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The Maine Maritime Academy's renowned training ship, State of Maine, set sail from Castine on Saturday morning, embarking on an exciting two-week journey to the U.S. Virgin Islands. With approximately 210 students and crew members onboard, this winter cruise is a vital part of the academy's maritime training program. Under the expert command of Captain Leslie B. Eadie III, the ship is slated to reach St. Croix by January 8. After a three-day port stay, she will make the return journey to Castine, arriving on January 16. The voyage promises to be both educational and adventurous for all involved. For more updates, visit http://www.ellsworthamerican.com/waterfront/mma-training-ship-starts-winter-cruise-to-st-croix.

On the morning of June 9, 2015, the training vessel 'State of Maine' received an urgent distress call from the U.S. Coast Guard while sailing towards Portland. This call originated from the Coast Guard's Regional Coordination Center in Boston as the ship was embarking on its first of four trans-Atlantic legs of a summer training cruise, designed for freshmen and juniors learning to become Coast Guard-licensed Merchant Marine officers. The vessel in distress was the sailboat 'Prodigal', which had encountered severe storms. Captain Leslie Eadie of the 'State of Maine' was informed that the 'Prodigal', helmed by skipper Michael Hurley, urgently needed assistance. At the time of the call, the training ship was approximately 520 nautical miles south-southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and about 29 nautical miles away from the 'Prodigal'. Within two hours, the crew of the Maine Maritime Academy's ship managed to establish communication with Hurley, who reported that the 'Prodigal', registered in Norfolk, Virginia, was still afloat but was taking on water. Knowing the urgency of the situation, the 'State of Maine' adjusted its course towards the stricken vessel to effectuate a rescue. As they arrived on site, the crew of the 'State of Maine' prepared for the rescue operation. The 'Prodigal' was brought alongside the training ship, allowing for a smooth transfer of Hurley’s personal gear to safety. The determined skipper then used a cargo net to climb aboard the 'State of Maine', successfully completing the rescue. Scheduled to arrive in Portland on June 13, the 'State of Maine' will continue its educational journey towards Cobh, Ireland, before making stops in Norfolk and Searsport, ultimately finishing in Castine on July 27. For more details and photographs of this remarkable operation, visit [Ellsworth American](http://www.ellsworthamerican.com/featured/mma-training-ship-crew-aids-in-rescue).

The Maine Maritime Academy's training ship, the State of Maine, is poised to set sail from the local waterfront at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5. This year's journey promises to be an exciting three-month expedition as students and staff embark on a voyage to Europe. The voyage duration has been extended to 90 days to meet the new Coast Guard requirements for sea time and instructional hours, a significant increase from previous years' 60-day cruises. Notable ports of call for the State of Maine include Cobh, Ireland—a return visit since the 2011 training cruise—and the historic city of Cadiz, Spain. Additionally, the vessel will make its way to Charleston, South Carolina, and Norfolk, Virginia, before its anticipated return to Castine in late July. The cruise will also feature stops in the Maine ports of Portland and Searsport, enriching the learning experience for all on board.