WHAT ARE DISCOVERY VOYAGES
Discovery Voyages is the flagship experiential maritime education program of the Marine Learning Project. Through multi-day sailing expeditions aboard the historic schooner Harvey Gamage, Maine students engage in hands-on learning that builds leadership, seamanship, ocean literacy, and real-world marine industry skills.
Our mission is to connect young people to Maine's maritime heritage while strengthening the state's marine workforce pipeline. By combining sailing instruction, teamwork, navigation training, vessel operations, and exposure to working waterfront careers, Discovery Voyages prepares students for future opportunities in the marine trades, ocean sciences, and maritime industries.
Through scholarship-supported access, we ensure that students from all backgrounds can participate in transformative learning at sea and return to their communities as confident maritime stewards and future industry leaders.
THE EXPERIENCE
Seamanship & Practical Navigation
Students gain hands-on training in sailing fundamentals, chart plotting, coastal navigation, weather interpretation, watchstanding, and vessel operations aboard the historic schooner Harvey Gamage.
Maritime Heritage & Industry Awareness
Students connect with Maine's rich maritime history, shipbuilding traditions, and modern waterfront economy, gaining an understanding of how heritage and workforce intersect.
Leadership Through Watchstanding
Students rotate through structured watch systems, practicing decision-making, communication, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving in a working maritime environment.
Personal Growth & Resilience
Through immersive challenges at sea, students build confidence, adaptability, independence, and self-discipline while strengthening teamwork and leadership capabilities.
Workforce & Career Exploration
Discovery Voyages introduces students to careers in Maine's marine trades, shipbuilding, ocean sciences, marine transportation, and working waterfront industries through direct exposure and skill development.
Have Fun
"We will learn to sail the boat properly while having fun."
A TYPICAL VOYAGE
Day 1
Welcome Aboard
Safety orientation and vessel tour
Watch assignments and team building
Introduction to navigation and sail handling
First evening watch under sail
Day 2-3
Underway
Stand watches and operate the vessel
Navigate using charts and traditional methods
Conduct marine science research
Explore coastal ecosystems and islands
Day 4
Deep Dive Learning
Extended scientific sampling stations
Guest speakers and maritime professionals
Advanced sail handling techniques
Group projects and presentations
Day 5
Return & Reflection
Final navigation and sail handling assessments
Present research findings
Reflection and goal-setting
Celebration and farewell
OUTCOMES & CAREERS
Discovery Voyages equips students with hands-on maritime skills, leadership experience, and industry exposure that support long-term career readiness in the marine trades, ocean sciences, and working waterfront industries.
Skills Developed at Sea
Coastal navigation, seamanship, and vessel operations aboard a traditional schooner
Marine science field research, data collection, and environmental observation
Leadership, communication, and teamwork through structured watch systems
Critical thinking and problem-solving in real-world maritime conditions
Workplace responsibility, safety awareness, and task execution
Adaptability and resilience in dynamic ocean environments
Maritime & Ocean Career Pathways
Commercial fishing, aquaculture, and seafood industries
Shipbuilding, marine trades, and waterfront operations
Marine transportation and merchant mariner careers
Marine biology, oceanography, and environmental science
Coastal conservation, marine policy, and sustainability sectors
Maritime education, vessel operations, and offshore industries
SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL ACCESS
Marine Learning Project is committed to making Discovery Voyages accessible to all students, regardless of economic background. We offer need-based scholarships and work with schools and community organizations to ensure every interested student can participate.
Scholarships are funded through individual donations, grants, and partnerships with Maine businesses committed to youth development and maritime education.
POWERED BY THE SCHOONER HARVEY GAMAGE
Discovery Voyages takes place aboard the historic schooner Harvey Gamage — a Maine-built tall ship that serves as a fully operational floating classroom for experiential maritime education.
Constructed in 1973 in South Bristol, Maine, the Harvey Gamage represents the state's shipbuilding heritage and working waterfront traditions. Today, she provides students with hands-on training in seamanship, coastal navigation, marine science, and vessel operations in real ocean conditions.
More than a vessel, the Harvey Gamage is a maritime workforce development platform — preparing Maine students for careers in the marine trades, ocean industries, and maritime professions through immersive learning at sea.
WHAT FAMILIES & STUDENTS ARE SAYING
It was hard to pick just one highlight because they loved every moment on board. The experience, the friendships, and what they learned stayed with them long after the trip ended.
Parent of 2025 student
