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 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:
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.
PE: 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?
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.
Sea Dragon’s getting a makeover! 🎨⚓️
We’re giving our beloved boat a fresh new look, but we need YOUR help deciding the perfect color! What shade should we paint the Sea Dragon to make her even more legendary? Drop your suggestions below! 👇🏼 🌊
#sailingadventure #SeaDragon #BoatMakeover #sailingcommunity #sailinglife #sailinginstagram #sailingyacht
Join us for a trip through the Irish Sea, from one Celtic nation to another! 🇮🇪 🏴
This two week voyage begins on the rugged southern coastline of Ireland in colorful Kinsale, from where we’ll embark on a series of day sails and overnight passages through to Oban in the Scottish highlands.
From the dramatic scenery of Ireland to the enchanting shores of Scotland, every wave brings us closer to breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, rich history, and unforgettable moments. Perhaps we’ll stop by for a Guinness from the source in Dublin, visit the Isle of Man and hike up it’s peak Snaefell, or anchor off Rathlin Island (Northern Ireland’s northern most point) to photograph the puffin colonies. 📸
Ready to explore the Celtic seas like never before? Book your spot today for $500 and let the adventure begin! ⛵️🍻
Full details and sign up link can be found on our website www.panexplore.com 🔗
#sail #irelandtravel #adventureholiday #sailing #adventuretravel #dublin #scotlandhighlands #puffins
Rainbow chasers on the open sea — nothing beats the magic of a morning sail when the skies gift us a colorful surprise. 🌈⛵️
We hope your weekend brings you simple joys and big smiles! 😌
#MorningMagic #SailingAdventures #throwback #sailing #sailinglife #sailinglovers
Sail into savings on your next adventure!⛵️ 📣
In the spirit of the holiday season, we’re thrilled to announce our first Black Friday / Cyber Monday deal – don’t miss out on this limited-time offer!
✨WHAT:
SAVE $500 when you reserve your spot on ANY of our 2025 trips now through Cyber Monday (Dec. 2nd). Act fast to lock in your discount.
Plus, all bookings during this period are automatically entered to WIN AN ADDITIONAL $500 OFF your trip!
✨WHEN:
This offer is only valid for reservations made from today through Cyber Monday, December 2nd (midnight EST). With some trips already down to limited spots, secure yours now before they’re gone!
✨DRAWING:
The lucky winner of the additional $500 discount will be announced on our Instagram page Tuesday, Dec. 3rd, and contacted directly via email.
10 trips to choose from, reserve your bunk today online to secure your entry! www.panexplore.com 🔗
We can’t wait to meet you, good luck! 🎉
#giveawayalert #giveaway #adventuresailing #adventureholiday #sailing #sailinstagram #blackfriday #cybermonday
To the Emerald Isle: Sailing from the Solent to Ireland 🇮🇪✨
Get ready to embark on a magical journey, the first trip of our new 2025 itinerary. We’re setting sail from the Solent, crossing the channel, and making our way to the stunning shores of Ireland on a week-long sailing adventure that’s perfect for all experience levels!
This trip is a series of day sails, visiting various ports along the English coastline before putting your newfound knowledge of Sea Dragon to the test with an overnight passage to Kinsale, Ireland!
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a complete beginner, this trip is your chance to push your boundaries, discover new horizons, and connect with a like-minded crew of adventurers.
💫 **What to Expect:**
- Breathtaking Scenery:** From the rolling English coastline to Ireland’s rugged beauty, every mile offers awe-inspiring views.
- Hands-On Sailing:** You’ll be actively involved in every aspect of the journey—learning new skills, honing your navigation, and gaining confidence on the water.
- Community & Camaraderie:** Join a crew of friendly travelers, make lasting friendships, and share unforgettable memories under the wide open sky.
- Relaxation & Adventure:** From thrilling sailing experiences to downtime at cozy ports, there’s the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. A vacation/holiday unlike any other!
Whether you’re crossing the channel for the first time or you’ve sailed the seas before, this trip promises something for everyone. Spots are limited, and adventure is calling - don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime journey!
📅 **Dates**: March 29 - April 6, 2025
🌙 **Duration**: 9 days, 8 nights
Ready to set sail? DM me for more details or to book your spot today!
#sailingadventure #sailingtrip #SailingLife #sailingholiday #WorldwideAdventure #SailingExperience #uk
As the sun rises on a new week, we sail forward with hope as our wind and determination as our course. ☀️ 🗺️
We’re so excited about our current projects this week during the refit, paving the way for an epic 2025 adventure sailing lineup.
#sailing #sailinglife #sailinstagram #sunriseoftheday #topside #sailors #adventureholiday
@barclaysuk we’ve got your boat!
Live from the refit here in the UK 🇬🇧🎤
We’ve got all the grey anti slip pads off the boat, which is a monumental achievement! While doing so, we uncovered that this used to be a Barclays sponsored boat, how neat. ⛵️
#sailing #sailinglife #sailinstagram #yachtrefit #sail #adventurevessel
Guest Testimonial 📝
Peter has SIX sailing trips with us under his belt!
- Ketchikan, AK to Vancouver, BC
- Ensenada, Mexico to Honolulu, HI
- Tahiti - Kiritimati
- Kiritimati - Honolulu, HI
- Puerto Los Cabos, Mexico to San Cristobal, Galapagos, Ecuador
- Key West, FL to St. Georges, Bermuda
“I have had the real pleasure of sailing on the Sea Dragon on six separate voyages. They have been without a doubt some of the most exciting and memorable vacations of my life. The professional crews that you provided were outstanding in their sailing experience, their individual skills, and the openness when sharing lessons that helped improve my sailing abilities. One of the first mates coached me at the helm as we crossed from Ensenada to Oahu and I was able to make 8.5 knots to windward in only 15 knots of wind. Great fun. On that same voyage we saw a full 180 deg. “Moon Bow” as we were going off watch at 03:00 hrs. It was so surreal, it looked like an open portal to another dimension.
Sailing from Tahiti to Kiritimati to Oahu was dream sailing with the trade winds abeam for almost the entire 2,500 NM. We just cruised along enjoying the sun, sea birds, flying fish, and the disco jellyfish glowing at night. Sea Dragon was the third yacht to call at Kiritimati Island following the multi-year Covid lockdown which was another highlight. I chartered a local proa and the crew went diving on virgin reefs in the lagoon.
Up in the Pacific Northwest we saw untracked forests, whales, eagles, and lots of bears. Even saw one bear feeding on salmon swimming upstream. The natural hot spring was a nice treat.
Thank you for providing such a safe way for a retired engineer to enjoy seeing the world from the helm of a sailing vessel.
Sincerely,
Peter”
(A statement from our beloved crew member @phoebe.unfurled “In my opinion, one of the most earnest and lovable guests we’ve had during my entire stint on the boat. Such a thoughtful guy.”)
If you’re keen to learn more about sailing with us, comment 2025 Itinerary below ⬇️
#sailboat #sailingadventure #sailinglifestyle #travelinspiration #traveldeeper #customerfeedback #sailaroundtheworld
Flashback Friday 📍 Hawaii to Victoria, BC
Our North Atlantic crossing was complete with pelagic swims, moonbows, and mahi!🐟
Trip of a lifetime with guests never to be forgotten. 🫶🏼
Will you be joining us to make memories of your own in 2025? We sure hope so, our new itinerary is off the charts exciting!
#adventureholiday #adventuresailing #sailing #sail #bluewater #travelstoke
New sailing adventures are on the horizon! ✨
Dreaming of sailing the English Channel? Crossing the Arctic Circle? Taking a journey through the Irish Sea? Experiencing the midnight sun? Exploring the rugged islands of Norway? Racing across the Atlantic? If so, we’ve got you covered ☑️
Our team has curated an exciting itinerary, sure to dazzle any traveler.
Destinations include:
The UK
Ireland
Scotland
Iceland
Norway
The Canary Islands
Saint Lucia
Visit our website for full itinerary details and reserve your bunk on any trip for just $500 🔗
We can’t wait to explore with you!
#adventureholiday #sailingholiday #sailtheworld #sail #visitnorway #sailinglife #explorepage
Transforming our adventure vessel, one rust patch at a time! Excited to bring new life to the ship and set sail on open ocean adventures with our guests soon! ⛵️
#sailing #sailinglife #maintenance #adventuretravel #sailboat #sailinstagram
Flashback Friday - Cabo San Lucas to Galapagos 🐢
This was a trip for the books, an amazing journey. Adventure sailing looks different with every destination, each leg offering a wonderful opportunity to see the world through a new lens. We hope to have you onboard in 2025!
#tortoise #adventureholiday #adventuresailing #ahi #offshore #sailing #sailinglife #dolphin #ocean