Mystic Whaler, the educational schooner of Central Coast Ocean Adventures Foundation (CCOAF), will be returning to Santa Barbara Harbor Oct. 3 for a month of experiential educational programming.

Local students will be participating in Sailing Through Time, a new educational program developed by CCOAF for the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum.

The five-hour program will take students from the present into the past. Using skills like math, science and technology, as well as teamwork, determination, and problem-solving, students will be presented with a series of challenges from raising sail to navigation.

The program is designed to instill a connection of empathy and understanding with the past; to encourage pride in hard work well done; and inspire ambitions in personal education and growth.

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and CCOAF estimate some 600 local students will have a chance to participate.

“Outdoor experiential education programs have been shown to improve a student’s academic progress, invigorate civic engagement, elevate environmental awareness, and promote healthier lifestyles,” said Christine Healy, CCOAF executive director and Mystic Whaler captain.

“Mystic Whaler offers a unique and inspirational platform that can truly provide our young people with long-lasting personal and academic benefits,” she said.

Mystic Whaler will be in Santa Barbara Harbor, Oct. 3-26.

Founded in 2021, the mission of CCOAF is to use adventure through sailing and the sea to promote STEM comprehension, environmental stewardship, teamwork, self-confidence, and nautical skills for Santa Barbara and Ventura counties with focus on youth.

SBMM’s mission is to interpret the maritime history of the Santa Barbara Channel by providing hands-on learning opportunities for all ages to delve into that history.