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Running Free - Member News March 2026
Call of the Sea Hosts First-Ever Winter Camp 📷Benson Lee
Call of the Sea made the most of the off season with its first-ever winter camp. The crew had 6 campers, aged 8 to 10, half of whom were there on a scholarship. Despite the winter weather, the campers did make it onto the water for a kayaking excursion and got to see the harbor seals that frequent the docks and entertain visitors. When the rain did set in, everyone huddled indoors for hot chocolate.
Each day of the week, the campers learned about marine science, art, and seamanship. Like good sailors, they learned to tie important knots - like scientists, they learned to make plankton nets, and like artists, they made and kept journals. Being able to see both large and microscopic creatures up close was what really thrilled the campers. They left with a greater appreciation for mother nature. To round out the week, they even made pizza from scratch to share with their newfound friends. Sharing the educational experiences with each other made the experience impactful.
The crew looks forward to camps this spring, when Seaward will be set to sail. The year looks promising!
Egan Maritime Institute Announces 2026 Education Program Updates, New Staff Appointment, and Sail250 Opportunities
Egan Maritime Institute is pleased to share a series of updates and opportunities as it plans for its 2026 education and youth programming season, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to enriching the lives of Nantucket students through hands-on maritime history and STEAM-based learning.
First, Egan Maritime is thrilled to welcome Keely Farrell to its education team. Since joining the organization full-time, Farrell has focused on delivering engaging, hands-on maritime history education and enrichment for primary–school–aged learners, thereby expanding Egan’s reach in local classrooms.
Tall Ship Lynx has been invited to participate in Sail250, a global gathering of tall ships and military vessels commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Egan Maritime will sponsor student groups to sail aboard the Lynx from two ports: Baltimore, open to high school–aged students, and Boston, open to students in grades 8–12.
Beyond the classroom, Egan Maritime continues to expand its hands-on maritime history and STEAM-focused offerings and welcomes collaboration with community partners.
One such partnership is Egan Maritime’s ongoing collaboration with the SEA Education Association (SEA). Together, the organizations will offer one full-ride scholarship for the SEA Expedition Program to a Nantucket student. This prestigious two-week voyage aboard the SSVCorwith Cramer explores Cape Cod Bay, Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, and the Gulf of Maine, offering participants instruction in navigation, sail handling, and oceanographic research.
We are excited to announce a new online series in partnership with Women Offshore. Meetings will be held monthly with the first meeting on Tuesday, March 17th.
This session will be hosted by Liz Schmidt, a maritime professional and nonprofit leader with over 20 years of experience in strategic operations, community programming, and maritime industry advocacy. In this space, we set aside titles, ranks, and credentials so we can focus on the real experiences that shape our time on the water. By speaking openly and listening to one another, we strengthen the sense of community, professionalism, and resilience that defines our industry.
The MM-SEAS Pro software provides mariners with an organized and efficient platform for managing all aspects of their license application and renewal process. From tracking sea service to generating required documentation, MM-SEAS helps eliminate the headaches associated with paper files and confusing regulatory hurdles.
This contribution is aimed at streamlining the often complex process of obtaining and maintaining US Coast Guard licenses, a critical step for anyone pursuing a career on the water.This generous donation from MM-SEAS underscores their commitment to supporting the maritime community and investing in the future of seafaring.
Tall Ships America members receive discounted stress-free applications.
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