The Half Moon. (Photo credit: Jim Cleveland/New Netherland Museum)

Time Traveling
Back to the 17th Century aboard a Tall Ship

By Wendy DeGiglio, staff writer

Think you could live for a week without TV, sleep on a wooden deck, and work from dawn to dusk—and love it? Hear from a group of middle school students who sailed above that challenge as shipmates on the annual re-creation of Henry Hudson's 1609 sail up the Hudson River.

Ready, Set, Sail

These explorers spent hours on sail training, history lessons, river studies, and night watch before they embarked on one incredible ride. Under the watchful eye of Captain William Reynolds, several teachers, and other adult crew members, the students assumed the chores of navigating the ship from New York Harbor to Albany.

Courage's Rewards

Eleven-year-old Akea was anxious to set sail, learn about Hudson, and see the river—even though she had never stepped foot on a boat. "I would've been the first to sign up for Hudson's voyage," she said. "It's scary to be an explorer. But then you get to meet new people and see new places."

Shipmate Keionna, 13, agreed. She was more than ready to give up the comforts of home for an awesome experience. "You can't be uptight," she said. "Make life an adventure."

Cold Feet

Just ten minutes after boarding the Half Moon, 13-year-old Coretta began to have doubts. The ship was rockin' and rollin' as waves from the wake of passing ships slapped the hull.

The replica Half Moon is a really cool ship—with 2700 square feet of sails, colorful Dutch flags, and cannons. But a week of bouncing around on a small boat with no staterooms, no showers, even no beds, and just one toilet for about 20 people seemed more than she had bargained for. "I was ready to see if I could go home," she said.

Ahoy...Boys?

Yes, two boys were part of the crew as well. Chris, 11, said he didn't realize that there would be mostly girls on the trip, but he wasn't worried. "They'll do a good job," he said.

Happy Hoisting

And what a job they did! Everyone on board took on new challenges and developed incredible skills. The ship is equipped with modern navigation, communication, and safety equipment, but it often operates under wind power—sail alone—so the students learned to handle the lines and raise the sails.

Crew Rotations

The students took turns:

• Taking the helm
• Keeping a lookout
• Helping in the galley (kitchen)
• Serving on fire and bilge (ship section) safety duty
• Doing general maintenance

Ashore Again

A week later, sporting crew shirts and temporary Half Moon tattoos, the students were all smiles as they set foot on land in the 21st century. The chance to be an explorer, plus a week of sunny weather, night watch under clear skies, a full moon, and delicious meals cooked in the modern galley got the young crew through any rough spots. Several confided that one highlight was a water fight that began when they were asked to swab the decks. What was their favorite duty? Helping the cook.

And Coretta? She conquered her fear of being on a boat, learned to handle heights when she climbed to the top of the mast, and realized the importance of teamwork. "It was fun but hard work," she said. "We had it relatively easy compared to the sailors back then, with modern things like an engine to move the ship."

Would she sail again? "I'd go back in a second if I could," she boasted. "It makes you stronger and teaches you a lot. It's a good experience."