Ocean Academy

Spring fit-out continues aboard Shenandoah.

While students are finishing school, voyage guides are preparing Shenandoah for her last season of sailing adventures.

Numerous hours of sanding, painting, varnishing, training, and rigging go into preparing for the voyages ahead.

Once underway, the ocean will check your work and reveal any errors you made or shortcuts you took.

Big shout out to for expertly repairing the fore topmast and main boom with newly scarfed ends on both spars.

From student to First Mate!

Will Curran first sailed with Ocean Academy in 2021 as a University of New Hampshire student. Since then, he’s spent two seasons as a voyage guide aboard Shenandoah and earned his master’s degree in Recreation Administration. Now, he’s stepped into the role of First Mate for Shenandoah’s final season.

Join us in congratulating Will on his achievements as a student, educator, and sailor.

“I’ve personally witnessed the life-changing impact of an MVOA voyage. Sailors surely learn sailing skills; they also learn about teamwork, interpersonal communication, self-reliance, and how to have fun - all without a screen in sight!”

Introducing Ms. Karen Dean, whose passion for mentorship, confidence-building, and the creation of meaningful opportunities for young people helps guide MVOA’s mission every day. Karen Dean joined MVOA’s board of directors in January, and we are grateful for her leadership.

Emo watched her son, Spencer, grow through adventure, friendship, and life aboard Shenandoah, discovering confidence and the power of community along the way.

Explore MVOA’s youth voyages this summer. Visit the link in our bio to learn more.

Resilience • Happiness • Purpose

These are the strengths we all want for our children.
The question is… where do they learn them?

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🎶 Oh say, was you ever in Rio Grande? Away, hey for Rio.
'Tis there that the river flows down golden sand, and we're bound for the Rio Grande. 🎶⚓️

Magical things happen when a group of people starts singing in rhythm with their work.

This is why sailors have sung shanties aboard ships for hundreds of years.

The work becomes easier. People move as one. Strangers become a crew.

During our Sea Shanties & Music voyage, you'll sail, swim, sing, hike, row, and learn to handle time on your own.

You'll play, rest, find your rhythm, and begin to trust yourself and your shipmates.

Sea shanties are more than tradition. They teach teamwork, timing, and listening.

Join our Sea Shanties & Music Week, July 6–11, Ages 8–17.

Brighter days ahead ☀️⛵️

At MVOA, our curriculum is based on the Positive Youth Development framework, which means building social-emotional assets like confidence, character, and caring.

These strengths help your relationships with the people in your life, the world around you, and yourself.

Make the most out of your summer by joining a voyage with MV Ocean Academy.

Less screens. More Joy.
Less pressure. More discovery.

This is summer, reimagined.
📸 Michael Blanchard Photography

In just 91 days, Shenandoah sets sail for her final season.

Season 63 starts with an All Ages Cruise June 22–27 and totals 12 weeks of voyaging.

This will be a summer of joyful reflection on an amazing 62 years of adventure in its truest form.

For the brave young people who join a Youth Voyage or Vineyahd Kids week, this is more than a summer camp. It is an experience that becomes a part of who they are.

Anchors aweigh. ⛵️