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Sailing and Navigation on Spectacular Waterways: Schooner, Sunfish

Program Number: 13878RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/29/2013 - 10/4/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Fairhope, Alabama
Price starting at: $599.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Water Sports
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Experience the beautiful coastal environment of Alabama in the best possible way: under sail! Begin by learning the basics of sailing on a small scale during a fun day on a Sunfish. Then join Captain Carol Bramblett aboard the 72-foot wooden schooner "Joshua" — during four sailing excursions, you’ll get hands-on lessons in the basics of technique and navigation. Keep an eye out for dolphins, pelicans and other wildlife.




Highlights

• Feel the thrill of moving with the wind as you sail through spectacular waterways including Mobile Bay.
• Lessons include boat safety, hoisting and trimming the sails, tacking and jibing, docking, anchoring and rules of the waterway.
• Learn to use navigational charts and interpret information about tides, currents and winds to plot your course.



Activity Particulars

Walk one mile a day. Sailing on small Sunfish sailboat and 72-foot wooden schooner. Participants will learn to hoist the sails, sail and steer the boat. No experience required.




Date Specific Information

9-29-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by University of South Alabama.




Fairhope

Founded in 1894 by adventurous people seeking a personal utopia, lovely Fairhope sits high on bluffs overlooking Mobile Bay. This charming Southern city is known for its beautiful parks, moss-draped live oaks and picturesque downtown that attracts artists, writers and visitors alike.
Accommodations
Comfortable conference center on beautiful Weeks Bay.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Carol Bramlett
Through vision and persistence, Captain Carol Bramblett led the way for the building and completion of the 72 foot sailing vessel — and Official Tall Ship for the City of Mobile, Alabama — the “Joshua.” Patterned after the coastal schooners that sailed the bay in the late 1800s and 1900s, the wooden vessel carries up to 49 passengers for sails on Mobile Bay. Captain Carol also operates two additional vessels and enjoys leading inshore saltwater fishing trips.
 
Thomas McKinstry
Tom McKinstry is retired from the U.S. Army as a Lt. Colonel. Tom served in Vietnam as an aviator. He has a bachelor’s degree from Spring Hill College and a master’s from the University of South Alabama. Tom retired as a high school teacher in Mobile and was an assistant professor at Spring Hill College and the University of South Alabama. He has been a favorite instructor for the University of South Alabama Road Scholar for many years.
 
Dean Mosher
Dean Mosher is a nationally respected artist and historian. His epic historical paintings can be found in museums, National Park visitor centers and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. For five years he held the office of Historian General of the Naval Order of the United States, and he was awarded the Commander General’s medal in 2006 for saving the Order’s archives. Dean lives with this wife and their two children in their two storybook castles, which have been featured on HGTV.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
  Fairhope, Alabama 5 nights
 Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
Type: Other
  Description: Hiking trails, private pier with gazebo, chapel, rec hall, pool, kayaks, canoes and sunfish, comfortable southern porches for socializing and relaxing.
  Contact info: 10400 Beckwith Lane
Fairhope, AL 36532 USA
phone: 251-928-7844
web: www.beckwithccc.org
  Room amenities: Private bath and air conditioning.
  Facility amenities: All rooms have a private bath and free parking. Beckwith has a wonderful pool, and is located on Weeks Bay, fun for fishing, boating and swimming.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior:  Local hotels available. Please call to get information on Hampton Inn 1-800-426-7866, Holiday Inn Express 1-800-962-1833 or Marriott's Grand Hotel 1-800-228-9290.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after:  Local hotels available. Please call to get information on Hampton Inn 1-800-426-7866, Holiday Inn Express 1-800-962-1833 or Marriott's Grand Hotel 1-800-228-9290.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Conference Center Check in at 4:00 PM, Registration from 4:00 -5:30 PM You will be staying at Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center that night.
  End of Program:
Check out of hotel by 11:00 AM You will be staying at Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. An Road Scholar health form and a boat waiver is required for each person.
  Parking availability:
Parking is adjacent to the lodging and is free
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Fairhope, Alabama
  Nearest city or town:  Fairhope
  Nearest highway: Interstate 10
  Nearest airport:  Mobile, Alabama (airport code MOB)
  From End of Program
  Location: Fairhope, Alabama
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Mobile to Beckwith Camp and Conference Center

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Mobile Bay Transportation
phone: 251-476-7711
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$75 for 1-3 people, or $25 per person for 4 people or more
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hour and 15 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

48 miles
   

You must register at least 24 hours in advance. When you call you will get Yellow Cab, you must ask for Mobile Bay Transportation. They will transfer you to Mobile Bay Transportation. You can register on line by e-mailing dispatch@mobilebaytransportation.com or you can call 251-476-7711. Confirm your reservation before your flight lands to ensure pick up. Prices subject to change.
 
Driving Directions
  From East (Pensacola, FL) or West (New Orleans, LA) on I-10 Take exit 38 (Malbis exit). Go south on Highway 181 through traffic light. Travel approximately 17 miles on Highway 181 to Highway 98. Turn right on Highway 98 and travel 1/2 mile. Turn left on Highway 181 (Mary Ann Beach Road) and go approximately 2 miles to the entrance of Beckwith. The entrance is marked with signs on both sides of the road.
  From North (Montgomery, AL) on I-65 From I-65, take exit 37 South, the Bay Minette/Gulf Shores Parkway exit. Take State Highway 287 south to State Highway 59 south, Gulf Shores Parkway. Take I-10 westbound at Loxley, Alabama (exit 44). Travel six miles to exit 38 (Malbis exit). Go south on Highway 181 through traffic light. Travel approximately 17 miles on Highway 181 to Highway 98. Turn right on Highway 98 and travel 1/2 mile. Turn left on Highway 181 (Mary Ann Beach Road) and go approximately 2 miles to the entrance of Beckwith. The entrance is marked with signs on both sides of the road.
  From Pensacola Airport Take Airport Blvd. to Ninth Ave. then take Ninth Ave. South to Fairfield Ave. Take Fairfield Ave. West to Hwy 98, Take Hwy 98 West. Go through Elberta, Foley, and Magnolia Springs Cross the Louie Brannon Bridge (Fish River) Approximately 2 miles past the bridge you will see a Camp Beckwith sign. Turn left onto CR 27 South (Mary Ann Beach Rd.) Continue on for approximately 2 miles you will see a sign marking the entrance to Beckwith Camp and Conference Center on your left. Turn left into Beckwith and continue until you see Alves Hall. You will register here
Equipment Requirements: No equipment needed for this program.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration and Orientation/Dinner in the dining room/Introductions
(Sunday, September 29)
   
 Afternoon: Participants will check in and register for the week from 4-5:30 PM. They will receive keys to their rooms and packets of information for the week. Beginning at 5:30 PM we will have an orientation, all information will be gone over and any questions will be answered at this time. (Schedule is dependent on weather)
 Dinner: Dinner is served family style in the Beckwith dining room.
 Evening: Introductions and opportunity to ask additional questions about the week or the schedule.
   
Accommodations: Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: All meals served in the dining room/Beginning Sailing and Navigation with the sunfish boats/Evening Session
(Monday, September 30)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is served in the Beckwith dining room.
 Morning: Join Captain Carol Bramblett in your first lesson on Beginning Sailing and Navigation! You will get instructions about winds, sailing, navigating, and currents as you then enjoy your sailing on a sunfish. Learn boating safety, rules of the waterway,and information about tides, currents, and wind to plot your course. (weather permitting)
 Lunch: Lunch is served in the Beckwith dining room.
 Afternoon: Beginning Sailing and Navigation continued. (weather permitting)
 Dinner: Dinner is served in the Beckwith dinning room.
 Evening: Sit back and relax as you finish your day with an entertaining evening class.
   
Accommodations: Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Breakfast in dining room/Morning Class aboard the 72 foot wooden schooner/Picnic lunch on boat/Continue sailing/Dinner in dining room/Evening Session
(Tuesday, October 1)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is served in the Beckwith dining room.
 Morning: Join Captain Carol Bramblett and crew aboard the Joshua for Beginning Sailing and Navigation! Take a turn at the wheel and soak up the sights and sounds of beautiful Mobile Bay on a 72-foot wooden schooner. During this session activities may include viewing the historic Middle Bay Lighthouse, knot tying, learning about boat safety, docking, anchoring, rules of the waterway, or planning a trip the smart way. During trip planning, use navigational charts and information about tides, currents, and wind to plot your course. (weather permitting)
 Lunch: Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch aboard the Joshua!
 Afternoon: Beginning Sailing and Navigation continued. (weather permitting)
 Dinner: Dinner is served in the Beckwith dining room.
 Evening: Sit back and relax as you finish your day with an entertaining evening class or free time to explore the area.
   
Accommodations: Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: All meals served in the dining room/Morning Class aboard the 72 foot wooden schooner/Free Afternoon to explore the area/Evening Session
(Wednesday, October 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is served in the Beckwith dining room.
 Morning: Join Captain Carol Bramblett and crew aboard the Joshua for Beginning Sailing and Navigation! Take a turn at the wheel and soak up the sights and sounds of beautiful Mobile Bay on a 72-foot wooden schooner. During this session activities may include viewing the historic Middle Bay Lighthouse, knot tying, learning about boat safety, docking, anchoring, rules of the waterway, or planning a trip the smart way. During trip planning, use navigational charts and information about tides, currents, and wind to plot your course. (weather permitting)
 Lunch: Lunch is served in the Beckwith dining room.
 Afternoon: Take this afternoon to explore the local hot spots. In picturesque downtown Fairhope, just up the hill from the bay, you'll find shops, boutiques, cafés, art galleries and gift shops galore. The beaches, a short drive south, provide opportunities for souvenir shopping, beach combing, and relaxation! Make a trip to the causeway to sample the area’s finest cuisine - fresh gulf seafood. While you’re there, don’t miss the USS Alabama Battleship.
 Dinner: Dinner is served in Beckwith dining room.
 Evening: Sit back and relax as you finish your day with an entertaining evening class or free time to explore the area. From comedy to music or local flair, you will always look forward to what this session offers.
   
Accommodations: Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Breakfast in dining room/Morning class aboard the 72 foot wooden schooner/Picnic lunch on board boat/Continued Sailing/Dinner in dining room/Evening Session
(Thursday, October 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is served in the dining room.
 Morning: Join Captain Carol Bramblett and crew aboard the Joshua for Beginning Sailing and Navigation! Take a turn at the wheel and soak up the sights and sounds of beautiful Mobile Bay on a 72-foot wooden schooner. During this session activities may include viewing the historic Middle Bay Lighthouse, knot tying, learning about boat safety, docking, anchoring, rules of the waterway, or planning a trip the smart way. During trip planning, use navigational charts and information about tides, currents, and wind to plot your course. (weather permitting)
 Lunch: Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch aboard the Joshua!
 Afternoon: Beginning Sailing and navigation continued. (Weather permitting)
 Dinner: Dinner is served in the Beckwith dining room.
 Evening: Sit back and relax as you finish your day with an entertaining evening class or free time to explore the area.
   
Accommodations: Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Breakfast in dining room/Sailing Class aboard the 72 foot wooden schooner/Farewell lunch
(Friday, October 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is served in the Beckwith dining room.
 Morning: Join Captain Carol Bramblett and crew aboard the Joshua for Beginning Sailing and Navigation! Take a turn at the wheel and soak up the sights and sounds of beautiful Mobile Bay on a 72-foot wooden schooner. During this session activities may include viewing the historic Middle Bay Lighthouse, knot tying, learning about boat safety, docking, anchoring, rules of the waterway, or planning a trip the smart way. During trip planning, use navigational charts and information about tides, currents, and wind to plot your course. (weather permitting)
 Lunch: Boxed lunch to go ready at the Beckwith dining room.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Fairhope, Alabama Eastern Shore Art Center
Built around the site of wood-burning Pinewood Kiln, an Alabama Historical Landmark. Monthly exhibits feature oils, watercolors, mixed media, photography, sculpture and ceramics. Concerts, lectures and workshops also featured. For additional information, visit www.easternshoreartcenter.com
  Historic Blakeley State Park
Blakeley is the site of the last major battle of the Civil War. Excellently preserved battlefield and breast works for you to come and explore.
  Marietta Johnson Museum
Housed in one the 1907 classrooms of the Marietta Johnson School of Organic Education. The museum contains books, literature, artifacts, photos and videotapes pertaining to the progressive philosophy of Marietta Johnson.
  The Fairhope Historical Museum
For an exciting view into Fairhope's past, please visit the Fairhope Historical Museum. The museum is full of artifacts from old Fairhope. You can see displays on Clay City, the Single Tax Association and the Civil War. You can also see personal belongings from some of Fairhope's first families.
  U. S. Sports Academy/Sport Art Museum
It is considered to have one of the largest collections of sport art in the world. Additionally, it houses archives which document the history of science of sport. Tours are available and it is free to the public.
  Weeks Bay Reserve
The Weeks Bay Reserve provides a living laboratory for education and research groups to learn about estuaries, those coastal areas where rivers meet the sea. The Reserve is managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and is also a part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the U. S. Department of Commerce. For additional information, visit www.weeksbay.org
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Beachcomber's Guide to Gulf Coast Marine Life, 3rd Edition


Author: Susan Rothchild


Description: ISBN: 1-58979-061-8



Coasting: An Expanded Guide to the Northern Gulf Coast


Author: Jolane Edwards(Author), Carolyn Lee Goodloe (Author), Laurel Wilson (Author), Judy Barnes




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