We arrived on the docks in Boston, hoping to be hired aboard the Spirit of Dana Point. We were lucky for a group of greenhands–we all made the cut! We learned so much about sailing, the California hide trade, and hard work. Though we faced many dangers at sea, we made it back to Boston safely. We were ecstatic to see our families and put our feet on land again.

Mustering Sailors

Gathering Hides

Happy Harbor Seal 

We worked in crews. Some of us were riggers, hidegatherers, boatswains, and line handlers.