Q&A with Concordia from the week ending September 20, 1996
How do you feel about using the engine to sail when you aboard such a fine sailing ship?
...Mr. Cusak's Class, Northholm Grammar School, Sydney, Australia
by Sean Hogue, 9/17/96
Sailing is great but sometimes the wind dies and we are forced to motor. Although it would be great to just sit around and wait for a good wind to get us going, there are a few other factors to consider.First, we are on a pretty tight schedule so we don't have the time to wait for wind. Second, we could be in the doldrums, which is a region of no wind, or else stuck in an oncoming wind and we would eventually be pushed back or else float in the same place forever. So while we in no way favor the engines, or even really like using them, they are a necessary part of the ship.
...Carrie, Natalie and Cindi, Watauga County Schools
While in Mexico, I ate both Mexican and American food. I dined at a tiny Mexican restaurant, McDonalds and Subway. By far, my favorite was the Mexican restaurant, located near my homestay in the small country town of Ixtapa. It was nothing more than a house that also operated as a small restaurant. It was amazing! In under five minutes, Teresa, the girl I stayed with on my homestay, her sister and I were served the most delicious meal. It consisted of a soft shell with chicken and vegetables sprinkled on top. It was a great meal and most importantly, it was healthy too.
...Liang P.
Every person on the ship is considered part of the crew.The student crew is selected through an application process and a final interview. When a student wants to go on Class Afloat they contact the head office of West Island College in Montreal, Canada. The student are then sent home an application package which consists of a medical report (to see if you are healthy), teacher recommendation forms, swim test form and a form requesting your school marks. When returning all this information you must also include an essay about one of the countries that Class Afloat will be visiting. This concludes the application process.
Once the head office has confirmed your application the next step is an interview with a person from Class Afloat. Sometimes a person comes to your city or town, but other applicants have to travel to their interview. At the interview you are asked questions about why you want to go on Class Afloat as well as questions about yourself. When the interview process is over, the next step is to wait to see if you have been accepted. Class Afloat confirms your acceptance by mail and then you are a member of the crew!
Ocean
Challenge / e-mail: ocean@oceanchallenge.com
/ Class Afloat 1996-97
(c) 1996 Ocean Challenge, Inc.