Join the Maritime Studies class of 2012 as an entering freshman or transfer studnet in Fall 2008 for a once in a lifetime opportunity to train as a crewmember and sail aboard the 19th century clipper ship ELISSA during your first semester as a Sea Aggie. In partnership with the Texas Seaport Museum and the Galveston Historical Foundation you will be pulling lines, tying knots, climbing 90 feet into the rig, straining with your crewmates at the capstan and windlass, singing sea chanties as 10 people raise a yard in unison, walking around the ship over and over while memorizing the placement and use of 180 lines. You will help care for ELISSA from stem to stern by chipping rust, sanding teakwood, seizing manila lines, painting, tarring, sweeping, scrubbing, carpentering, and oiling. You will also be getting to know a lot of new people from all walks of life, learning and experiencing maritime history, culture, and earning college credit.
To complement your field experience, you will take Nautical Archaeology, Basic Sailing, Freshman Composition, and Spanish. This special package of popular classes is designed just for incoming freshmen. So come aboard the Maritime Studies Program at Texas A&M University at Galveston to reserve a spot in the inaugural Freshman Experience.
Requirements
For priority, you must be admitted to the University and have a classification of U1 (first-year freshman), with Maritime Studies declared as your major, on the first day of classes in the Fall of 2008. All incoming students should submit an application to participate in the 2008 First Year Experience to the MAST Program Director, Dr. Frederic Pearl, so that a space may be reserved. Participation in the Freshman Experience is encouraged but not required. Other Maritime Studies students, including first-year transfer students and non-MAST majors may also apply for the Sailing ELISSA experience. Contact the Maritime Studies Office for more information.
Fitness Requirement
Sailing a 19th Century square-rigger involves a lot of physical labor. All incoming freshmen are eligible to participate in the program. Students will be matched with tasks appropriate to their fitness level. Students may be required to complete a medical evaluation prior to participation. This program fully complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.