<p>My daughter has just completed a lengthy training process to become part of the volunteer crew on a tall sailing ship (the Elissa in Galveston). She'll continue this through her senior year (she's a junior now), and we're working on an opportunity for her to do some crewing on a tall ship in Maine this summer. </p>
<p>Would this appear unique or interesting on her applicaiton?</p>
<p>I think so, if it ties in with other things. As an Ivy interviewer, I was most impressed with a kid who found a free way to learn sailing, learned to navigate and co-captain, sailed all over the place on various ships including tallships, and tied it all in with his environmental and marine biological interests - not to mention volunteering to teach sailing to inner-city kids! We were super impressed with his passion, commitment, and the way sailing was integrated into his whole life. Very, very few high schools students become expert sailors (and I should note that he was really an expert, not just a crew member - certified up to Bareboat Chartering and Coastal Navigation as well; could sail alone, acted as captain on many boats etc .)</p>
<p>Sounds like a great EC and a wonderful topic for an essay. Your D could use her experience to tie the whole application together in the way that Interesteddad's D did with hers.</p>
<p>While she is qualified to captain a sloop, she's no expert. But she does have a passion for history and sailing, so this is a great combination of interests. BTW, my local Girl Scout council has an excellent sailing camp and program which provides a very low cost way to learn sailing, from Sunfish to sloops to bigger boats. </p>
<p>Thank you for your input!</p>