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Welcome to Morse Alpha Expeditions!

We’re excited to have you join us for an expedition.
This page contains important information, so please bookmark it for easy reference.

Here are a few steps to help you get started:
  1. Review the Packing List
    Begin gathering any items you might need. Most of the gear is likely already in your possession. However, there may be a few pieces of sailing gear to purchase before your trip.
  2. Consider Purchasing Gear Via our Store
    If you need to purchase foul weather gear, PFDs, extra layers, or other equipment, you can take advantage of the discounts we offer through our store. We are able to offer these items at a discount from the manufacturer. All purchases will be shipped to the boat for your course. Click here to shop our store.
  3. Check Out Travel Instructions and Other Considerations Below
    You’ll find travel instructions and answers to common questions below. We’ll also cover all this information during the Pre-Course Virtual Briefing, but it’s here for your convenience in the meantime.
  4. Please add Teresa Carey’s phone number and email to your contacts.
    Reach out to let us know if you have any delays or troubles with your travel. For emergencies or urgent communication, please provide your friends with Teresa Carey’s contact information:
    Email: teresacarey003@gmail.com
    Phone: 734-945-8441

If you have additional questions, please email us. Your inquiries might help us improve this page for everyone.

We can’t wait to see you on the water!

Packing List

Follow this packing list closely, but avoid overpacking—you’ll need no more than what’s listed and probably less. If you’re missing an item or unsure about bringing something not on the list, feel free to ask us. Pack in a rollable duffle bag for easy storage in your bunk; avoid wheelie or hard luggage.

Clothing:

  • 1-2 pair of shorts, at least one pair is not cotton
  • 1-2 pair of pants – quick dry, nylon type recommended
  • 3-4 t-shirts
  • 4-5 pair of underwear, at least one non-cotton pair for rainy, wet days
  • 3 comfortable bras, at least one non-cotton for rainy, wet days
  • One long sleeve lightweight shirt for sun protection
  • Lightweight fleece or wool top Click here to purchase via our store.
  • Swimsuit
  • Windbreaker jacket
  • Marine foul weather gear jacket and bibs – backpacking rain gear or gear that is more than five years old is not sufficient in the ocean environment. Click here to purchase via our store.
  • One set of clothing to keep clean for landfall.
  • Warm hat – wool or synthetic material
  • 2-3 pair of woolie socks
  • Wool or poly-pro long underwear, top and bottoms
  • Heavyweight fleece or wool jacket
  • Wool or fleece pants
  • Rain boots (short or tall)
  • Warm gloves (sailing gloves not required)

    Other Items:
  • A type V USCG coastal/offshore auto-inflatable with harness attachment D-Ring is required for all
    programs. Upon arrival, we will help you arm the PDF with a new CO2 cartridge. Please make sure you have the correct cartridge. With the PFD armed, you may be required to check your PFD. You can also send your CO2 cartridge to us ahead of time. Click here to purchase via our store.
  • Notebook and pencil
  • Water bottle
  • Sunglasses
  • Watch (waterproof)
  • Headlamp with separate button for red light (Petzl Tactikka Plus LED uses red filter, we prefer that)
  • Sun hat (with a visor such as a baseball cap)
  • Boat shoes (new or clean, non-marking sole, can be sandals or sneakers)
  • Shore shoes (comfortable for walking – can be the same as the boat shoes)
  • Spare glasses (if you require glasses or contacts, please bring a spare set)
  • Synthetic quick-dry pack towel (can be found at Target, REI, or most camping stores)
  • Swim goggles (optional)
  • Camera (optional but highly recommended)
  • $50-100 cash – for opportunities to buy merchandise, souvenirs, ice cream, incidentals, etc
  • Passport (for international expeditions only)

Toiletries:

All your toiletries should fit into a one gallon zip-lock size baggie, and an additional bag for feminine products.

  • Toothbrush
  • Floss
  • Mouthwash
  • Comb or brush
  • Sunscreen (please do not bring spray-on sunscreen)
  • Lip balm – it must contain SPF 15+
  • Razor (optional)
  • Facewash or soap, travel-sized shampoo (optional, showers are minimal)
  • Tampons and pads (Even if you are not expecting your period, please bring a small supply. A change in environment can change your cycle)
  • Prescription meds (please bring a spare supply in a separate container, which we will store in our abandoned ship bag)
  • Seasick meds (optional)
  • Earplugs (optional)
  • Bug lotion (optional, lotion only, please do not bring spray)
  • We have a first aid kit with basic over-the-counter medications. Please note that sometimes we are 12+ hours away from medical attention.

Please Do Not Pack:

  • Weapons
  • Illegal drugs
  • Cigarettes
  • Alcohol
  • Wheelie or hard luggage

Considerations:

  • According to the TSA Rules for carrying CO2 cartridges, you are permitted to bring a CO2 cartridge in your carry-on bag. Many of our students have done this. There was only one instance where it was a problem. Thankfully you have options:
    • If you purchase a PFD through us, it will be waiting for you on the boat.
    • You can opt to mail your CO2 to Rocinante in advance. Send it to Teresa Carey, 37 Lake View Terrace, Rockland, ME 04841.
    • Order the cartridge from Hamilton Marine in Rockland and let Teresa know. She will pick up the cartridge and make sure it is on the boat for you.
  • Please pack in a duffle bag that you can roll up and store easily. You will be provided with a small storage compartment, which is sufficient for the required items. However, additional or bulky items will be stowed in your bunk. Suitcases and wheelie luggage are not allowed on the boat.
  • If there is something on the list you are unsure of or you want to bring additional items that are not on the list, please don’t hesitate to ask!
  • You are welcome to bring a cell phone, however there will be limited times when you can use it and charge it. Please let your friends and family know so they don’t worry if they can’t reach you!
  • Smoking, drinking, and illegal drugs are not allowed during the expedition.
  • Please be cautious when packing an iPad, camera, or other sensitive electronic items. Pack them in a ziplock or other waterproof container.

Travel

We recommend that you travel to your starting location at least one day prior to your course and stay in a
hotel to ensure that you are on time. We also recommend that you stay one night after your course in a local hotel. This relieves stress on your travel plans and often shipmates will want to go out to eat as a celebration on the final night.

We will discuss more travel details during the Pre-Course Briefing.

Expeditions Starting in Rockland, ME:

Expeditions starting in Rockland start at 3:30 pm.

Fly into Boston Logan Airport or Portland International Jetport, Portland Maine (PWM). Take the Concord
Coach Lines bus from Boston or Portland to Rockland. If you’re driving to Rockland and you plan to park your car at our house, please let us know at least a few days before the expedition. Arrive at our house at 3:20. The address is 37 Lake View Terrace, Rockland, ME.

Please arrive at 3:30pm. If you arriving by bus, we will pick you up at the bust station. The bus is scheduled to arrive around 3:30. Expect to depart around 1-2pm on the final day. While we do anticipate the last day ending midafternoon, some courses may not end until late afternoon, so please keep your travel plans somewhat flexible on the last day. Often, the students who are staying in Rockland that night, will get together for dinner.

The boat will arrive at the public dock at the scheduled time. If the dock is full and we need to change plans, we will call you on the cell number you provided on your application. Please ensure that it is correct. The public dock is located at Harbor Park at 271 S. Main St, Rockland, ME. This is a shared/public dock. We do not have an office there and there are no restrooms. You can use the restroom (head) aboard Rocinante. The boat will on time, but not early. At 3:30pm look for Rocinante’s white hull and thick black stripe and come on down!

Expeditions Starting in Rhode Island:

Expeditions starting in Rhode Island begin at 2:00 pm.

Use Boston Logan (BOS) or Providence (PVD). Uber or Lyft are your best bets in the Providence/Newport area. There is also a ferry to Newport. We will let you know exactly what marina the boat will be at, but possibly as far north as Safe Harbor Cowesett, Apponaug, or as far south as Newport, RI.

Expeditions Starting in Halifax, Nova Scotia:

Expeditions starting in Halifax begin at 2:00 pm.

Halifax airpot is YHZ. The Regional Express 320 bus service is $4.25 (exact change required) one way. The bus will pick visitors up at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport and has 3 drop off and pick up locations: Fall River, Downtown Dartmouth and Downtown Halifax. You can also opt to take a taxi from the Ground Transportation booth in arrivals. Rates will depend on the drop-off location starting at approximately $64 for downtown Halifax. The exact boat location will be determined as we get closer to the expedition, and we will keep you up to date on specifics.

Additional Information for Passage Expeditions:

We have created the schedule to allow for weather delays and plan to make landfall at least one day before the end of the program. However, as prudent sailors, we will make passages when reasonable weather is predicted. Extreme weather could delay our landfall. Therefore, we recommend that you purchase an open-ended return flight, or trip insurance for your return flight. When scheduling your return flight, we recommend at least a day at our destination before your flight home.

Communication Details:

For emergencies or urgent communication, please provide your friends with Teresa Carey’s contact information:

If they can’t reach you on your personal cell, Teresa will attempt to contact you via the ship’s phone.

  • Coastal Passages: Use your personal cell phone when in range. You’ll have reception in many areas, though not everywhere. Check your phone once daily; text messages work better than voicemails in low reception.
  • Offshore: The crew will check the ship’s phone for messages once daily. These messages are shared with the group and not private. Your friend/family can send a message to the ship’s phone by contacting Teresa (see above).

Note: Regular contact should not be expected. For urgent messages requiring immediate attention, the Coast Guard or other support may need to get involved, and Teresa will discuss this with your friend prior to taking any action.

Friends and family can track the boat during coastal expeditions via Marine Traffic or any AIS website/app. For offshore expeditions, there may be times when the position does not update. Please let your friends and family know this is normal, and they do not need to worry.

Things to do in Midcoast Maine:

If you’re looking for something to do before or after your expedition, we’ve made a list of our favorite things to do in and around Rockland. Check it out here: Things to do in Midcoast Maine