CASTINE – Maine Maritime Academy will offer an auxiliary sail training course to Bermuda this summer aboard the college’s historic schooner, Bowdoin. The two-month course, scheduled for May 5-June 30, will serve as an introduction to the overall maintenance and operations of a large, traditional sailing vessel.

Registration is currently open to members of the public, with space limited to two berths. The coeducational course is open to nautical enthusiasts off all experience levels. All participants must be high school graduates.

Sponsored by Maine Maritime Academy’s William F. Thompson School of Marine Transportation in support of a new academic concentration in auxiliary sail, the course is designed for students with little or no prior sailing or boating experience.

According to Capt. G. Andy Chase, course coordinator and former master of the historic schooner, the program will begin with nautical activities based at the college’s waterfront facilities. Students will participate in painting, rigging, cleaning, engineering, voyage planning and provisioning. In late May, students will begin living aboard the vessel in preparation for at-sea training. The Bowdoin will get underway for Bermuda June 1. Cruising experiences will include watchstanding, navigation techniques, underway maintenance and seamanship. All activities will take place under the direction of professionally licensed seafarers.

Tuition is $3,400, with a $500 nonrefundable deposit required to secure a berth. To register, or for further information, contact Capt. G. Andy Chase, Maine Maritime Academy, Castine, Maine 04420, or e-mail at achase@mma.edu, or call 326-2126.