What’s Right With Schools: Groton students earn powerboat certificates

GROTON, Conn. (WTNH) – Connecticut sits along the shoreline and yet many people living here have no idea how to navigate the water safely.

Some students are trying to change that.

Groton’s Marine Science Magnet High School students earn their powerboat certification under the guidance of instructors from the New England Science and Sailing Foundation.

“On the water is a pretty calming place for me- since I’ve grown up on it and having the wheel- it just feels natural and its just a calming experience for me,” Marine Science Magnet High School sophomore Ellie Henry said.

Although they’re really learning much more.

“They’re having to work together, learning navigation they’re learning the mechanics and how a boat works and what tides are all about,” said Eric Isselhardt, the CEO of the New England Science and Sailing Foundation.

And they’re not alone as they learn to boat safely around a major seal colony.

Navigating the water this time of year tends to be particularly challenging because we’re just coming off the winter months.

Winter storms tend to move things around a little bit, so the students and teachers really need to relearn the water- and more importantly, what’s below it.

“I never paid a ton of attention before, now I know what all the channel markings mean,” said sophomore marine science student Jamison Lemire.

Reading the landmarks and the water while learning to navigate safely, and doing it as a team.

“Just getting out of the classroom and getting to go out on the water with my friends,” said sophomore marine science student Jacob Cieplik.

From start to finish: Stonington Point to Fishers Island and little Narragansett Bay to back home.

“The culmination of the trip – the most nerve-wracking for the students – we’re going to dock,” Chris Baker said.

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