United States Merchant Marine Academy - Midships Yearbook (Kings Point, NY)

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4 The skill of celestial navigation played a vital role o the mariner, in that mastery of this skill enabled seamen to calculate thier position in the ocean and to plot courses. Other skills and instruments were eventually developed which made such tasks significantly easier. Today, for instance, vessels incorporate radar and satellite naviga- tion as navigational aids. Vessels progressively began uti- lizing mechanical propulsion devices in lieu of sails, especially when inland waterways were traversed for both commercial and recreational purposes. Although commeri- cal purposes were the primary motivations for using ships and boats, pleasure cruising also became popular. In more modern times we can see the emergence of grandiose cruise vessels sailing beside some of the largest cargo carriers ever built. And regardless of where such vessels may be seen-whether on the high seas, in the great lakes, or even in Long Island sound,-seamen have devoted their lives to answering the call of the sea. W I

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away. The cornerstone of America is shipping. In the early days, young America was founded by the great sailing masters of the time. Beginning with the adventurous European explorers, the tradition has been carried on by sue cess vie gen- erations of frontiersmen expanding the hori- zons of this nation. From the time of the Mayflower, the trend of sailing to the United States has reflected man's eternal search for freedom. The majestic tall ships proved to be essentially the only means of transportation across the oceans and waterways during this time. In the nineteenth century the import ex- port trade flourished, demanding an increasing need for sailing vessels and eager sailors. The ancient mariners led rigorous and transient lives of solitude on their intercontinental voyages. Demanding captains and strenuous physical la- bor highlighted the typical seaman's journey. It is a wonder that such aspiring young men were lured to such a life. It must have been the myste- rious beauty and tranquility of the sea that in- trigued the early mariners to join the brotherhood of the sea. ■r: ' - $ - w •• W

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 Clockwise from top right: -Hudson River Day liner - - - one of the early pleasure cruisers -The Kings Point waterfront -Sight at the South Street Seaport -M N DeLage learns how to handle lines -Mickey Maddock plays mate -Sunset on the Neried 5