The focus of the training was to instill in Midshipmen the leadership, teamwork and professional skills required in a unique small unit environment. Four STCs sailed to Freeport, N.Y., while the remaining craft travelled to Newburgh, N.Y.

‘‘This was wonderful training at sea, learning watch standing, navigation, boat systems, weather and crew life,” said French Midshipman Martial Guitteau.

The Midshipmen on the STC Gallant met their first challenge in the Atlantic waters off Cape Charles, Va., when Cmdr. James Lee, an instructor in the Academy’s Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering Department and captain of the craft, spied a summer Chesapeake Bay squall forming ahead of them. He ordered the crew to raise and lower sails and secure the hatches. Within minutes, the crew prepared the craft to meet the driving wind and rain.

Sustained winds of 35 knots swept the tops of waves spraying the crew with saltwater which was quickly rinsed by the horizontal sheets of rain. At the navigation table, Midn. 2⁄C Alex Craven kept the helmsman on course in the channel with shoal water in close proximity. Then, just as quickly as the squall formed, it evaporated leaving a calm summer breeze and blue skies.

Midn. 3⁄C Alex Foley, who was manning the helm during the storm, described the experience as ‘‘the most fun I’ve had yet!”

Skills learned and applied during these training blocks cover all that is necessary to safely operate the STC offshore 24 hours a day including boat systems, communications, weather, watch standing, damage control and basic first aid. Midshipmen also gain leadership skills within a crew organization, and learn to work effectively as a team.

The program emphasizes developing the crew’s ability to autonomously handle any situation. The program provides Midshipmen an opportunity to develop confidence and experience directly applicable to their future as a Naval or Marine Corps officer.

Led by the STC Daring, captained by Midn. 1⁄C Jonathan Rix, the boats heading to Freeport arrived in the village on the morning of Aug. 7 after a well-executed docking sequence, spaced to give each boat enough room to maneuver in the narrow Woodcleft Canal. The town’s mayor, chief of staff, fire chief, city council, local Blue and Gold Officers and the Naval Academy Parents Club of Long Island – as well as several passersby – welcomed the Midshipmen.

During their stay, the Midshipmen gave tours to several hundred visitors and answered questions about the boats and the Naval Academy.

‘‘While talking to visitors, I realized I’ve actually learned something,” said one Midshipman after the first day of tours.

The boats that went to Newburgh safely navigated the 70 miles up the Hudson River. Upon arrival they provided tours to visitors, were invited to a crew race, spent some time in New York City and even received a special visit by the well-known American folk singer and songwriter Pete Seeger. The Newburgh boats were reunited with the Freeport boats on Aug. 10 when sails were raised in view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with Lower Manhattan in the background.

The squadron met the flood tide in the Delaware Bay at precisely the ideal time, and enjoyed a speedy ride with the current through the bay and the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. When the STCs arrived back in the Santee Basin Aug. 13, the crews cleaned the decks, conducted evaluations and secured the boats, ending another summer of sail training.