A golden evening on Lake Ontario. Wikipedia Commons Photo.
In the last week, we have had a lot of inquiries about the upcoming Freshwater Research and Scientific Communications course. The course, which will be held on board our sailing vessel, Sea Dragon, this July. We are thrilled to tell you that the course is filling up rapidly, and as the summer approaches, we are all beginning to look forward to sunny sailing along the St. Lawrence Seaway, and through Lake Ontario.
Some people were wondering why it is that we chose to run our undergraduate course between Montreal and Toronto, Canada. It’s a good question, and one I posed recently to the course leader, Dr. Sherri (Sam) Mason.
Dr. Mason graduated cum laude from the University of Texas at Austin before completing her PhD in Chemistry at the University of Montana as a NASA Earth System Science scholar. She is currently an Associate Professor at SUNY Fredonia in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Her research interests are focused upon plastic pollution within freshwater ecosystems. In addition to her primary academic role she serves as the coordinator of the Environmental Sciences program and the Sustainability Coordinator for the SUNY FACE Center.
Dr. Mason lakeside looking for plastic particles in beach sand. Photo from WBFO's new website
Dr. Mason is a pioneer in freshwater plastic pollutions research. During the summer of 2012, Dr. Mason and a team of 20 undergraduate students aboard the tall ship Flagship Niagara, a wooden ship that’s replica vessel from the War of 1812. Dr. Mason and her crew conducted the first-ever survey for plastic pollution in the Great Lakes, using a manta trawl to collect samples within the open waters of the 3 of the 5 Great lakes (Superior, Huron and Erie).
No one knew what Dr. Mason’s team would find in the Great Lakes, but the results turned out to be shocking.Two of the 21 samples they collected contained 600,000 plastic pieces per square kilometre — nearly twice as much as the highest plastic count ever recorded in the infamous Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
This summer, as a part of Pangaea’s Freshwater Research course, Dr. Mason plans on having students collect plastic debris samples in the St. Lawrence Seaway, as well as Lake Ontario, to compare to the samples found in Lakes Superior, Huron and Erie. Lake Ontario is the furthest lake downstream in the Great Lakes, and is fed by the movement of water from Lake Erie via Niagara Falls. Mason has theorized that the highest concentrations of plastic debris could be found in Lake Ontario, and is eager to investigate.
I spoke to Dr. Mason recently about what drives her to study freshwater plastics pollution. For a more detailed interview with Dr. Mason, you can check out her interview on Dialogues TV:
Shot from Dialogues' Episode with Dr. Sherri Mason
Pangaea Explorations: What inspired you to study plastic pollution issues?
Dr. Mason: One of my favorite classes to teach is a nonmajors Environmental Chemistry course in which I get to introduce the plethora of environmental issues facing our society. I have been teach about plastic pollution in that class for ten years.
PE:What do you think are the most pressing environmental issues for the Great Lakes at the moment?
Dr. Mason: Unfortunately the most pressing environmental issues for the Great Lakes haven’t changed much. This region was the cornerstone for the industrial revolution within the US and we are still dealing with the aftermath of all that industrialization. PCBs, which were banned in the US in 1979, are still present in significant amounts, as are Dioxins, Furans, DDT and Mercury. These POP (persistent organic pollutant) species have been and continue to be a major environmental concern for this region.
The presence of plastic within the great Lakes only adds an additional layer of complexity to this issue because we know that they adsorb POPs from the surrounding water, hyper-concentrating them on their surface and thereby aiding in their ability to migrate into the food chain.
Dr. Mason on board the Tall ship Flagship NiagaraPE: What is being done to combat plastic pollutions in the Great Lakes region now?
Dr. Mason: Until our initial survey during the Summer of 2012, this wasn’t even known to be an issue. In fact a number of government officials I spoke to in advance of our expedition didn’t believe we would find anything. But we did. I don’t think anything is really being done right now to combat plastic pollution within the Great Lakes, but I hope that will quickly change.
PE:What will students be learning during the Freshwater Research Course?
Dr. Mason: We will start with just a basic overview of the Great Lakes system: how and when they were created, characteristics of each of the lakes within the system and differences between the lakes. We will then move on to basic water quality measurements (hands-on) and plastic pollution surveys. We plan (time permitting) to also discuss eutrophication, PPCPs, invasive species and environmental policies of the Great Lakes.
PE: Are there any new technologies or ideas out there that can help us tackle freshwater environmental pollution?
Dr. Mason: The best solution for any environmental problem is to start at the source of the issue. So rather than looking to new technologies to help “fix” the problem, stop the problem before it starts. Switching from modern agricultural methods (which involve using large quantities of synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers) to more organic methods, for example, can do a lot with regard to current issues with algal blooms and eutrophication. Similarly, decreasing our use of single-use disposable plastic items, like bags, straws, and bottles, can dramatically reduce the amount of plastic that is in our water.
PE: What do you love about sailing in the Great Lakes?
Collecting samples on board Flagship Niagara
Dr. Mason: I lived along the shores of the Great Lakes for 10 years before I ever went out in them, and it wasn’t until I went sailing the Great Lakes for the first time that I truly appreciated them. They are amazing!
The lakes truly are beautiful, breath-taking and powerful. I think that every-single person, all 35 million of us that live within the Great Lakes watershed, should go sailing at least once on the Great Lakes.Once you’ve seen the lakes froma sail boat, you appreciate what they are- how vast, amazing and beautiful they are. From then on, you want to do anything you can to make sure they stay that way.
To learn more about the Freshwater Research and Scientific Communications Course, click here:
To read more about Dr. Sherri Mason’s 2012 Expedition, check these articles out:
Allen, Katie. November 29, 2012. “High Levels of Plastics Found in the Great Lakes”. Toronto Star Newspaper article.
💌 YOU’RE INVITED! Join us for @panexplore 1st Open Boat Tour this year in Key West, FL on April 2nd from 4.30pm to 6.30pm - it’s FREE to attend, do RSVP tho!
🔗 RSVP link in BIO
#openboat #SailingAdventure #OffshoreSailing #SailingTrip #AdventureTravel
You don’t need sailing experience to cross oceans with us.
On every Panexplore expedition, guests become crew — learning how to trim sails, manage lines, navigate changing conditions, and work together as a team offshore.
Whether it’s your first time stepping on a sailboat or you’ve been dreaming about bluewater sailing for years, we believe the best way to learn is by doing.
Our crew will teach you everything you need to know — and before long you’ll be raising sails, standing watch, and discovering what life at sea is really like.
This is real offshore sailing.
Hands-on. Wild. Unforgettable.
⚓ No experience required
⚓ All backgrounds welcome
⚓ Just bring curiosity and a sense of adventure
Book today www.panexplore.com
#Panexplore #OceanAdventure #LearnToSail #BluewaterSailing #AdventureTravel
🚨 NEW DATES AND PRICE ON THIS BLUEWATER PASSAGE! 🚨
Cross the Gulf Stream on the Legendary Landfall at Lady Liberty Expedition 🌊
Join us May 8–16, 2026 for a rare offshore sailing adventure from Bermuda to New York City aboard SV Sea Dragon.
Sail roughly 680 nautical miles across the open Atlantic and cross the mighty Gulf Stream—one of the world’s most powerful ocean currents and a true offshore navigator’s challenge.
This is hands-on exploration and real seamanship. Stand watch beneath star-filled skies, trim sails with a crew of adventurous travelers, and experience the unforgettable moment when the New York skyline appears and the Statue of Liberty rises on the horizon. 🌅🗽
For sailors and explorers alike, this passage is about earning real ocean miles, pushing beyond comfort zones, and collecting stories that last a lifetime.
📍 Bermuda → New York City
📅 May 8–16, 2026
💥 NOW ONLY $5,990
🔗 Book your bunk: www.panexplore.com
#Panexplore #BluewaterSailing #SailingExpedition #AdventureTravel #TravelDeeper
On International Women’s Day, we’re proud to recognize the women helping build the future of offshore sailing at @panexplore
Our approach is simple: we hire the best people. That includes talented women across our crew and shore teams and strong male allies who help create a professional, supportive culture onboard.
We’re committed to making offshore sailing a safe and welcoming environment for women. That means clear expectations, a respectful onboard culture, and a team that looks out for each other.
We’re also building a pipeline of female talent. Women join Panexplore as Deckhands and grow into Mates and Skippers. We support that progression with real job opportunities, financing options for professional certifications, and full benefit packages.
We’re proud to support and partner with @themagentaproj helping bring more talented women into professional sailing by hiring from their network.
In 2026, we’re also finalizing safeguarding policies, a company-wide code of conduct, and stronger protections against harassment—because a great crew culture doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built intentionally.
We’re proud of the women already sailing with us—and excited for many more miles together.
#InternationalWomensDay #WomenWhoSail #OffshoreSailing #iwd #iwd2026
From historic harbors to the edge of the Arctic.
Raw coastlines. Remote passages. True blue-water sailing.
This is summer sailing at the edge of the map.
#icebergs #fjords #oceancrossing
⛵️ Arctic Circle | Greenland Adventure
Set sail with us aboard SV Sea Dragon from Nuuk → Ilulissat for 7 days of raw Arctic exploration.
• Cross the legendary Arctic Circle under sail
• Navigate glacial fjords, towering icebergs & iceberg-dotted seas
• Learn real seamanship & icy-water navigation
• 24-hour Arctic light + unforgettable wilderness vibes
This isn’t a cruise — it’s a full-on hands-on sailing expedition into one of the planet’s wildest frontiers.
🌊 Space is limited — book your berth now | Link in Bio
#Panexplore #AdventureSailing #ArcticCircle #arcticsummer
Set sail on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition from St Pierre & Miquelon to Nuuk, Greenland aboard SV Sea Dragon — a hands-on adventure sailing trip into true Arctic wilderness.
This 17-day, 1,200-nautical-mile high-latitude passage traces ancient iceberg trails, endless daylight under the midnight sun, and windswept seas where icebergs, whales, seabirds, and raw northern beauty rule the horizon. ⛵️✨
From cold-clear air and remote ocean miles to real seamanship, advanced navigation, and expedition living, you’ll be part of a capable crew — standing watch, trimming sails, and learning offshore skills few travelers ever experience. Landfall in Nuuk, Greenland’s vibrant capital caps this epic journey across the North Atlantic. 🌊🧭
📅 Dates: June 10–26, 2026
💰 Trip Price: $9,190
📍 Start: St Pierre & Miquelon → End: Nuuk, Greenland
✨ This is not a cruise — it’s expedition sailing.
👉 Dream big. Sail far. Explore beyond.
🔗 Book your berth & claim your Arctic adventure: link in bio.
#ArcticExpedition #AdventureSailing #Greenland #onceinalifetime
Day 4 sailing from Antigua to the Bahamas! 🇧🇸
Sometimes on long passages it takes a few days to get used to life at sea, hand steering, and waking up for watches. But today the whole crew is awake at the same time, we had a beautiful sunrise, REAL coffee, and PANCAKES!
#sailinglife #boatlife #lifeatsea #sailboat #oceanadventure
⚠️This isn’t a cruise. It’s an expedition.
Panexplore runs hands-on adventure sailing voyages to some of the world’s most remote waters — from open-ocean crossings to wild, rarely visited islands — aboard SV Sea Dragon.
On every expedition, everyone is crew. Whether it’s your first time at sea or you’re an experienced sailor, you’ll be actively involved: standing watch, learning to sail offshore, navigating, and exploring places few people ever reach.
With a large and diverse professional team - more than 50% of our pro crew are women: a Yachtmaster Ocean Skipper, a Yachtmaster Offshore 1st mate and up to 2 experienced deckhands - Panexplore offers a safe, supportive environment to build real skills, push your comfort zone, and experience the ocean properly — from spotting rare wildlife to navigating by the stars.
Our 2026 expeditions are now open.
Places are limited, and each voyage is intentionally small.
⛵ Join an expedition. Be part of the crew.
👉 View the itinerary & book your place: https://lnkd.in/eA4cjjU4
#AdventureSailing #SailingExpeditions #ExploreBeyond #HandsOnAdventure #sailing
