ASTA Intern Matt wrote a great post on the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE blog about the Sloop Providence’s participation in ASTA’s Tall Ships Youth Adventure program. I had a chance to sail with many of these young people during the program’s first week and even over that limited time period it was amazing to see the transformation take place and attitudes change. Read my previous posts here, here, here, here , here, here and here. ASTA Matt wrote:
I think I learned as much in those two weeks as the kids. Sure, I learned some things about sailing, but I learned a lot about working with youth. I learned that you really can make a difference by spending some time with the kids and giving them some attention. And most importantly and most surprisingly ,by giving them some responsibilities – something I remember getting too little of at that age.
I wholeheartedly agree with Matt. I also believe that creating a safe environment of structured freedom makes the adventure one of learning, maturing and fun.
A significant percentage of these teens expressed interest in sailing again next summer and I look forward to working with Middletown’s Public Schools, Substance Abuse Task Force and Police Department in making that happen.
Above photo by astamatt. For more great photos check out the ASTA TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE Flickr account.
Technorati tags: Sloop Providence, sail training, tall ships, Middletown, RI, American Sail Training Association
Sea-Fever blog 
Good to hear from you and thanks for your comment.
I agree that Providence is a great sail training platform. These kids had fun, learned a lot, and built confidence along the way.
Look forward to learning more about what’s new with you and Class Afloat. P.
Great sercies on the Sloop, Peter. I truly believe that she is one of the best vessels to use as a platform for sail training in the country. Small, easy to handle and fun to to sail. It is my hope that between Sea-Fever’s leadership, and the PMHF, that she will be providing even more youngsters with postive experiences next season.
BTW, I would love to see a blog post on Bounty’s trans-atlantic sail this past week – who would of thought she would make such a great recovery in such a short period? It is a major success story for the whole fleet! See her website.
Fair winds from sunny Lunenburg! Cal