Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION: What size is the Spirit of Massachusetts schooner?
ANSWER:

Spirit of Massachusetts
Sparred length: 125’
Length on deck: 90’
Beam: 24’
Draft: 11’
Rig height: 103’
Sail area: 7,000 sq.ft.
Crew: 8
Faculty: 3
Students: 20

Spirit of Massachusetts is modeled after the fishing schooner Fredonia, designed by Edward Burgess in 1889. These schooners were famous throughout the world as the "fast and able" vessels of the North Atlantic fisheries, sailing winter and summer to the rich grounds of the Grand Banks and Georges Bank. Spirit was built in Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston in 1984 for service as a sail training ship.

To learn more about the schooner Spirit of Massachusetts and her crew, please visit the website of the Ocean Classroom Foundation, our partner institution for SEAmester.

QUESTION: Who is eligible?
ANSWER: Any student who has completed one year of undergraduate education with at least a 2.5 GPA is eligible. Previous sailing experience is not required, though seasoned sailors are welcome.

QUESTION: What is the cost?
ANSWER: The inclusive fee covers the cost of tuition for 12-15 credits, fees, books, field trips, meals, and your berth aboard ship. Transportation to and from the ship is not included. The cost* for academic year 2006/2007 for UMass system students (in-state), $10,451.50; UMass system students (out-of-state), $15,201.50; and non-UMass students, $16,800.00.

* NOTE: Health insurance is required for all students. UMass Dartmouth provides health insurance for an additional fee. If a student does not pay for Health Insurance through UMass Dartmouth, they must provide full proof of coverage. MassPIRG fee ($7) is optional. Cost is subject to change.

QUESTION: Is Financial Aid applicable?
ANSWER: Yes, most forms of State and Federal aid may be applied to the SEAmester Program. Please consult your Financial Aid advisor through your own university.

There may be a limited number of partial scholarships available based on merit and need. In order to qualify, please provide a statement of financial need by briefly describing the financial conditions that led you to apply for this scholarship. In addition, please provide a statement of purpose by writing a short essay indicating your motivation for studying at sea. Please include academic, professional, and personal reasons. Finally, please include a copy of your unofficial transcript. Only students who have reserved their space in the program with a non-refundable deposit will be considered.

Please send this material to:
UMD/PCE
Attention: SEAmester Program
285 Old Westport Rd.
N. Dartmouth, MA 02747

QUESTION: After the trip will there be opportunities to work aboard tall ships?
ANSWER: Yes! Many tall ship sailors began their careers sailing throughout the world by participating in SEAmester and other educational sailing programs. Successful completion of a SEAmester voyage may qualify you for a paid position aboard such vessels as the Spirit of Massachusetts. Contact the Ocean Classroom Foundation to learn more about such opportunities.

QUESTION: Where else can I find information about this program and the students?
ANSWER: You can click on the "Ask-A-SEAmester Alumni" link or you can visit facebook.com and perform a group search for SEAmester Program.

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