The Geronimo Program

For much of its history, St. George’s has actively worked to capitalize on the maritime location and tradition of the school, and to develop learning opportunities related to the marine environment. The Sailing School Vessel Geronimo provides such learning opportunities for St. George's students during the school year.

During the school year students who are chosen to sail on Geronimo are intimately involved in the running and operation of the vessel. While participating as part of the boat's crew, students are taught marine biology and nautical science. Students earn full academic credit for taking four other courses by correspondence with their teachers at St.George’s.

Offshore sailing and international travel extend the range of the students' intellectual and social experience beyond the classroom and the dormitory. This experience at sea often stretches students physically, emotionally, and spiritually in ways that they have not encountered before.

In the summer students, both from St. George’s and from other schools, may also participate in summer sailing programs on board Geronimo, with trips lasting 1-4 weeks. These trips include the same practical offshore sailing experience and fieldwork in marine biology. Sailing aboard Geronimo in the summer is not your typical summer sailing program for teenagers or the traditional teen summer sailing camp. Students are intimately involved with the operation of a Sailing School Vessel on coastal and ocean voyages. It is not only an unique summer adventure, but an opportunity for participants to learn navigation and seamanship and to be a part of a real Marine Biology research project.

Opportunities also exist each year for alumni/ae and others in the school community to participate in the program.