored by Andrews Academy. When I came across an offer that was too good to be true, I presented it to the class and they chose to go for a bigger boat, one that has the potential to raise far more funds for our ultimate goal: service.

Well, we’re in the thick of it now. On March 18, 2010, we acquired a 1967 Pearson Ensign that is in need of major restoration – and we’re already on our way. This blog documents our progress, pitfalls, and challenges.

Thanks for stopping by.
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