Once again, Captain Pierre Wallinder has outdone himself - this time by securing and delivering a floating classroom to the Outer Harbor. Earlier in the summer, Pierre managed to get ahold of the Clara Brown (see post) for use in his instructional fleet. At that time Pierre informed me that it wouldn't be long before the floating classroom would become a reality. "The classroom is floating at the marina right now," Pierre told me. "We're planning on adding the roof very soon... we're using it right now as we speak. We like action - it's a perfect fit for the Buffalo First Marina. I would like to thank Councilman Michael Kearns - it was truly a collaborative effort. We have tradesmen who worked on the project who used 6400 recycled plastic bottles (see image) for floatation and we're using recycled sails for the roof."
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Sailing students will soon be utilizing the floating structure as a classroom where they will learn maritime rules and regulations, and ultimately how to sail on the waters of Lake Erie. For many of the students, Sail Buffalo offers a unique opportunity to connect with the water. Living in a waterfront city affords opportunity for some, but for others the water may as well be a thousand miles away. Many are without key resources and access to waterfront amenities. This is just another step towards creating a vibrant waterfront for everyone - with a growing fleet and a new operational classroom, Pierre's dreams are quickly becoming a reality.
It looks like something the "Professor" would have made, sans coconuts. I'm not a big fan of charters to begin with but I really don't get this one. Is the goal to get kids into the merchant marine, coast guard, or crewing for the America's Cup? If not, what's the point of having a curriculum that revolves around sailing. And what's the use of a floating classroom? If one is learning how to sail, sitting on a floating square doesn't do much, it's like sitting in a median to learn how to drive.
I'm a big fan of charters, but regardless: you cannot tell me that any class wouldn't enjoy being right on the water. I sure would have! This looks like a very fun place to learn.
It is cool and different. exactly a fun place to learn!
Oh come on. This is totally cool, and it will get them plenty of students over the other schools if they're just hobbyists (which most people who take sailing classes are and continue to be). I wish I had thought of it.
if it had the coconuts would that make it better?