Tall Ship Sailing off the California Coast

August 24-29

Welcome to Pre-O Adventure: Tall Ship Sailing!

Can you believe that in a few short weeks you will be sailing the high seas in

search of pirates and treasure! (Full disclosure: the previous statement is not

100% accurate.) You will have an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of

navigation and boat operations as well as build your skills as a deck-hand. This

will be an amazing opportunity to meet new friends and make lasting

connections while on the open sea!

In order to ensure you are best prepared for our upcoming adventure we have

included important information in a short presentation. After reviewing, please

don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.

What is Covered? Meet your guide

About the Irving Johnson

Trip highlights

What is the schedule?

What will I eat?

Where will I sleep?

What do I need to bring?

What skills and experience do I need?

Outdoor Adventures philosophy & policies

What weather can I expect?

What are the risks?

Meet Your Guide

The Irving Johnson is part of the Los Angeles Maritime Institute and his its own crew that will also be a part of our experience.

Hometown: Norfolk, Massachusetts

Year: Sophomore

Major: Environmental Studies and Finance

About Catie Chipman: Catie absolutely love the outdoors, especially saltwater. Swimming, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving rank among her favorite activities. Catie is certified as a dive instructor and is currently working as a camp counselor while sailing and diving in the Caribbean.

About the Irving JohnsonThe twin brigantines Irving Johnson and Exy Johnson are the flagships of the Los Angeles Maritime Institute's (LAMI). Named for sail training pioneers Irving and Electa "Exy" Johnson, The brigantines are based on original plans designed in the 1930s by Henry Gruber but never built. Noted yacht designer W.I.B. Crealock was brought in to adapt the plans to meet modern Coast Guard regulations and to fit LAMI's own stringent specifications based on their years of trial and experience. Master shipbuilder Allan Rawl was retained to oversee the project and direct the many carpenters, electricians, engineers and riggers hired or volunteering as shipwrights.

Two and a half miles of running rigging support a total of 5,032 square feet (467 m2) of canvas on two masts and 13 sails, easily staying in light air and comfortable rail down in a stiff breeze at nine knots. Controlled by 85 lines on deck, there are plenty of opportunities for participants to learn and do.

Within her 90-foot (27 m) length on deck and 21-foot (6 m) beam she's divided into three cabins. 12 bunks, a head (toilet) and enclosed shower are found forward. 18 bunks, two additional heads, another shower and a large common area are found amidships. Also amidships to port are a large refrigerator and freezer and access to the deck through the galley above. The galley features a six burner propane stove forward, a day fridge to port and spacious counter space with two deep sink wells to starboard, the galley is comfortable to work in with ports all around, providing plenty of light and ample ventilation.

To aft lies the chart house with a large chart table and a wrap around settee that can be used for teaching, eating or even charting. The nav station to port is comfortable and readily accessible from the helm. Radar, GPS, VHF and SSB are all readily accessible. An on deck cockpit provides additional teaching space as well as a pleasant location for al fresco dining.

A 3208 V8 Caterpillar diesel engine provides auxiliary power while a Northern Lights 16 kW electrical generator powers the creature comforts on board. Coupled with a Village Marine 50 gph watermaker, she's fully capable of extended passages off shore.

Trip Highlights Spend four days sailing the

open ocean on a Brigantine

Amazing marine life

Get to know other new students in a unique environment

Learn about USD and begin Orientation feeling more confident and prepared.

Itinerary Day 1 (Saturday, August 24)

9:00 AM- Check in at the Outdoor Adventures office (UC 136) before early move-in.

1:00pm- Meet up with your small group and say goodbye to your family. Get to know your group. Review clothing and make any final preparations.

Day 2 8:00 AM- Breakfast and then board the Irving Johnson on San

Diego Bay. After a ship orientation we will set sail for the blue horizon.

Days 3 & 4 Take turn sailing in small watch groups. When you are not on

watch you will sleep, learn about the marine environment, learn about life at USD and enjoy life on a boat. 

Itinerary (Cont.) Day 5

Today is the final day aboard the Irving Johnson. Return to land around 4:00pm and celebrate our sail with dinner at a restaurant on the waterfront.

Day 6 (August 29) Today we will set off on an adventure downtown. We

will check out the Parade of Ships, part of the San Diego Tall Ship Festival and tour some favorite locales before returning to campus and reuniting with family at 5:00 pm.

Packing for your Trip The packing list is

developed to keep you comfortable. Weather is unpredictable and it can get cold out on the ocean.

Please refer to the packing list that you received in an email or click here.

Some items are available to rent through Outdoor Adventures before August 2nd. Quantities are limited. http://www.sandiego.edu/oa/registration/

Accommodations

Participants will be sharing living quarters with one another

There is limited running water, a shower and electricity.

Meals (Included & On Your Own)

Dinner on day 1 through lunch on day 5 is included.

Dinner on day 5 (Aug 28th) will be together as a group at a restaurant on the waterfront but is on your own. ($10-$30 for entrees)

Breakfast and Lunch on day 6 are included and we will end at 5pm.

Please make sure you have notified us of any dietary preferences/restrictions so that we can prepare accordingly.

Experience LevelEveryone is capable of crewing a tall ship, it is not physically strenuous. There will be opportunities to climb up into the rigging to furl and unfurl sails. Though this is not physically hard, a little courage is required. You will wear a harness and be attached to the rigging while aloft. No one will force you up if this is not for you, there is always plenty to be done on deck. You will get to heave on lines to raise the sails and gaff. You will be heaving with your team mates so doing your best is always as much strength as you will need.

Sea sickness is possible, though, today's sea sickness medicine is really effective at making your trip enjoyable. Interestingly, one of the most challenging things about real sailing voyages like this is sleep. Because you will be on a watch rotation, there will be times when you are working on deck at 3am and sleeping at 3pm. This actually is really fun and is great practice for getting up in the early hours to study for finals and then crashing afterwards.

Risks and HazardsParticipants will be on the tall ship for 4 days.

Risks can include motion sickness, dehydration, heat stoke, sunburns. During nights it can get cold and wet and thus there is even a possibility of hypothermia. Please be sure to refer to the packing list to best prepare yourself to be comfortable in this dynamic environment.

Drugs and AlcoholDrugs and Alcohol are never allowed on trips,

nor being under the influence. 

Prescription medications are required. Please bring them in the original container with the doctor’s name printed on it.

Leave No TraceOn all Outdoor Adventures trips, we abide by the principles of Leave No Trace. These practices are an integral part of our program and we ask each participant to do their best to abide by instructions from guides. These principles are:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

4. Leave What You Find

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

6. Respect Wildlife

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

We look forward to meeting you in August!