Ocean Week: A Deep Dive into Ocean Conservation, Innovation, and Climate Change
This year, Tabor Academy launched its inaugural Ocean Week, an initiative spearheaded by Captain Virginia Land McGuire and members of the Marine Science Department, with enthusiastic support from the Nautical Science Department and other faculty. The week was designed to immerse students in ocean-focused learning, combining science, creativity, and hands-on experiences to deepen their connection to the sea.
Ocean Week kicked off with a powerful talk from Dr. Jennifer Francis P’14, ’16, a senior research scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center and trustee on Tabor’s Board. In her presentation, "Rough Weather Ahead: How Climate Change is Making Our Weather More Extreme,” Dr. Francis addressed the urgent issue of climate change and showed images highlighting the devastation that weather-related events can cause. At the end of her presentation, Dr. Francis fielded questions from the entire school community. When asked about how her summer spent sailing to the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard affected her career trajectory, she laughed. Prior to the eye-opening sailing trip she took in her twenties, Dr. Francis had entered school to become a dentist. Today, her research on Arctic warming and atmospheric energy has sparked significant scientific debate and is credited in Scientific American.
Throughout the week, students had an opportunity to explore the ocean through the lens of literature and creativity. For example, as part of their study of Frankenstein and Romanticism, students in the AT Multi-Genre Literature course were tasked with adapting one of the novel’s iconic nature passages. Taking a modern approach, they used AI tools to craft their own Romantic poems, drawing inspiration from Tabor’s stunning waterfront.
The results were both powerful and reflective of the students’ deep connection to their surroundings. Two standout poems, “The Ballad of Sippican Harbor” and “Sippican Harbor: A Romantic Ode,” beautifully captured the essence of the sea and the introspective nature of Romanticism:
“The Ballad of Sippican Harbor”
For here the soul, in solitude,
Finds not an end to thought’s pursuit;
In rippling crests and ocean’s sweep,
It questions still, though craves its sleep.
“Sippican Harbor: A Romantic Ode”
Perhaps, like waters breaking on the stone,
Our fleeting selves must struggle to endure,
In inconsequent waves, we find our own—
A meaning grasped, though never quite secure.
By connecting literature with the environment, this activity showcased how the beauty and power of the sea can inspire both creativity and deeper thought. The project was a perfect example of how Ocean Week seamlessly integrated various disciplines, giving students the chance to explore their relationship with the ocean not just through science, but also through art, literature, and technology.
Thursday and Friday were filled with experiential and hands-on activities that connected students with the water firsthand. Students were able to take out sail boats, go kayaking and rowing, and even try their hands at raft-building. Waterfront yoga and ocean-inspired art, song, and dance activities kept students connected to the sea without needing to be in or on the water. On Friday, ninth and tenth graders even had a chance to walk down to Silvershell Beach and take in the local seaside environment, enjoying games and comradery. The SSV Tabor Boy and other vessels, like Lizzie T, took students on trips around Sippican Harbor and Buzzards Bay, offering a true "classroom on the water" experience.
On Thursday, Tabor collaborated with the Azorean Maritime Heritage Center (AMHS), located in New Bedford, MA, to introduce students to the history of whaling and how it connects the Azores to New Bedford. Seawolves rode Bela Vista, one of only three Azorean whaleboats in the country and 63 in the world. After learning about the history and culture behind Azorean whaling and the diaspora community in Greater New Bedford, they discussed how the Azores in now at the center of significant whale preservation efforts.
On Friday, students gathered to hear several Tabor alums speak about their careers in marine and nautical sciences. Alex Loer '84 shared his professional experiences working on marine projects around the globe. While these projects were a significant part of his career, Loer highlighted his experiences in other sectors, emphasizing the transferable skills—such as adaptability, problem-solving, and teamwork—that he gained from working in diverse fields. He reflected on how his time at Tabor inspired him, particularly his connection to the ocean, and encouraged students to stay open to where their passions might take them.
Nautical Science Teacher Ali Mitchell took the stage next and spoke on behalf of Sarah Stone '09, a trailblazing sailor on the American Magic team, who sent a video message from France, where she has been competing with the first American Women's Team at the inaugural Puig Women's America's Cup. The American team had moments of strong performance during the Women's Cup but faced challenges in maintaining consistency. Despite the setbacks, the team showed great potential, leaving room for optimism as they look to refine their strategy for future races. During the presentation, Mitchell also highlighted Stone’s involvement in the Upwind initiative, which creates opportunities for women in high-performance sailing.
Chris McGuire '89, Director of Marine Programs at The Nature Conservancy, closed the guest speaker series with reflections on his marine conservation career. Drawing on his early experiences at Tabor—especially aboard the Tabor Boy—McGuire shared how these formative years shaped his passion for protecting marine ecosystems. He discussed some of the major environmental challenges facing the oceans today, including the effects of climate change on fisheries and marine biodiversity. McGuire concluded by emphasizing the pressing need for sustainable practices and discussed his team’s efforts to restore oyster reefs and developing sustainable fisheries practices.
The following weekend, Tabor sent a Women’s Youth 4 rowing team to compete in the Head of the Charles in Boston. The team placed 56 out of 90. While not an official part of Ocean Week, this exciting event was a fitting end to an engaging week of water-based activities and learning.
Ocean Week was a celebration of Tabor Academy’s overall connection to the sea. As Chris McGuire thoughtfully quoted Baba Dioum, a Senegalese forestry engineer and environmentalist, “We will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.” This perfectly encapsulated Tabor’s mission during Ocean Week—helping students develop a deep connection to the ocean that will inspire their care and stewardship for years to come.