The Chewonki Foundation is launching a new opportunity for environmental education for people of all ages, the Chewonki GRAND CHAT Sailing Program. The program has been made possible by the donation to Chewonki of the GRAND CHAT, a 1991 Offshore 40, converted to a 46- by 24-foot catamaran.
Peter Arnold of Chewonki explained that the expedition would start in Portsmouth, NH, circumnavigate the Gulf of Maine during the sailing season, and end its trip in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. People will sign up for a week at a time. “Each week, the expedition will explore a different section of the coast,” Arnold said, “monitoring important aspects of the gulf ecosystem such as red tide, island use, invasive species and intertidal marine communities. Participants will talk with community leaders, marine business people, service providers and marine extension specialists to explore the economic health and vitality of coastal communities.”
Data collected during the expedition will be given to scientists and policy makers to help them make decisions about protecting the health of the gulf.
“It’s a way for citizens to participate in caring for the gulf,” Arnold said. “I’ve described it as service learning at its best: fast sailing and wine with dinner.”
Arnold explained that with a 50-foot rotating mast, large mainsail, roller furling jib and screacher, all controlled from the helm, the boat is safe, fun, and fast to sail. “With a good breeze,” he said, “It would not be uncommon to reach speeds greater than 15 knots!”
In addition to wine and local foods for dinner, the GRAND CHAT trip offers plenty of amenities. The catamaran has a bright and airy cabin, a full size galley, two heads, an outdoor saltwater shower and an indoor freshwater shower with hot water. It sleeps eight, six customers and two crew.
Electricity on GRAND CHAT is provided by a large photovoltaic (PV) array mounted on the stern. “The state-of-the-art PV array provides clean, renewable energy to accommodate daily energy needs,” Arnold said, adding that the array also serves as a covered, shaded canopy that creates a naturally cooled and ventilated space at the stern of the boat.
The boat will be captained by Noah Tuthill, who holds a 50-ton U.S. Coast Guard Master’s License and is a certified scuba diver with CPR and Wilderness First Responder certification. Tuthill is a Bates College graduate with a BA in environmental studies. He has traveled throughout the world, working and sailed on a variety of boats including yachts, traditional schooners, tall ships and race boats.
The GRAND CHAT Eco-Sailing Program begins mid-June. For further information go to www.chewonki.org or call 207-882-7323 and ask for wilderness trips.