Learning to navigate with a sextant                                                                                                          Students hoisting the sail In February 2007 The Block Island Maritime Institue sponsored it's 7th annual winter sailing trip for studnets. This year 11 Block Island students along with 2 students from Feinstein School in Providence, RI ventured to the British Virgin Islands for a week long sailing excursion aboard the Spirit of Massachusetts. Throughout the 175-mile journey, the students became responsible for sailing, navigating, cleaning and the maintenance of  the ship. They raised the sails, took turns at the helm, took in the anchor, raised and lowered the flags and launches and went aloft to take in the topsails. They visited several ports including Cruz Bay on St. John and Roadtown on Tortola. They visited the legendary Spy Glass Hill on Norman Island, which was the inspiration for "Treasure Island,". They had the opportunity to go snorkling, and even received a lecture (and barbecue) on Caribe Indian canoe making. At night a halogen lamp was hung over the side, the students watched bats feeding on fish and on two occassions an eagle ray made it's appearance. Sea turtles and dolphins were also spotted. The trip was an exciting and wonderful experience for all involved. It provided an opportunity for the students to see other beautiful islands, learn about other cultures and to experience some seafaring traditions.