Williams-Mystic Day 6
October 9, 2026
10/9/2026
I have always loved boats and the ocean, so I was naturally quite excited when we set sail on this short journey. What I didn’t expect was the amazing community built along the way. The friends and connections I have made in my time aboard Deni are amazing and I am eternally grateful. Additionally, I am still very stuck on the owl and the day where all the creatures said hi, that was truly splendid. But to finish it all off today with boat contra and honest laughter under twinkle lights and the setting sun, that is truly a moment I hope to never forget. Thank you again to Deni and her crew. I will miss you all.
-Orly
I never could have imagined that i would fine myself having as much fun as I have been on Deni. Today we had the Schooner Olympics (team foxtrot for the win!) and our Swizzle. These events felt like a perfect capstone to an otherwise great week. I haven’t laughed as much as I did tonight in such a long time. I never tried contra dancing (bontra) but I found that people were on the same boat as me. There is so much I want to remember. I want to try to remember the colors of the cargo shops on the water illuminating our makeshift stage decked in fairy lights. I feel so lucky to have met our deckhands, my A watch leaders, and my classmates!!
-Madison
Thank you for invigorating my love for tallships after being so burnt out. I never thought I could find this sort of joy again. This week taught me curiosity again, encouraged me to approach familiar things with fresh eyes of a student just learning, and with confidence to ask questions rather than simply trying to prove my worth. Here, I appreciated this open space for that curiosity and free of judgement welcoming attitude - it took us all a moment to find that and thank you all for being so open and receptive to repairing that communication for those of us that chose to stay. I wish you all the best on your future voyages and the transit south. Thank you for the best most smiley swizzle ever.
-Sam
This was the most unexpectedly awesome experience I’ve ever had. I am so glad I decided to stay for the full transit and am so beyond grateful for everyone on board. I seriously learned so much. This was my first time ever sailing or being the water for an extended period of time and I cannot thank the crew enough for their guidance and willingness to show me the rops (literally and figuratively). This was an incredible first tallshipping/any shipping experience and I am so excited to pursue similar opportunities in the future!!!
-Sophia
[bonus crew logs]
The end of my first student transit - the people made the experience worth it. I enjoyed all the games and dancing and wildlife. we never had a bad sunrise/set and navigating at the helm by the stars on night watch was a life changing experience.
-Carly
Thank you Williams Mystic for your time and perseverance through this fun and challenging journey. Come back next year!
-Vivian
What a fun program! Williams-Mystic, we miss you already. You feel like an inseparable part of the crew, and for a couple of days, I felt like a student again. A true treat to be your shipmate, though I was switched off A-watch #rip #neverforget. Sail together again soon!
-Lin
