Massachusetts Maritime Academy - Muster Yearbook (Buzzards Bay, MA)

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Our fourth class cruise was unlike our subsequent cruises: we departed and returned on time. Our first port of call was St. George, Bermuda, where Operation Sail ' 76 was to begin for us. Joining us there were tall ships from around the world, arriving to take part in celebration of America ' s 200th birthday. This gave us our first opportunity to board foreign ships and meet cadets from other countries — this in addition to enjoying Bermuda ' s scenery and hospitality. The Bay state was communications vessel for the tall ships race from Bermuda to Newport, R.I. In Newport, it became evident what was in store for us on the cruise. We were placed far from the center of activities, much to our disappointment. Those who lived near elected to go home on their leave time. It was also obvious that our prestige was lower because of the presence of the tall ships. We were particularly upset when not allowed to participate in the Monomoy race, since we had supplied all the boats and trained so hard for the event. Our arrival in New York for the Fourth of July celebration was equally disappointing. We docked in Bayonne, New Jersey, hours away from where the action was: The Big Apple. On the Fourth, the Bay State was the review ship for the tall ships parade up the Hudson. Some of us who had liberty elected to spend the day at the Jersey shore or in the pandemonium of New York City. The 4th class cadets who stayed aboard, on duty or not, had a choice between hiding down below, thus missing the parade, or mingling with the guests on deck, thus running the risk of ending up waiting on them. In any event, it was a day we will always cherish.