Before the Mast: Overnight

Your Experience

In this overnight program, students sign aboard as greenhands on a sailing ship, recreating Richard Henry Dana, Jr.’s experience in his book, Two Years Before the Mast. In this hands on living history program, students are immersed in California history while developing critical thinking, teamwork, communication and leadership skills. Students participate in a variety of hands-on activities, including rowing long boats, working the sails, rigging, moving cargo, collecting hides, taking a turn in the bosun’s chair, cooking, night watch, singing sea shanties and swabbing the decks. Students will get the chance to sleep belowdeck on our tall ship the Spirit of Dana Point. It’s an experience not soon forgotten!